N.W.T. homelessness minister seeks solutions for Yellowknife's downtown core

N.W.T.'sMinister for Addressing Homelessness says a roundtable meeting isplanned for later this month to discuss issues raised by businesses inYellowknife's downtown.

Last week, business owners raisedconcerns aboutpublic drunkenness and violence affecting their ability to attract customers.

"The businesses are right. There is a concern,"CarolineCochranesays.

Shesaidthe two-day discussion startingApril 26 will include territorial and municipal government officials, representatives fromNGOs, community shelters, and the chamber of commerce.

Cochrane said they will discuss what the issues are and how best to protect the community. Additionally, the minister said they hope to come up with ideas on how to help the people battling addictions and mental health issues.

"We're looking for an action plan," she said.

"We're looking for people that have things to put forward and say, 'this is what I can contribute towards alleviating the issue and supportingmarginalizedpopulations the best we can.'"

Cochranesaid theterritorial governmentdoes not have additional funding for new programs so theywill have to come up with creative solutions.

"We have supports in the community. So we're looking to utilize better the services and supports that we have presently and seeing if we can change the way we do programs so that they better meet the needs of people."

Cochranesaid the goal is to develop a comprehensiveplan that will address not only housing needs but more importantly offer mental health supports that will help them in the long term.

She said she hopes to see a difference within a year.

"We can't address all of the issues that are out there but hopefully we can address some of the bigger issues like the population that are in the downtown core."