Urgent Housing Crisis: 36% of Behchokǫ̀ Homes Unlivable Now

URGENT UPDATE: A shocking 36% of homes in Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T. are deemed unlivable, highlighting a severe housing crisis affecting residents like Celine Whane, who struggles in a drafty home with a broken door. This crisis has reached a critical level, with local leaders and officials calling for immediate action to address the escalating situation.

Whane, a resident in her late 70s, lives in conditions that reflect the broader housing emergency. Her home is so poorly insulated that the furnace runs non-stop, unable to combat the cold air leaking through a door propped shut with a chair and a window sealed with duct tape. “Sometimes I cry a lot by myself when it’s cold,” Whane revealed, illustrating the emotional toll on vulnerable residents.

According to a 2024 report from the N.W.T. Bureau of Statistics, Behchokǫ̀ has the highest percentage of inadequate housing in the territory, with 36% of homes needing major repairs—nearly five times the national average. Additionally, 26% of homes are considered unsuitable for living. “We are in a housing crisis,” stated Jane Weyallon Armstrong, MLA for Monfwi, which includes Behchokǫ̀. “We have more people than houses in the Tłı̨chǫ region.”

Local leaders are sounding the alarm, with Behchokǫ̀ Chief Bertha Rabesca Zoe claiming the situation may be even worse than reported. Community analyses indicate that repairing existing homes would cost over $200-$300 million, not including the need for new housing stock.

In response to the crisis, the Tłı̨chǫ Government is committed to necessary repairs and maintenance, though its spokesperson, Vivian Mak, emphasized the need for increased support from federal and territorial governments. “The cost and time required is ongoing and increasing,” she stated.

Repair programs do exist for residents like Whane, including a variety of forgivable loans aimed at addressing urgent needs. However, Whane remains skeptical. “If I had a new home, I wouldn’t be complaining,” she said, expressing her frustration over ongoing issues, such as frozen pipes and a door that traps her inside.

Micheal Dawodu, programs manager at the Housing N.W.T. North Slave District Office, confirmed several aid options, including an emergency repair program offering up to $15,000 and a seniors home repair program providing up to $50,000. Still, for Whane, these options feel inadequate compared to the pressing need for new housing.

The demand for housing solutions is urgent. Alayna Ward, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Northwest Territories, argues for a more ambitious approach, similar to Nunavut’s initiative to build 3,000 homes by 2030. “Building 20 or 30 homes a year will not significantly improve living conditions,” she asserted.

As Behchokǫ̀ prepares to welcome new public housing units expected to be completed by 2026-27, the community faces an uphill battle. Dawodu noted that while investments are being made, the demand far exceeds what is currently available. “We rely on sustainable funding from the federal government to create lasting improvements,” he stated.

The situation in Behchokǫ̀ underscores a pressing need for immediate action to address the housing crisis affecting many in the N.W.T. As residents like Celine Whane continue to endure substandard living conditions, the call for comprehensive solutions grows louder. Residents and officials alike are urging for a coordinated effort to ensure safe, adequate housing for all.