by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (June 13/97) - Erik Jensen is being forced to move out of the apartment he's lived in for three years.

One of the casualties of the YWCA's move to Rockhill Apartments in order to make way for Aurora College, Jensen says he'll have to adjust to a new apartment that may not suit his disability needs.

"It won't be as easy with my scooter, but I'll figure something out," he said.

Jensen received notice a few days before the official announcement on Tuesday that Aurora College is taking over the Northern United Place lease with the NWT Community Service Corporation at the end of August.

After more than 30 years of providing housing at the 54th Street complex, the YWCA is scheduled to move into Rockhill Apartments, located on 54th Avenue, across the street from Body Works health club.

Lyda Fuller, executive director of the YWCA, said that the move will save the organization money.

"The DPW (territorial Department of Public Works) owns Rockhill and they have agreed to provide it to us rent-free for the next 10 years," she said. "This means we won't have to depend on the government for subsidies."

The YWCA will only have to worry about the operating costs of Rockhill. Those are projected to be just $120,000 per year. Running NUP cost the YWCA $500,000 a year, said Fuller.

She also maintains that the move will improve the YWCA's ability to provide services for their clients.

"There's been some consternation about some inconvenience about moving," she said. "They haven't seen Rockhill. I think if people realize that the space is bigger and better for them...."

Rockhill has 18 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments, while NUP is made up of bachelors and shared accommodations.

"It will provide more room for families," Fuller said.

There are 45 people in the residential program at the YWCA at present, four of whom have been offered apartments in Tower B of NUP because of their physical disabilities.

This is likely where Jensen will move.

YWCA is now housed in Tower A (above the chapel), while mostly elderly people live in the other half of NUP -- Tower B (behind Tower A) -- in 84 units.

Fuller said the costs associated with the move to Rockhill will be funded by the GNWT.

The move for Aurora College has been a long time coming, according to college president Chuck Parker. It will consolidate all programs and housing for students all in one location.

"With all college programs under one roof, students and staff will be able to develop the kind of social and educational relationships which will contribute to improved morale, better academic performance and increased student retention," Parker said.

Parker said that the move will improve administration, counselling and accommodation services for students, as well as create an identifiable location for the campus within in the city.

The new campus design will also enable the college to expand from its current capacity of between 300 and 400 students.

The new instructional space is expected to be complete late fall of 1997, and the residential space for students will be renovated by January 1998.