New home in Inuvik, N.W.T., is 1st of many on the way, says Gwich'in Tribal Council

The first of a handful of new houses has arrived in Inuvik, N.W.T.

The Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) says it's bringing nine new homes to the community over the next month and a half. Eight more homes are planned for Fort McPherson, and three for Aklavik — all before the end of the year.

"We are going to need, obviously, some luck barging them into Aklavik. So we're hoping water levels are fine here over the next couple of weeks so that we can make that happen," said Jamie Koe, chief executive officer with the GTC.

The first home was delivered to Inuvik on Sunday. Koe said he was excited to see it arrive.

"The plan is that these homes are ready to go by December 1st, for people, for Gwich'in participants to move into. So you know, we're working with our contractors to ensure that that happens," Koe said.

"We're all aware that there's a housing crisis in Canada, and specifically in our region, that needs addressing."

Koe said the GTC will have an application process ready in the next few weeks for people interested in the new homes. He said there will be a purchase program, or a rent-to-own program, for Gwich'in participants. Those programs are just being finalized, he said.

Clarence Wood, the mayor of Inuvik, said he was "very, very happy to see this going on."

"Inuvik's been in a bit of a downturn over the past few years. So seeing new interest in the community — and that's what I think it is — is really encouraging," Wood said.

He hopes the availability of new housing will attract more people to his community.

The mayor also sees the new housing as part of a series of new developments expected in Inuvik in the coming months and years, including a new hotel, a new office tower, apartment building and, he hopes, a new military base.  

"I'm elated about what's happening. I think it's fantastic for the town, it's fantastic for the people," Wood said.

Koe says the new homes being brought up by the GTC this year is also "just the beginning." Next year, some will be arriving in Tsiigehtchic.

"We think we're going to be building homes over the next two to five years, you know, across the Gwich'in settlement area," Koe said.