TULITA/FORT NORMAN
All members of the Tulita Housing Association's board of directors resigned in protest over the association's poor administration of the community's housing program, said the president of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

"We were advised by the directors of the Tulita housing board that they were dissatisfied with the performance of the Tulita Housing Association," said Tom Williams.

"They indicated that by stepping aside, that would allow the Housing Corporation to assume a greater oversight over the administration and operations."

All five board members resigned at the same time about a month ago, Williams said. One of the board's biggest complaints was a lack of response to calls for maintenance on housing units.

"They felt they weren't getting the support they needed from administration," Williams said.

The corporation directed the association to provide a plan outlining how it was going to fix issues, which is now being reviewed.

The corporation could take over operations if actions in the plan aren't sufficient, Williams said.

"They had until November 30 to provide that plan, so our officials are reviewing it now and a decision will be made," he said.

"If it's unreasonable and doesn't meet the needs, we'll be stepping in and providing direct management."

A decision will be made within the next few weeks.

"It's a last resort for the NWT Housing Corporation to step in," Williams said.

"It's rare and we don't like to see it happen because we believe local governance is the best way to look after local activities, but if there is a need, at the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure good quality program services happen in the community."

The goal is to have a new board in place by summer 2017, Williams added.

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