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.
On August 1, 2019, we opened the new seniors nine-plex building in Fort McPherson. This building is one of five that were designed in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Services and with input from the community. These new independent living facilities will allow seniors to remain in their home community and be near their families – part of our commitment to helping elders age in place while enabling them to have access to important support services. The seniors nine-plex design includes modern features that will help residents in their day-to-day living and common areas to promote supportive programming and socializing.
Along with giving seniors the opportunity to age in place in their communities, these projects also play an integral part in alleviating strain on the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation’s public housing stock.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has a commitment to address the need for more units for single people. One key piece of feedback from our Housing Engagement Survey was that there is a need for singles housing in Inuvik. On August 2, we opened a 17-unit singles building in Inuvik to replace the old Sydney Apartment Building.
This investment is part of the Corporation’s ongoing work to meet the housing needs of Northwest Territories residents by increasing the availability of safe, affordable housing that reflects community values and priorities.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is working to help residents vulnerable to homelessness in the territory through the Northern Pathways to Housing Pilot Program. This initiative aims to address homelessness outside of Yellowknife by providing supportive housing programs for single adults who are experiencing housing instability. We now have three Northern Pathways programs up and running, that include multi-year contribution agreements with partners who will provide support programs for the residents.
Mr. Speaker, vulnerable people often face unstable housing conditions. Our government has focused its housing infrastructure investments to meet the needs of vulnerable residents and the priorities of communities. The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has worked to develop housing options for vulnerable people and to provide them with safe, secure, and stable housing for years to come. We are coming to the end of our term as a government and as an Assembly, but I have faith that this work will continue because it is the right thing to do.
Mahsi Cho, Mr. Speaker