History of Northwest Territories capital cities

This is a list of Capital cities for the Northwest Territories from 1870 - current. The Northwest Territories has changed the seat of government numerous times, as the territories have changed boundaries and development of infrastructure occured.

Fort Garry, Manitoba (1870 - 1876)

In 1869 under the Rupert's Land Act William McDougall went to Fort Garry to establish governance over the North-Western Territory. The take over of land was delayed until 1870 because of the Red River Rebellion. Louis Riel negotiated a small section of land in the new territory that would become Manitoba in 1870.

In 1870 Manitoba and Northwest Territories would enter confederation. Under the Temporary government act 1870 Northwest Territories council was appointed from members of the new Manitoba Legislative Assembly. The territory was also run under the Manitoba Act The Temporary government would be renewed each year until 1876, when the first capital inside the Northwest Territories was decided upon just outside the Manitoba border. Fort Garry would grow up to become modern day Winnipeg, Manitoba.

See also: Upper Fort Garry and Lower Fort Garry

Fort Livingstone, Northwest Territories (1876 - 1877)

In 1875 a new government for the council was appointed to take effect January 1, 1876. The temporary council was disolved and a new seat of government was chosen just outside of the Manitoba border. Fort Livingstone was more of a small frontier outpost then a capital city. The seat of government in Fort Livingstone was only temporary.

Fort Livingstone was also the headquaters for the newly formed North-West Mounted Police In 1877 Lieutenant Governor David Laird order the outpost to be packed up. The capital was moved out to Battleford a year later to meet up with the railway. Council sessions were held at Swan River North-West Mounted Police Barracks.

Fort Livingstone is now known as Fort Pelly, Saskatchewan and has been designated a historical site by the Saskatchewan provincial government. The nearest town is Pelly Saskatchewan a few kilometers away.

Battleford, Northwest Territories (1877 - 1883)

The Northwest Territories council moved to Battleford in 1877 on the order of David Laird to what was supposed to be the permant capital of the territories. It was thought at the time that the national railway was supposed to be there.

The first Northwest Territories legislature building named NWT Government House was built in Battleford, and used until 1883. The building stood until it was destroyed in a fire in 2003.

Regina, Northwest Territories (1883 - 1905)

Regina was confirmed as the new territorial capital on March 27, 1883.

After the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta were created from the Northwest Territories in 1905 the territory fell back to 1870's constitutional status and fell under control of the federal government. A new council was conviened in Ottawa, Ontario.

Ottawa, Ontario (1905 - 1951)

Seat of government was moved to the capital of Canada in 1905 when the Northwest Territories defaulted back to 1870 constitutional status after Alberta and Saskatchewan were carved from the territory.

The council during this period was primarily composed high level civil servents who lived in Ottawa. After the Sixth general election in 1951, the council began to alternate sittings in Ottawa, and communities in the Northwest Territories. The civil serviced that administered the Northwest Territories, was based in Fort Smith.

Fort Smith, Northwest Territories (1911 - 1967)

Fort Smith became the administration and transportation hub for the Northwest Territories. Fort Smith housed the civil service working in the territories during this period. During this period of time the territorial council, travelled around communities in the north to hold council meetings. Ottawa continued as the official seat of government for the territory until 1967.

Fort Smith was considered as a potential capital by the Carrouthers commission. The commission ultimatley decided upon Yellowknife as it was closer to the centre of the Northwest Territories.

Northwest Territories communities / Ottawa, Ontario (1951 - 1967)

During this period, the legislative council alternated sessions in Ottawa, Ontario and various communities within the Northwest Territories. The council held meetings in school gymnasiums, community halls and board rooms. The council brought the Speakers Chair with them.

Yellowknife (1967 - present)

Yellowknife became the capital in 1967, after the Carrouthers commission led by Dean Carrouthers, completed a three year study of the future of the north.

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