Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak again about our cost of living battle and, more specifically, a place, particularly an affordable place, to live. The weekly newspapers, through their employment opportunities and real estate sections, go straight to the facts of this situation. There is a lot of work, Mr. Speaker, but not much choice in a place to live.
I think we are turning the corner on this. In my own riding of Great Slave, Nova Construction recently completed a 60-unit apartment building. For the first time since the construction of the Centre Square complex in 1989, we see a construction crane on the skyline here in Yellowknife as it builds the Polar Development 14-storey 100-unit apartments. It is good news. It shows that investors and builders are supporting our economy and taking up the opportunities that are presenting themselves, Mr. Speaker.
Some 223 multi-family units and apartments have been completed or approved for construction. Ninety-six single family units are being added to the housing, and my understanding is that there is an additional 200 or more units in the discussion or planning stage.
Mr. Speaker, affordability and social housing are critical issues that will not so quickly be turned around. Mr. Speaker, Yellowknife is a magnet community. It is a consequence of our strong economy. People come here for the jobs, the services and perhaps the social and medical programs they require. However, I am reminded daily that the activity and excitement in Yellowknife is a mixed blessing. There are pressures on our infrastructure, the cost of living and lifestyle choices that make it hard for those with limited resources.
A constituent called last week, a single mother with a school-aged child, who has been looking for a place to live in Yellowknife for ten months. She has very few choices. The Yellowknife Housing Authority has about 300 units in its public housing inventory, Mr. Speaker, but there are 180 people on the waiting list for more and there is very little turnover in the existing stuff.
Mr. Speaker, while there is a great deal of optimism about our situation, there are concerns. Housing difficulties are a greater limitation on our economy and the choices our people have. I will be questioning the Minister on this issue later today. Thank you.