Providing supports for those experiencing homelessness and addiction has been a focus throughout the COVID-19 response in the Northwest Territories.

Today those support options have grown with the opening of the new Yellowknife Women’s Centre individual housing suites and the return of regular programming at the Yellowknife Day and Sobering Centre.

Yellowknife Women’s Centre Transitional Housing

Paulie Chinna, the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) is announcing that the Transitional Rent Supplement Program (TRSP) has undergone changes to make the program more responsive and accessible to NWT residents. These changes are especially important during these challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic where many residents are working reduced hours or have lost their jobs. 

Check Against Delivery

Mr. Speaker, supporting the housing needs of seniors is very important to our people, to our communities and to this government.  A key approach to supporting our Elders is to recognize their desire to have friends and family close by as they age, and to remain in familiar surroundings.

Mr. Speaker, partnerships between housing stakeholders and community partners is critical in supporting the housing needs of our residents. One such partnership has been between the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, the De Beers Group, and the Yellowknife Women’s Society. Over the last year, all three partners came together to provide 16 single-room semi-independent suites for homeless women. 

Alfred Moses, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) and for Addressing Homelessness, today announced the transfer of ownership of six houses to the Kátł’odeeche First Nation (KFN). These houses are newly renovated units that had been part of the NWTHC housing portfolio. The Kátł’odeeche First Nation expressed an interest in obtaining the units and using them for a housing program for First Nation members.

Mr. Speaker, addressing the housing needs of vulnerable people, including seniors, single people and homeless individuals, has been a key priority of this government and all Members of this legislature.  The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is addressing the housing challenges faced by vulnerable groups through its investments and infrastructure projects.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring that housing programs and services reflect community values and priorities has been a key commitment of this government. Implementing Northern Solutions for Northern Housing also means working in partnership with other orders of government to develop more affordable housing.

To meet these commitments, we have been working hand-in-hand with local governments to develop Community Housing Plans that will guide and support their housing aspirations.

Alfred Moses, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) and for Addressing Homelessness, announced today the opening of a new 17 unit public housing building that will meet the need of residents looking for single occupancy rooms in Inuvik.

This new building was designed to replace the venerable Sydney Apartments. During the Housing Engagement Survey, the message was loud and clear that there was a need for single room occupancy units. This project will make 17 new and modern units available to meet that demand.

Alfred Moses, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) and for Addressing Homelessness, announced today that Fort McPherson seniors have new supports for remaining in their community as they age, with the opening of a new seniors’ supported independent living nineplex in the community.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) has taken a proactive approach to addressing concerns related to bed bugs in public housing in Fort Simpson.  Maintenance staff from the Fort Simpson Housing Authority, the NWTHC’s contractual agent that delivers housing services in Fort Simpson, went door-to-door to conduct inspections and determined that at least six units are showing signs of bed bugs, of which the tenants were unaware.  The Authority is taking immediate action to treat these units as they have the equipment and training.  The treatment process takes four hours and th