This five-plex was constructed in Arctic Bay in 2019. Over the next year, another 114 Nunavut Housing Corporation units are expected to be built in 10 Nunavut communities. photo courtesy of Manny Noble/Nunavut Housing Corporation

The Nunavut Housing Corporation has a $60.5-million budget to construct 114 housing units in 2021-22.

That compares with 116 new houses built during the previous fiscal year.

The Government of Nunavut has allocated $17.5 million for 105 public housing units and $5 million for nine staff housing units over the next year. That will be supplemented by $13.8 million in carry-over capital from last year. The federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, has committed $24.2 million.

In 2019-20, the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) allotted $54.7 million to major construction contracts through public tenders. Inuit businesses with Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti status – the territorial government’s preferential treatment for Inuit enterprises – were awarded $43.3 million of those contracts.

The price to build a new home has been rising steadily. On average, it cost $642,000 to construct a new unit in Nunavut in 2019-20. That compares to $534,000 in 2018-19 and $481,000 in 2017-18.

For more stories on Nunavut construction, click on the image above.

The NHC’s maintenance and improvement budget in 2019-20 saw $790,000 go toward renovating units in Iqaluit, $691,000 was spent in Arviat, $627,000 was designated for Baker Lake, $492,000 was invested in Kugluktuk and $482,000 went to Rankin Inlet. Those communities represented the top five in maintenance and improvement spending.

In the legislative assembly in March, Housing Minister Margaret Nakashuk pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic didn’t prevent the NHC from delivering on housing construction.

“I am pleased to report that none of our construction projects were delayed last year, and none of our construction projects will be delayed this year,” said Nakashuk. “I would also like to take this opportunity to reassure Nunavummiut that, just like last year, all our construction workers coming in to help build our units will continue to go through the mandatory 14-day isolation period in the southern hubs, as required by the territory’s chief public health officer.

“I assure you that the Nunavut Housing Corporation will continue to serve Nunavummiut with their essential housing needs this year, as we strive to overcome housing shortages with our partners in the federal government.”

Fact file
Nunavut Housing Corporation builds 2021

Iqaluit
20 public housing units

Rankin Inlet
20 public housing units

Naujaat
15 public housing units

Pond Inlet
15 public housing units

Sanirajak
10 public housing units

Kugaaruk
10 public housing units

Taloyoak
10 public housing units

Coral Harbour
5 public housing units

Pangnirtung
5 staff housing units

Sanikiluaq
4 staff housing units

Source: Nunavut Housing Corporation

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