Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, December 10, 2007

FORT RESOLUTION - Empty public housing units in Fort Resolution are beginning to fill up.

Acting Chief Louis Balsillie of Deninu Ku'e First Nation (DKFN), who late last month was expressing concern about a glut of empty units, estimated eight units had been occupied in the week leading up to Dec. 5.

Acting Chief Louis Balsillie of Fort Resolution's Deninu Ku'e First Nation stands in front of empty public housing on Nov. 28. The units have since been occupied. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"People are moving in left, right and centre," he said.

In late November, Balsillie contacted News/North with his concerns about empty housing, estimating there were about 20 empty units at that time.

That included now-occupied double triplexes, which had been empty since being constructed in April, along with units in duplexes and fourplexes, and single homes.

The acting chief "definitely" believes the fact there was going to be media coverage of the empty housing prompted the Fort Resolution Housing Authority to quickly move in people.

Balsillie said it was frustrating to see the housing empty when there was a dire need in the community.

"We shouldn't be denied top-of-the-line housing for our people," he said.

The acting chief said, while the units were empty, some people were living with relatives and one woman with five children was in a one-bedroom unit.

Bill Norn, chair of the Fort Resolution Housing Authority, rejects Balsillie's estimate there were about 20 empty units.

"There's no where near that at all," Norn said.

Speaking on Dec. 3, he said all six units in the double triplexes have been awarded and the people have a certain amount of time to move in. One couple was moving in that day.

Norn said other units are empty because they are being renovated, estimating there are five or so units in that category.

Balsillie said he was told by some would-be tenants that they were refused access to the housing because they have alcohol problems, he said it is almost like they were being punished.

"I don't think they can dictate to people. That's not right," he said,

Norn dismissed that accusation.

"That is so far from the truth it's not funny," he said.

Before moving in, eligible people must pay a damage deposit, not owe any money to the housing authority and be a resident of the community for at least three months.

Balsillie said he is not sure how many people are waiting for new housing, explaining they won't talk about it with the media so as not to jeopardize their chances of getting new accommodation.

As acting chief of DKFN, Balsillie is filling the position while Norn is suspended as chief of the band.