Media Releases

City to Resume Services and Programs in Phases

City staff returned to work on March 20, 2023, and started preparing for the opening of facilities and resumption of programs. The City of Yellowknife (the City) would like to update residents on the phased resumption of City services and programs.

Please note: Not all City facilities will open at the same time and programs may not resume at the same time, as these all depend on factors like scheduling, staff training, and ensuring facilities are prepared for public use. The City will send out...

Update on Current Services

The City of Yellowknife (the City) would like to provide an update and some clarification to residents regarding the status of City services and facilities, and what is happening with the labour dispute. We thank residents for their patience as we navigate this situation.

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, the negotiations teams representing the City and the Union reached a tentative agreement at the bargaining table. The terms of this agreement cannot yet be disclosed. The City is now awaiting the...

Vehicle Fire - Centre Square Mall Parkade

At approximately 7:35 p.m. on March 14, 2023, the City of Yellowknife Fire Division (YKFD) responded to a service call regarding a vehicle fire on the second floor of the Centre Square Mall parkade. YKFD was able to completely extinguish the vehicle fire. RCMP and the Municipal Enforcement Division were on scene to help with traffic control.

No injuries or other property damage have been reported. This incident is being investigated by the RCMP and Office of the Fire Marshal. 

City and Union Reach Tentative Agreement

After six days of negotiations within the last week, the City of Yellowknife (the City) and PSAC Local X0345, represented by the Union of Northern Workers (the Union) have reached a tentative agreement to end the current strike/lockout.

The terms of the agreement cannot yet be shared, and a media blackout will continue, until Union members ratify the agreement.

The City will provide further information as soon as possible.

City Proposes Resolution to Labour Impasse Through Binding Arbitration

On February 22, 2023, the City of Yellowknife (the City) extended an offer to PSAC Local X0345, as represented by the UNW (the Union), to enter binding arbitration in an effort to end the current strike.

The Canada Labour Code permits an employer and union to refer renewal of a collective agreement to binding arbitration. Binding arbitration consists of both parties having equal opportunity to share information and their position with a third-party arbitrator, who ultimately makes a decision. An...