YELLOWKNIFE (May 17, 2006) -The Affordable Housing Plan was unveiled today by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) during the annual general meeting of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities in Yellowknife .

"The Affordable Housing Plan was developed to provide direction to implement the $50 million in funding for the Northwest Territories announced in the recent federal budget," said Minister David Krutko, Minister Responsible for the NWTHC. "The Corporation developed the Plan in late 2005 in anticipation of federal approval and following considerable lobbying efforts to secure housing-specific funding for the North."

The formation of partnerships and community support will be key factors in the Plan's success.  All avenues will be considered to ensure on-the-ground housing for Northwest Territories (NWT) residents over the next three years of this funding commitment. 

"MACA is pleased to lend its full support to move this Plan forward.  We will be providing technical expertise on land matters such as the identification of available land for residential development, land tenure instruments and liaising with federal and community governments to assist in the delivery of new housing projects in our NWT communities," said Minister Michael McLeod, Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs.   

"The injection of funding will allow for the construction of approximately 530 much-needed new housing units across the NWT and assist in reducing core housing need," said Minister Krutko.

The provision of suitable, adequate and affordable housing is a cornerstone of the GNWT Strategic Plan. 

For more information contact:

Gary McLellan
Director, Policy, Planning and Informatics
Northwest Territories Housing Corporation
Phone: (867) 873-7858

Andy Tereposky
Director, Lands Administration
Municipal and Community Affairs
Phone (867) 873-7569