The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce the release of the Territorial Housing Needs Assessment (THNA) report.

The THNA provides a comprehensive analysis of housing need across the Northwest Territories (NWT), now and into the future. This assessment will guide evidence-based housing investments and serve as a key advocacy tool to secure federal funding. A comprehensive housing needs study like this has not been completed since 2000. Developing a housing needs assessment supports the GNWT’s mandate commitment to improving the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing options across the territory.

Recognizing that solving the housing crisis cannot be achieved in isolation, Housing Northwest Territories (Housing NWT) continues to work in partnership with Indigenous governments to ensure housing solutions reflect regional priorities and community needs.

The assessment was informed by targeted engagement sessions with community and Indigenous government partners, as well as input from residents through an online survey. This collaborative approach ensures that the unique needs and perspectives of NWT communities are represented.

The THNA provides site-specific data about each community’s current and future housing needs.It  and allows policy makers, Indigenous Governments, and other housing partners to make informed decisions about housing investments and how to best address housing gaps and affordability issues. While the THNA will not solve the NWT’s housing crisis on its own, it provides important housing data to support decision-making, and is expected to support negotiations for federal investments in housing for the NWT.

Based on modelling in the THNA, it is estimated that the NWT has a current housing deficit of between 1,700 and 2,700 homes and will need an additional 750 to 1,000 homes by 2044. These figures do not include approximately 500 social housing units at the end of their serviceable life, and 1,000 Housing NWT units that will reach the end of their serviceable lives by 2044.

The THNA marks an important step toward addressing housing challenges in the NWT and is the starting point for building stronger communities and better housing for everyone in the territory. By providing reliable, community-specific data, the report equips all levels of government with the information needed to make informed, evidence-based decisions about their infrastructure and housing investments. Housing NWT remains committed to working in partnership to ensure that housing solutions meet the diverse needs of residents across the territory.

Quote

“This government has made a major investment in building more homes for Northerners. We must ensure that our investments are informed with data that captures a clear picture of what is needed in each region. The Territorial Housing Needs Assessment is a critical step toward improving housing across the NWT and addressing the housing crisis in a strategic, efficient way. By working together with residents, Indigenous, and community governments in a meaningful, collaborative way, we are ensuring that housing solutions reflect local needs and support long-term sustainability.”

- The Honourable Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories

Quick facts

• The Territorial Housing Needs Assessment is a report that describes the current and future housing needs of the NWT, using statistical data and community insights.
• The THNA provides important housing data to support decision-making and is expected to support negotiations for federal investments in housing in the NWT.
• Based on modelling in the THNA, we estimate that the NWT has a current housing deficit of between 1,700 and 2,700 homes and will need an additional 750 to 1,000 homes by 2044.

For media requests, please contact:
Housing NWT Communications
NWTHC_Comms@gov.nt.ca