Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 14/01) - Rev. Jim Ormiston, the original driving force behind Northern United Place, returned to Yellowknife last week to help celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Ormiston was the minister of the small, but active Yellowknife United Church from 1972 to 1983.

It was in the mid-70s that he convinced his congregation to support the construction of NUP. The facility was built to provide affordable housing for seniors and singles and to give educational, recreational, charitable, volunteer and religious groups a home.

"We wanted to offer a place where groups that had little or no money could come and do their thing," said Ormiston.

Today, the two-tower, self-financed building continues to fulfil Ormiston's original vision.

The lower floors of tower "A" provide space for the Yellowknife United Church, Holy Family Lutheran Church and a multitude of volunteer organizations, ranging from the Boy Scouts to Alcoholics Anonymous. About 50 groups utilize space in the building each year.

Aurora College students occupy the eight additional floors of tower "A."

The other tower, consists of Aurora College's campus and seven floors of large, highly-subsidized rental units, geared towards seniors and singles.

Ormiston, who now lives in British Columbia, toured both towers last Wednesday at the anniversary party. He was particularly impressed by the Aurora College facilities.

"Nobody is happier than I am to be here and reflecting," said the nearly 80-year-old retired minister, who kept everyone laughing with stories from yesteryear. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

"It's astonishing how many of the old boys show up when there is something to eat," he joked.

Jack Adderley, a long-time resident of Northern United Place, said the facilities at NUP are affordable, well-maintained and safe.

"It's central, four blocks from the centre of town. You can't beat that."

Adderley said Ormiston is a charming, exceptional person.

"Right from head to toe," he said.

Larry Elkin helped make the decision to build NUP. These days, he is on the board of the NWT Community Services Corporation, the non-profit organization that runs NUP. Elkin was just one of the long-time Yellowknifers at the party.

"It was a positive time to recognize what has been achieved over the years," he commented.

"And to set the tone for the next 25 years."

History

- $125 was the monthly rental rate for NUP units, 25 years ago.

- Today, seniors pay $235 for bachelor apartments and $265 for one-bedrooms.

- The public pays $610 for bachelor apartments and $650 for one-bedrooms.

- About 50 religious, volunteer and charitable groups use space at Northern United Place each year.