Maria Canton
Northern News Services
Baker Lake (Nov 22/00) - Elders in Baker Lake want more housing suited to their needs.
The community has one facility that houses four elders, but there are about 100 residents over the age of 60.
The building, which has a common room, was built 15 years ago.
The hamlet, with the help of MLA Glenn McLean, has successfully lobbied to have two new duplex public housing units designated for elders. Four more elders can live in the duplexes.
"The list of elders waiting for appropriate housing is more than 20 names long. Right now we only have accommodation for four," said hamlet councillor Leo Olareau.
"We've had meetings with the elders and they've told us they want an elders' facility so they don't have to be a burden on their families in their later years.
"And we want them to have housing that is appropriate to their needs -- no upstairs, bigger washrooms, railings, ramps."
The hamlet sent a letter months ago to the minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Manitok Thompson.
Thompson addressed the issue in the last sitting of the legislature, saying she understands that the present facility is inadequate for elders and her department would begin working with the hamlet to plan a new facility.
