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INUVIK
Aurora College is looking into replacing its family housing units in Inuvik after years of struggling with black mould and other issues related to the age of the buildings.

Aurora College is considering replacing its family housing units, which are sometimes referred to as the blueberry patch. The buildings were built in the 1960s and are beyond their useful life, according to Aurora campus director Doug Robertson. - Miranda Scotland/NNSL photo

The 34 three-bedroom units were built in the 1960s and at this point have passed their intended design life, said campus director Doug Robertson.

"I think it's no secret that our current family housing, which is sometimes referred to as the blueberry patch, is beyond its useful life and needs replacement," Robertson said. "It's not a quick thing to get a project that size on the go so in the meantime we're looking at private market alternatives until we get a more permanent solution."

In December the college solicited proposals from the private sector to supply family housing for the institution in advertisements it put out in partnership with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Department of Public Works and Services.

The deadline for proposals has since closed and the submissions will be reviewed shortly. The fate of the units will be dependent on whether or not any of the proposals are deemed acceptable, Robertson added.

"I'm certainly hoping there is a proposal or proposals that meet our needs," he said. "I don't know what the alternatives would be."

The subsidized rental units on Kugmallit, Inuit and Centennial Roads, which are leased only to full-time students from out of town, cost $465 a month plus utilities. Renters will not have to pay more if they are moved, according to Robertson.

Tenant Frances Wolki said she is excited about the prospect of the units being replaced. The current housing is a health hazard, she said.

"Education is great, but moving to these units it's like, how much affect will it have on our health?" Wolki said.

Wolki and her family were previously forced to move out of their apartment for a few months while workers removed black mould from the unit. Before they left, she said, the mould was taking a toll on the family's health.

"My breathing was starting to feel constricted. I was trying harder to breathe and one of my daughters started getting nose bleeds, achy muscles," she said, adding other members of her family had symptoms such as itching around the eyes and sores around the nose.

Although that problem has been taken care of for now, Wolki said she has another concern: asbestos.

Given the age of the building, the fibrous material was likely used in its construction, according to Robertson. Asbestos can cause various types of cancers and asbestosis, as well as scarring of the lungs, if the material enters the air and is inhaled in significant quantities.

"When you think about the severity of how it can affect one's health, it scares me," Wolki said.

Meanwhile, tenant Karra Dillon said she hasn't had any issues with her apartment since she moved in, in 2010. Still, she said it's time Aurora College look into new family housing options.

"These places are past their life," she said. "I can see the black mould starting to come now."

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