Housing NWT collaborates with residents on design of new seniors’ duplexes

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by ahnationtalk on December 21, 2022112 Views


December 21, 2022

Guided by Housing Northwest Territories’ (NWT) renewal strategy, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is developing seniors’ duplexes using an enhanced approach that involves increased collaboration with community members.

The GNWT has been involved in a collaborative process with members of Fort McPherson, Fort Simpson, Fort Resolution, Tulita and Behchokǫ̀ on the design and development of five new seniors’ public housing duplexes.

In November 2022, Housing NWT staff consulted with the communities for preliminary discussions on the design of the duplexes, considering the unique housing needs of seniors in each community. Community members then travelled to Yellowknife for a full day of discussion with Housing NWT staff and contractors, brainstorming design development and refinement.

Supporting the GNWT’s commitment to enable seniors to age in place with dignity, the goal of this collaborative process is to produce good quality, sustainable housing for seniors that is suitable for their lifestyle. The duplexes are planned to be completed by March 31, 2024.

Moving forward, the GNWT will use collaborative processes in the design and development of future housing projects. Where funding arrangements to Housing NWT permit, multi-year construction plans will be developed to allow more time for meaningful design input by Indigenous governments, local housing organizations, and other stakeholders.

Quote(s)

“We are taking an innovative and unique approach to include residents in planning future housing requirements across the territory. By doing this we are ensuring new housing developments take into consideration what residents need and better support communities to meet future housing demands.  Guided by Housing NWT’s renewal strategy, we will continue to improve our programs and services to ensure we are providing fair access to quality housing support for people most in need.”
– Paulie Chinna, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT

“This project is important for addressing a crucial need in the territory; to provide safe and secure environments for seniors to age in place with dignity. As one of our mandate items, we continue to investigate better supports through our programming and partnerships, completing a comprehensive NWT Seniors’ Strategy, and ensure that seniors’ are not only able to remain in their homes, but they are able to do so in their community. These new builds will expand the GNWT’s ability to ensure seniors are protected and close to their families.”

– Julie Green, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Health and Social Services

Quick facts

  • Funding for these seniors’ duplexes was provided by Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada through its 2022 budget allocation to Housing NWT.
  • Where possible, data will be used from various sources (such as approved community housing plans or housing strategies) to inform the design and location of housing units. This helps to ensure that local housing priorities and needs are being taken into account during the planning process.
  • The Housing NWT Renewal Strategy is making positive changes to various Housing NWT policies, programs and services, processes and ways of doing business.
  • Earlier this month, Housing NWT released a policy change that eliminates the requirement of a copayment for emergency repairs.
  • Housing NWT maintains a portfolio of approximately 2,500 Public Housing units across the NWT, including units with accessibility features that are specifically intended for seniors.

Related links

For media requests, please contact:

Tami Johnson

Manager, Communications

Housing Northwest Territories

Government of the Northwest Territories

NWTHC_comms@gov.nt.ca

NT5

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