Eight new social housing units have been delivered to BehchokÇ«Ì, according to officials from Housing N.W.T. The units, constructed as four duplexes, are set to be ready for occupancy by December. An additional duplex, making a total of ten units, is anticipated to reach BehchokÇ«Ì by year-end.
In BehchokÇ«Ì, there is a high demand for one-bedroom units among individuals on the social housing waitlist. This effort is part of a larger project aiming to construct 98 housing units for single occupants in duplexes and fourplexes across nine N.W.T. communities by March 2028. The initiative is funded through a $150 million investment over three years from the territorial government.
Aside from BehchokÇ«Ì, other communities like Fort Providence, Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik, Délı̨nÄ, Tulita, Fort Simpson, Ulukhaktok, and Fort Smith are also set to receive housing units. The selection of these communities was based on the evident need for single-occupant housing, as highlighted in a housing needs assessment revealing a growing demand for smaller housing options in the N.W.T.
Recently, ten units arrived in Ulukhaktok via barge and were expected to be ready for occupancy in the fall. Housing N.W.T. has also confirmed the forthcoming delivery of ten units to Fort Providence. The majority of the 98 units are being constructed by METCAN Building Solutions in Hay River. Work has commenced on one of the two duplexes planned for construction at the K’áhsho Got’ı̨nÄ Trades Centre in Fort Good Hope.
This initiative underscores the commitment to addressing the housing needs of single occupants in various N.W.T. communities, ensuring access to suitable and affordable housing options.