Yellowknife Evacuation Centre: Fort Providence and Whatì Evacuation Orders

The City of Yellowknife continues to work closely with the Government of Northwest Territories Emergency Management Office, Tłı̨chǫ Government, and communities to coordinate evacuee services.

Evacuees from Whatì and Fort Providence who find themselves stranded in Yellowknife are encouraged register at the evacuation centre located at the Yellowknife Fieldhouse. The City is collaborating with Tłı̨chǫ Government to deliver reception services at the Yellowknife Evacuation Centre, while the Salvation Army provides on-site reception support, food service, and hygiene kits.

Through generous community partnerships, evacuees have access to enhanced support services. Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mine has sponsored complimentary access to the Aquatic Centre for all evacuees from Whatì and Fort Providence, while the City is providing free YK Transit services. Additionally, YKDFN is keeping the Wıìlıìdeh Site near the Yellowknife River open for camping for anyone who attended the hand games and cannot return home due to evacuation orders and the Highway 3 closure.

For community members looking to support evacuees, the Salvation Army is coordinating all donation efforts and specifically requesting monetary donations, which can be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or in person at the Salvation Army NWT Resource Centre at 4925 45th Street in Yellowknife.  In addition, numerous Yellowknife organizations are mobilizing support for evacuees, their families, and pets, and residents are encouraged to connect directly with these organizations to learn about volunteer opportunities.

As the community temporarily hosts evacuees, residents may notice increased traffic and higher demand for local services. The City asks residents to extend patience and kindness to guests during this challenging time and to help maintain a respectful environment by giving evacuees privacy and space at the evacuation centre facilities.

Mayor Hendriksen shares that “Yellowknife is working to support our neighbours from Whatì and Fort Providence. We all know the challenges of being far from home in these difficult times. Our community’s compassion and resilience shine through in moments like these, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help. Whether it’s offering a warm meal, a safe place to stay, or simply a kind word—every gesture matters.”

With current smoky conditions affecting air quality, residents are encouraged to follow the City's Facebook page for important information on protecting themselves from smoke exposure.