Bedbug infestation shuts down offices in Iqaluit's Grinnell Place again

The Government of Nunavut offices at Iqaluit's Grinnell Place have been closed once again due to a persistent bedbug infestation.

The Department of Family Services offices at Building 613 were initially closed from Oct. 7 to 11 to eradicate the bedbugs. The building reopened on Oct. 11, only to be shut down again the same day when another bedbug was discovered.

The offices reopened on Monday this week, but were once again closed on Thursday. They're scheduled to reopen on Oct. 24.

• Bedbug infestation closes offices in Iqaluit's Grinnell Place

• Residents find out about bedbugs in downstairs office a week after discovery

Residents in apartments above the government office weren't initially notified about the bedbugs by their landlord — they were issued notices on their doorknobs a week after the infestation had been spotted.

The building belongs to Northview REIT.

The company said that it learned of the bedbugs on Oct. 6 and, in cooperation with the department, immediately arranged for treatment.

According to a spokesperson for Community and Government Services, the bugs were initially found in office furniture. The notice circulated by Northview told residents that five bugs were found on personal effects brought into the reception space.

A fact sheet on bedbugs is available on the Department of Health website.

In the interim, in case of emergency, the Children and Family Services dispatch line can be reached at (867) 979-5650.