Permits and licensing · Northwest Territories
Renovation permits and contractor licences in Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, the territorial Department of Infrastructure issues electrical and gas permits, and gas fitters must be registered to get one. Building permits are issued locally; in Yellowknife, the City’s Planning and Development Department issues them.
Regulators and licensing bodies in Northwest Territories
These official bodies license contractors, oversee safety or issue permits in Northwest Territories.
Department of Infrastructure (GNWT) – Electrical and gas safety
Issues electrical and gas installation permits and registers gas fitters.
Education, Culture and Employment (GNWT) – Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification
Runs apprenticeship and certification for designated trades and occupations.
Trades that need a licence in Northwest Territories
Electrical work
Once registered, you need a valid permit before starting any type of electrical or electronic installation in the NWT.
Sources:GNWT Infrastructure – Electrical permits(opens in a new tab)
Gas and fuel-burning appliances
All gas fitters must be registered to be issued permits for gas work, and registration requires a certificate of qualification in gas fitting or an accepted equivalent.
Sources:GNWT Infrastructure – Gas fitter registration(opens in a new tab)GNWT Infrastructure – Gas permits(opens in a new tab)
Building and renovation permits in Northwest Territories
In Yellowknife, the City’s Planning and Development Department processes applications, issues building permits and carries out inspections. Electrical and gas permits come from the territorial Department of Infrastructure.
Sources:Yellowknife – Building permits(opens in a new tab)GNWT Infrastructure – Electrical permits(opens in a new tab)
Permit information from large municipalities
Before you hire a contractor in Northwest Territories
Practical checks you can do yourself, using official tools where they exist.
Make sure an electrical permit is in place before any electrical work starts.
For gas work, check that the gas fitter is registered with the territorial government.
Ask your community government whether your project needs a building permit.
Sources for renovation permits and licences in Northwest Territories
Every fact on this page comes from these official sources.
- GNWT Infrastructure – Electrical permits(opens in a new tab)
- GNWT Infrastructure – Gas fitter registration(opens in a new tab)
- GNWT – Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification(opens in a new tab)
- GNWT Infrastructure – Gas permits(opens in a new tab)
- Yellowknife – Building permits(opens in a new tab)
Find licensed pros
Compare local pros for the regulated trades in this guide, then confirm their licence with the regulator before you hire.
Renovation permits in other provinces and territories
Planning a renovation?
Describe your project once and hear from local pros. Ask each one for their licence and permit details before you hire.