Feds provide $19M for 50 new homes in NWT

The third phase of the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative will see 50 new homes built for Indigenous peoples across the Northwest Territories.

NWT MP Michael McLeod said $19 million will go towards construction of 54 units largely in the Tłı̨chǫ region.

Of the $19 million …

• $4.2 million fed funding for 26 new homes across five projects in Tłı̨chǫ communities of Wekweètì, Gamètì, Whatì, and Behchokò, (with $2.8 million from Tłı̨chǫ Government);
• $1.8 million to Acho Dene Koe First Nation for five homes in Fort Liard (and a shared total of $870,000 from Acho Dene Koe First Nation and its economic development corporation ADK Holdings Ltd);
• $3.3 million for up to 10 homes in Lutselke Dene First Nation (with $2.2 million from Lutselke Dene First Nation.
• $5.5 million for seven homes in Nahanni Butte Dene Band, (with $500,000 from Housing NWT and $890,000 from Nahanni Butte Dene Band); and
• $3.9 million for six homes in Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation, (with $454,999 from another federal funding agency) and $511,025 from Pehdzeh Ki First Nation).

Nahanni Butte Dene Band Chief Steve Vital said his community has been trying to get new housing units for three years.

“This 7-unit residential project will contribute significantly to address overcrowding issues in the community and find homes for women, youth and families. Nahanni Butte doesn’t have an all-weather road and it remains isolates for two months a year — resulting in logistics problems and high cost of living for the residents. Since 2021, we have tried our best to improve community infrastructure including getting new houses. This project is a result of the work we have done.”

Lucy Kuptana is the Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories

She says: “NWT Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana said the community governments decide on the type of housing projects in their communities.

“I’ve seen first-hand the many housing challenges that Indigenous people face when all they are looking for is a good standard of living like other Canadians. The cold temperatures that we’re experiencing across the North highlights even more the importance of having quality affordable housing for our residents.

Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty told those gathered at the announcement in Yellowknife his government is taking “a proactive approach” to identify and create long-term housing solutions “that will support our people in maintaining their mental and physical health, while instilling community and cultural pride.”