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New Aklavik, N.W.T., elders' home opens

The new $6 million Joe Greenland Centre officially opened Monday in Aklavik, N.W.T.

$6 million Joe Greenland Centre officially opened Monday

CBC News ·
Moses Kayotuk, a resident at Aklavik's new home for elders, says he likes the new building because it has several verandahs where he can sit outside and watch the river and the people that walk by. (David Thurton/CBC)

A new $6 million home for elders opened Monday in Aklavik, N.W.T.

The Joe Greenland Centre overlooks the river and has eight rooms for seniors. The new centre is built on the same site as the old one.

"Every room faces the river or the mountain and they have a fantastic view," said Robert C. McLeod, minister of housing.

"The hallways are a lot wider. So it would be good for the elders that are staying here to walk the hallways."

The Joe Greenland Centre, Aklavik's new home for elders, was built at the same location as the old building because the community wanted the elders to still have a great view of the Mackenzie River. (David Thurton/CBC)

It features bright windows, wheelchair access and verandahs for elders like Moses Kayotuk to people-watch. 

"What's good about it is it's high," he said. "And it's new. Not like that old one. Now you can stretch your neck and you can have a look over there."

The new building can accommodate elders living independently and those who need assisted living.

The community has been without an elders' home for years. Before the new home was built, Aklavik's elders either had to move to Inuvik or move in with family.

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