The City of Yellowknife has issued a public statement acknowledging that homeless is occurring, but notes that public housing is not one of its core functions.

"Public housing (including emergency shelters and supportive transitional housing) is outside the citySA国际影视传媒檚 legislative mandate and core functions," according to the Aug. 20 news release.

On Aug. 16, Mayor Rebecca Alty met with Premier R.J. Simpson, Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana, Health Minister Lesa Semmler and Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Vince McKay to talk about the recent tent encampment established in downtown Yellowknife.

"Both governments recognize the temporary nature of the current encampment site, and steps are being taken to find another solution," the municipality stated.

The news release adds that city officials and the GNWT are meeting with several organizations, such as the , Salvation Army, Yellowknife WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Society, and Home Base, to share information and coordinate efforts on the latest encampment on 52 Street. However, there was no detail provided as to what those efforts entail.

"The city would like to assure residents that it is working within its authorities and resources to keep all residents safe," the news release reads.

In a separate email sent to Yellowknifer, Adetoyeke Adedipe, a communications officer for the GNWT, said the territorial government recognizes an increase in unsheltered homelessness in Yellowknife. 

"We are working across departments, with the City of Yellowknife and community partners to reduce pressure on emergency shelters, create services that meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness, and address unsheltered homelessness before winter," she wrote.