Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 06/00) - The location has been picked for two new duplexes for homeless residents.

One duplex is to be built at 5 Kugmallit Road, and the other is to be at 16 Bonnetplume.

Last week, following a presentation by Roger Allen, minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, town council gave first and second readings to a motion that grants conditional approval to the duplexes. Such approval is necessary, as both areas are classified as R-1 zoning, which means permitted use is single family homes.

At its next regular meeting Oct. 12, council will debate third and final reading on granting conditional approval.

If approved, the duplexes are to be funded by the Housing Corp. and administered by the Nihtat Gwich'in Council. The units are for those who have been evicted from private or public housing.

"On record there's seven families being affected," Allen said after the meeting.

He pointed out that communities across the country are having to deal with homelessness, and that it is important to start addressing the situation here quickly, with renewed interest in oil and gas exploration in the area.

"Anytime you have a large migration to a central location, a central community like Inuvik, you're going to have more input and more demand for housing. It's a natural occurrence. We're trying to deal with that."

Allen said the project is on hold until council reaches a decision, but pointed out there's a "very narrow" window of opportunity to build the duplexes.

"It's getting even closer now that cold weather's coming in. We anticipate the construction period will take up to six weeks."

Meanwhile, Vicki Boudreau, president of the Inuvik Housing Authority, said the town's vacancy rate seems to have tightened up recently.

However, Boudreau said, "There are units that are available for rent."

She said, "It's not impossible to find a place to rent."

Boudreau pointed out that, in general, accommodations in town are "pretty good."