Celine Whane’s home in BehchokÇ«Ì, N.W.T., is constantly buzzed by the furnace running non-stop to combat the cold air seeping in from a door that cannot fully close. The door lacks a handle, requiring a chair to prop it shut, while duct tape seals a window, contributing to the draftiness. Whane, a septuagenarian, attributes these issues, along with wall cracks, to ground shifts that have impacted her residence of over four decades.
These living conditions mirror a broader problem of inadequate housing in BehchokÇ«Ì, the TÅı̨chÇ« region, and the N.W.T. at large. Whane often hosts between two to seven individuals in her three-bedroom house, with mattresses spread out to accommodate them, recalling a time when 13 people resided there.
A 2024 report from the N.W.T. Bureau of Statistics highlights that approximately 36% of homes in BehchokÇ«Ì are deemed unsuitable for habitation, the highest rate in the N.W.T. and almost five times the national average for homes requiring major repairs. Additionally, around 26% of homes in BehchokÇ«Ì are considered unsuitable for living.
BehchokÇ«Ì Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe acknowledges these statistics, suggesting they may even underestimate the actual situation. The community’s internal analysis estimates a staggering $200-$300 million would be necessary to mend existing homes, excluding the introduction of new housing options.
While repair programs exist, Whane’s preference leans towards acquiring a new home rather than addressing the current issues. Various repair initiatives, such as emergency and seniors’ home repair programs, offer forgivable loans to assist individuals like Whane. Despite past experiences with frozen pipes and other household troubles, Whane finds herself limited in her housing options, yearning for a more sustainable solution.
Alayna Ward, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity N.W.T., advocates for a more ambitious housing strategy in the territory to combat the housing crisis effectively. Drawing inspiration from Nunavut’s “Nunavut 3000” initiative, Ward emphasizes the need for substantial efforts to bolster housing stock in the N.W.T. and uplift living standards for residents. While there are ongoing construction plans for new social housing units in BehchokÇ«Ì, the demand for housing solutions surpasses current provisions, necessitating sustained federal funding for lasting improvements across the territory.