Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 14/04) - Like any other segment of society, senior citizens deserve adequate housing, say two representatives of the NWT Senior's Society.

But many Northern seniors have concerns that the housing in which they live is proof of shoddy workmanship, said Beatrice Campbell, society president.

"There are concerns about the need for accountability of the contractors for the work which is done on housing units," Campbell said.

Barb Hood, executive director of the society, said there have been instances of work being started and then not completed in such units.

"Walls are cracking and there has been the incomplete finishing of doors and windows with cold getting in as a result," Hood said of some seniors' units.

In the NWT Health and Social Services report "A Profile of NWT Seniors," it was indicated seniors age 60 and older were in the fastest growing age group of the territories.

The senior population is growing at three times the national rate, according to the study.

Tom Beaulieu, president of the NWT Housing Corp., said while he has heard of various construction complaints, he said the incidents are isolated more than widespread.

"Some have complained of landscaping not being completed and a few others have complained about junk being left behind by the contractors," Beaulieu said.

In the Northwest Territories, Beaulieu said a Year 2000 needs survey conducted by the corporation showed senior households have the highest need of all household groups.

As a result of the survey, Beaulieu said about 100 units have been built for seniors across the territories.

"We went from community to community to find the solution for addressing housing," he said.

The NWT Seniors Society plans to meet with Michael McLeod, NWT's Minister of Housing during Senior Citizen's Week in June to further discuss issues.