Northwest Territories Housing Corporation announces units previously reserved for self-isolation purposes to be allocated

News Releases

Yellowknife — May 25, 2020

Today Paulie Chinna, Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) announced that units previously identified for self-isolation purposes will be allocated to clients of NWTHC programs.

 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and on the guidance of the Emergency Management Organization (EMO), the NWTHC reserved approximately 130 units in 27 communities to ensure that individuals needing to self-isolate had options to do so safely while being supported through this difficult and challenging time.

 

In consultation with the EMO and the department of Health and Social Services, and through a collaborative approach with 3rd parties across the Northwest Territories, it has now been determined that these units will no longer be required for self-isolation purposes as other options to support self-isolation purposes have been identified.

 

Over the coming months, NWTHC will be allocating these units through their regular program allocation process within rental and homeownership programs. The reintroduction of approximately 130 units will help to reduce overcrowding and assist smaller communities to address homelessness by lowering public housing wait lists. Easing overcrowding will also help us as a territory for any potential second wave of COVID-19.

 

In terms of sales of NWTHC units for homeownership, priority will be given to applicants who are currently public housing tenants. Doing this will free up public housing units and reduce the number of clients currently sitting on wait lists. As in incentive to attract homeownership clients, a $20,000 improvement allowance will be included.

 

Quote:

“As we work to address housing demand in our small communities, freeing up these approximately 130 units will be very beneficial to supporting residents who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The allocation of these units will allow us to transition our higher income earners currently in public housing to homeownership, reducing overcrowding, freeing up spaces on the public housing wait lists and providing stable housing for those residents who are at risk.”

-Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and Minister Responsible for Homelessness

 

 

Quick Facts:

 

  • Approximately 60 units are available for allocation in the short-term.  Many of the remaining units will require some minor or major repair
  • No new operations and maintenance expenditures will be required for these units.
  • The total number of Public Housing units after the additional units are introduced will still not exceed the budgeted allocation of 2,423 units.

 

Related links

 

For all COVID-19 Media Requests, Contact:

Cabinet Communications

Government of the Northwest Territories

presssecretary@gov.nt.ca