The Government of the Northwest Territories aims to construct 300 new housing units by the end of its current mandate. Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana expresses confidence in achieving this target but emphasizes that far more homes are required to address ongoing shortages.
Progress on New Housing Units
Minister Kuptana provided an update following the recent budget presentation. Premier R.J. Simpson announced that 81 units are complete, 155 are under construction, and 64 remain in planning stages. With the government halfway through its term, Kuptana states, “We’re all responsible for it and we have to be accountable.”
Currently, about 850 families await housing. New builds prioritize seniors and singles in communities vulnerable to insecurity, according to Kuptana’s address to the Legislative Assembly.
Major Repairs for Aging Public Housing
The department manages repairs on over 600 public housing units, many requiring major work. Around 1,100 units exceed 40 years old, facing issues like plumbing failures, foundation problems, electrical faults, leaky taps, outdated furnaces, and mold complaints. Kuptana observes, “I see old units, where people are trying to stay in the unit and live a good life, but sometimes it could be a leaky tap, an old furnace. Some people do complain of mold.”
The territory maintains more than 2,400 public housing units overall. Officials allocate over $30 million for repairs across the next three years, creating local jobs and trades training opportunities.
Homeownership Program Review
Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong questioned the homeownership fund’s eligibility criteria, noting constituents denied due to exceeding income thresholds despite no explicit policy reference. The program targets Housing N.W.T. clients in detached units who cover operating costs, have resided there for at least three years, and demonstrate steady income for shelter expenses. It excludes residents of Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Inuvik, and Yellowknife.
Kuptana confirms the initiative is under review. Regarding the 300-unit goal, she notes, “It’s never enough, we need so much more,” constrained by territorial finances. “Much of the repairs are major repairs,” she added.
