The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) created the Community Housing Support program to support Indigenous and Community Governments to implement and innovative, community-driven housing projects. More affordable housing continues to be developed through the Community Housing Support program in partnership with communities.  Today, the Minister Responsible for NWTHC, Paulie Chinna, is pleased to announce two new agreements under this program with two more communities, Nahanni Butte and Colville Lake.

In Nahanni Butte, the NWTHC is partnering with the Nahanni Butte Dene Band to conduct emergency repairs to community houses that are the priority identified by the community.  The NWTHC is providing the band a contribution of $50,000 for these repairs, with the First Nation completing the work. 

In Colville Lake, the NWTHC is partnering with the Behdzi Ahda First Nation, where the First Nation is intending to construct 4 log homes.  The NWTHC will be providing funding of up to $264,000 for materials and the First Nation will provide labour for the construction.  The materials will be shipped on the winter road with delivery schedule for April 2021.  The First Nation will use the log homes for homeownership purposes.

These housing projects will provide community benefits such as affordable housing for families, seniors and single member households.

Quotes:

“Together, working in partnerships we are able to address housing needs for our residents. I am pleased to have worked with the communities of Nahanni Butte and Colville Lake to develop much needed affordable housing and look forward to further partnerships that address core housing needs throughout the NWT.”
-Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and Addressing Homelessness

“We identified what we needed, emergency repair work so our houses are safe. The housing Corporation was flexible in helping us to address this problem.”
- Chief Darrell Betsaka, Nahanni Butte Dene Band

“Log homes are an important part of Colville Lake’s history and the look and feel of our town. I appreciate that the government recognizes our housing priorities. This project will also provide the community much needed economic development, jobs and training.”
-Chief Wilbert Kochon, Behdzi Adha First Nation

Quick Facts:

Projects that the Community Housing Support Program has supported recently include:

·       6 homeownership units with the Salt River First Nation

·       2 rental units in Jean Marie River with the Jean Marie River First Nation

·       2 rental units in Whati with the Whatı̀ Community Government

·       Community housing planning in Dettah and N’Dilo with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation

·       Community housing planning in Fort Good Hope with the K’asho Got’ine Housing Society

·       Community repair program in Fort Good Hope with the K’asho Got’ine Housing Society

·       Transfer of wellness centre and housing in Délı̨nę to the Délı̨nę Got’ine Government

·       Construction of 24 semi-independent units in Yellowknife with the Yellowknife Women’s Society

·       Biomass hookup to Public Housing in Aklavik with the Hamlet of Aklavik

Media Requests, Contact:

Cara Bryant
Communications Assistant

Northwest Territories Housing Corporation

Government of the Northwest Territories

Cara_bryant@gov.nt.ca