Iqaluit (Jan 24/05) - There will be 160 new housing units across the territory thanks to infrastructure money from the federal government.

Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities) John Godfrey stopped in Iqaluit during his tour of the North to sign a social housing agreement with the territorial government Jan. 20.

Materials for 85 units are already available in the territory and 53 could be completed by this March.

Both levels of government will split the $40 million cost of the units.

While each of Nunavut's 25 communities will receive at least three units, some hamlets have said they would need more than 30 units to come close to meeting the demand.

"We recognize that this is the beginning. We know that a lot of work needs to be done," Godfrey said during a presentation at the legislative assembly.

Nunavut's housing problems have been well documented, with overcrowding, homelessness and a lack of senior housing presenting challenges for many communities.

The minister travelled to Kimmirut for a few hours prior to the announcement to view some of the challenges faced there.

A planned flight to Pangnirtung was cancelled because of bad weather.

At least 95 per cent of the agreement's social housing clients will be Inuit.

"Nunavut's housing shortages and rising population challenges us to find a long-term solution," said Peter Kilabuk, the minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corp.