The GNWT is kicking a homeless encampment off its parking lot because it says it needs to start renovating Aspen Apartments, but the territorial government doesn't yet have anyone to start renovating the building.

A request for tenders shows that the GNWT is looking for a company to refurbish Aspen Apartments, located at 5204 51 Street. The deadline to bid is Sept. 20.

The GNWT wanted the encampment, which comprised about a couple dozen tents at its maximum, removed from its parking lot by Sept. 12 so renovations could begin, according to a number of emails from a Department of Finance spokesperson.

The GNWT also helped move these homeless individuals to that parking near Aspen Apartments in mid-August. However, although some have departed, many from the encampment have chosen to stay despite the government's recent order to leave.

"The GNWT is also currently exploring legal options and processes as next steps in vacating the site," said Toyeke Adedipe, a senior communications officer with the Department of Finance, in an email to SA国际影视传媒. "Housing NWT wishes to ensure that its renovation to convert the apartments to public housing units can begin as scheduled."

In a separate email, Adedipe said the GNWT will keep working with the homeless people to secure "alternate shelter," until it's determined what a legal action the territorial government will take.

"The GNWT would prefer to seek a positive resolution than to rely upon other means such as enforcement," Adedipe added. 

The nights are getting colder in Yellowknife, with the temperature hovering around 10掳C overnight, and there's more rain forecast to come. Whether nature forces the encampment occupants to look elsewhere for shelter before the GNWT forces people to leave has yet to be seen.

NNSL Media contacted Housing NWT for comment, but there was no response prior to publication deadline.