Yellowknife — December 22, 2021
The Minister Responsible for Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC), Paulie Chinna, is announcing the opening of four three-bedroom housing units in Jean Marie River.
In spring 2021 the community of Jean Marie River suffered a devastating flood. The NWTHC and other GNWT departments quickly took action to assist the community in dealing with this disaster, but the damage to buildings in the community was significant. Among the buildings damaged beyond repair were several NWTHC-owned units.
These four units – three Public Housing and one market rental - are replacements for the units lost in the flood. These homes were designed and constructed in the north, for the northern climate, targeting a 20% increase in energy efficiency above code minimum. Interiors feature open-plan living areas with windows facing the community.
These new units will bring displaced tenants back into quality housing, while also supporting NWT manufacturing. ARCAN constructed the four units in a manufacturing facility in Hay River and delivered the units to Jean Marie River. Whenever possible, the company used local labour for demolition, site development, and other onsite work.
Quote(s)
“Natural disasters such as this flood are devastating, especially in small communities. I am proud of the resilience shown by the people of Jean Marie River and applaud the community members and NWTHC and ARCAN staff that have worked so hard to get these new homes into Jean Marie River.”
-Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation and Addressing Homelessness
Quick facts
- The spring 2021, flooding occurred along the Mackenzie River which damaged many buildings in Jean Marie River, including five NWTHC assets.
- The damaged units were beyond repair and demolished. One of these units was vacant at the time. The four occupied units have been replaced.
- The displaced residents will be housed in the new units built in Hay River by ARCAN.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Cara Bryant
Communications Advisor
Northwest Territories Housing Corp.
NWTHC_comms@gov.nt.ca