Federal, territorial gov’ts reach ‘agreement in principle’ to build 560 N.W.T. homes by 2030
Thousands more homes still needed across the territory
N.W.T. Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana said on Monday that, thanks to an agreement with Ottawa, both levels of government are looking to build more than 550 homes by 2030.
A press release from the federal government said both it and the territory “reached an agreement in principle” to help build at least 560 affordable housing units through a combined investment of almost half a billion dollars.
The money is split between various parties, with $200 million coming from Build Canada Homes federally, and $190 million coming from the territory. Another $90 million will come “from other funding sources including private capital.”
Agreement will also help demolish derelict homes
In years past, funding from the federal government was not allowed to be used for demolition of derelict houses.
Those are houses that are typically old, neglected and pose health risks. Multiple community leaders have previously said that demolishing derelict homes would help with the territory’s housing crunch, by making space for new homes.
On Monday, Kuptana said through this agreement, the territory will “work with communities and Indigenous governments to remove derelict residential buildings and prepare more sites for future housing.”
“That’s really important that we all work together, because we can’t do this alone,” said Kuptana.
Thousands more new homes still needed
Despite Monday’s announcement, the N.W.T. still needs thousands more homes just to meet current demand.
It also still needs to build thousands more to replace older dwellings, according to the government’s own analysis from earlier this year. That analysis said the territory needs 1,030 more homes in the next 20 years, and need to add 2,500 homes by 2044.
Kuptana said on Monday there is more work to be done, but also says this agreement is a step in improving access to housing in the territory.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Northern water, housing and transit projects to receive funding from Ottawa, Eye on the Arctic
Greenland: Despite housing shortages, Greenland razes colonial apartment blocks, Blog by Mia Bennett
Sweden: Arctic Municipality in Sweden ups recruitment perks with housing, ski passes, bonuses, Radio Sweden
United States: Greenland ‘Freedom City?’ Rich donors push Trump for a tech hub up north, Reuters
