Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Some Members raised the issue of the use of bundled contracts by the Housing Corporation. These contracts usually involve the supply, transportation and construction of housing units as part of the bids. Members indicated that this process has the potential to favour larger companies, as smaller contractors do not necessarily have the capacity to meet all of the requirements of the tender. Members suggest that the corporation consider breaking out the contracts to allow local contractors to bid on a portion of the required work.
The support of these programs is the transitional step into the homeownership program, whereby assistance is provided through a lease on a Housing Corporation home. After completing a successful two-year lease period, the tenant is expected to transition into owning the unit.
Committee members were concerned that if tenants did not want to move into a homeownership position or were unable to take on the responsibility, the units then could become additional public housing units by default. This could then drive up operations and maintenance costs for public housing stock at a time when the resources to support this work are diminishing. Members request regular updates on this program in order to monitor results.
Seniors living in public housing pay no rent, utilities or maintenance costs regardless of their income. There are currently 400 units assigned to seniors’ housing across the NWT. In many cases seniors living in these units have the financial means to either pay market rent or contribute to the cost of utilities for their units. Members questioned whether it was fair for a program of last resort like public housing to have a segment of the population that is not subject to the same means testing as the rest of the program’s client base. Committee members believe there is a need to strike a balance between respecting the contributions made by our elders and the financial constraints facing the social housing system.
Members also identified the need for a coordinated approach around the delivery of programs that would encourage seniors to stay in their own homes. Committee members suggest the NWT Housing Corporation along with ECE and Health and Social Services work together to provide a more focused approach to housing supports for seniors.
Mr.
Chairman, this concludes the committee’s
opening comments on the Main Estimates for the NWT Housing Corporation, 2008–2009. Individual Members may have additional comments and questions as we proceed. Mahsi.