Aspen centre, temporary isolation hub in Yellowknife, set to close

The Aspen Apartmentsin Yellowknife is set toclose.

The centre is aresidentialapartmentcomplex just outside ofYellowknife'sdowntown core. It opened in March 2020 for use as a temporaryisolation hub for those experiencing homelessness.

The centre includes 36 units and was meant for people without housing security to self-isolate while awaiting a COVID-19 test or after receivinga positive tests. The building is on a temporary lease from the federal government and was acquired specifically to help address the pandemic.

But according to a release issued by theNorthwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority on Thursday, no one is currently living at the residence. Usage overall has been intermittent, with three clients staying there in March, nine in February andthree in January .

The social services authority says it will now use isolation hotels for the same purpose.

"Continued supports for homeless individuals are important and we will continue to support these individuals in their isolation needs," said Sue Cullen, chief executive office of the authority, in a statement.

"Aspen served its purpose well; however transitioning to support through the isolation centres will allow for the best use of health and social services system resources and reduce duplication of services and effort."

The release says in nearly all cases, those who are referred to medically-advised isolation and who would have accessed Aspen are given a rapid test, meaning they'd often only spend one night or would be able to leave the same day with a negative result.

Aspen staff will help with transitioning clients. The referral process for accessing Aspen for providers and clients will not change immediately.