Yellowknife (Sep 17/03) - An end to the senior's housing crisis does not appear to be near.

The NWT Seniors Society gathered for their annual general meeting last Thursday, and addressed the issue of housing.

Chris Williams voiced his concerns about the housing crisis in Yellowknife. - Colleen Moore/NNSL photo

"The market will determine when the rent stops going up," said Tom Beaulieu, president of NWT Housing Corporation.

The comments came following questions raised at the meeting about possible rent caps in Yellowknife in order to prevent future rent hikes.

"I think the idea of rent caps has a lot of arguments for and against it," said Beaulieu.

Chris Williams, senior representative for Yellowknife Housing Authority, feels his main concern is making sure seniors have a roof over their heads.

"The seniors are the fastest growing group in the NWT," said Williams. "We have to at least be able to provide for them."

Williams explained that although he feels the NWT Housing Corporation is doing their best accommodating seniors, he said there is more that needs to be done.

"Yellowknife housing needs to meet the growing population," said Williams. Currently, there is no extensive waiting list for seniors applying for housing, however, Williams explained that in the future, this will be a significant problem.

Other topics addressed at the meeting included Alzheimer's disease, health benefits, home care, and medical travel.