Twenty-six people supported by the Yellowknife Women’s Society’s Housing First program are at risk of losing their homes after the property owner informed the non-profit its leases are being terminated, city and territorial officials confirmed.
Sale of buildings leads to eviction notices
The housing uncertainty stems from a sale of rental properties. Publicly traded real-estate company Northview sold six Yellowknife buildings to a company called Balto. Balto then advised it would terminate leases for three of those buildings that include units rented by the Yellowknife Women’s Society under the Housing First program.
The women's society also rents units in a separate building owned by Northview. That organisation has been told it will be evicted from that building as well, although, as of last reporting, it had not yet received a formal eviction letter from the owner.
Immediate local response
The City of Yellowknife and the territorial government have both expressed alarm at the development and say they are working with the Yellowknife Women’s Society to seek alternatives for the affected tenants.
“It's quite distressing and it came as a bit of a surprise,”
The remark came from Stephen Van Dine, Yellowknife’s city manager, who highlighted the city’s already high rates of homelessness. The city manager cautioned that the loss of these homes will interrupt the tenants’ healing and supports provided through the program.
What the Housing First program provides
The Yellowknife Women’s Society operates the local Housing First program, which focuses on placing people into housing and providing support services once they are housed. Although the program is run by a non-profit, it relies on government funding to operate, meaning any disruptions to housing units could have cascading effects on service delivery.
- Number of affected tenants: 26
- Buildings sold by Northview: 6
- Leases Balto sought to terminate: 3 buildings
- Additional eviction notice pending: 1 Northview-owned building
Consequences for tenants and services
Officials warned that losing these units would interrupt ongoing supports for residents. The Housing First model emphasises continuity of housing as a foundation for improved health and stability; displacing people undermines that approach and increases the likelihood they will return to homelessness.
City and territorial representatives said they are collaborating with the Yellowknife Women’s Society to identify emergency options and mitigate immediate harm. The details of those efforts, including whether short-term leasing alternatives or additional funding will be provided, were not disclosed in the initial reporting.
| Item | Count |
|---|---|
| Tenants at risk | 26 |
| Buildings sold by Northview | 6 |
| Leases Balto moved to terminate | 3 |
| Additional Northview building with eviction warning | 1 |
Local housing advocates have for years warned of limited rental supply and rising pressures on affordable housing in Yellowknife. The city manager noted the municipality has “one of the highest rates of homelessness per capita compared to other jurisdictions in Canada,” underscoring the vulnerability of the housing system to ownership changes and policy shifts.
As municipal and territorial staff engage with the Yellowknife Women’s Society and the private owners, the immediate concern remains the welfare of the 26 people who could be displaced. Further updates are expected as officials explore options to preserve tenancies or arrange emergency housing.
WE NEWS will continue to follow developments and report on any new arrangements or assistance measures announced by the city, territorial government or the Yellowknife Women’s Society.
