Iqaluit (June 02/03) - The Workers' Compensation Board of the NWT and Nunavut shut down the Mamisainiq Wellness Centre, building 778, in Iqaluit on May 26.

"There are holes in the flooring which is evidence that something is rotting. There is also mold underneath the floor boards. If you've got holes in the floor, someone can fall through them," said Dave Grundy, Manager of Public Affairs and Information for the WCB.

Wellness counsellors at the centre deal with addictions, depression, family issues and abuse.

Now, counsellors are dispersed throughout the city at a variety of locations. The closure of the building also meant that a regional outreach worker had to move.

"My concern was providing a suitable workplace for the staff. Right now, we've got them working out of existing GN office space," said Joanne Bezzubetz, executive director for Health and Social Services Baffin Region.

Bezzubetz said the staff will contact the people on their client list from the new locations. New clients can call the mental health office at the hospital for direction the right office.

Not everyone who worked in the building has been able to find a new location.

Joshie Teemotee, executive director of the Illitiit Society, said he'll have to work from home.

The Illitiit Society administers the capital city's homeless shelter. Teemotee said although he's upset he no longer has an office for the society, he's glad something will be done to fix the building.

"In the living room, if you're not careful, your foot will go through the floor. There was also quite a bad smell in the building," said Teemotee.

Nunavut's department of Public Works leased the building.

It said that it's up to the owner of the building, Hughes Estate in Ontario, to address the concerns.

"We hope the owner will take speedy action so we can go back to the way we were. If not, we'll have to review our options," said Loren Veiters, property manager for Public Works and Services.