Thank you, Madam Speaker. Our NWT's senior population is ever increasing. Just to maintain a home, it's becoming an issue for many seniors. Winter is especially difficult for many. General home maintenance is difficult to maintain and is very costly. Accessibility and comfort is an issue. Seniors need barrierfree access. Madam Speaker, seniors want to know they are a priority to this government. Can the Minister responsible for Housing NWT inform this House how her department is actively addressing housing needs for an increasing number of NWT seniors? Thank you.
Thank you. Minister of NWT Housing.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, and thank you to the Member for his question. Housing NWT is a part of the interdepartmental mandate efforts to enable seniors to age in place with dignity by increasing supports for seniors to stay in their homes and communities and that this has also played a part in the Housing NWT's strategic renewal efforts. Housing NWT continues to administer over 370 public housing units for seniors across the territory. Housing NWT's designs continue to reflect the needs of our seniors. For example, as part of our current federal costshared new public housing unit delivery, Housing NWT is delivering an innovative two storey duplex that can accommodate seniors accessibility needs on the first floor. As part of the 100 new public housing unit delivery, Housing NWT is delivering ten accessible seniors units that will be allocated to all five regions of the Northwest Territories. These units will be designed in a way that seniors can age in place in their home and have their accessibility needs addressed. Housing NWT continues to support a suite of homeownership programs tailored to the needs of the seniors, such as the Seniors Aging in Place Program. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I thank the Minister for that response. Madam Speaker, can the Minister tell me has the technical assessment of the Riverview Lodge in Hay River been completed, and if not, where is it in the process that the Minister previously indicated was underway? Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Speaker, and thank you to the Member for the question and the statement as well too. Housing NWT has undertaken a technical assessment of the Riverview Lodge in Hay River. The findings of this report indicate that overall the building is in good condition. The report includes a range of recommended capital upgrades to extend the building's operation life for over another for another ten years. Housing NWT continues to maintain the building and closely monitors its condition. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. That's interesting with the findings there and, you know, when I've had the opportunity to go in the building, you know, I might have a difference of opinion. But anyways, Madam Speaker, can the Minister tell those seniors in Hay River whether their planning for a new seniors multiresidential facility has been completed or at least started with an estimated timeframe. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. The seniors housing needs continue to be a discussion with the community as part of the development of the Hay River's community housing plan. Preliminary planning for the replacement of Riverview Lodge is underway, including possible funding sources. Detailed plans for the replacement of the building will involve close community engagement with leadership, the Hay River Senior's Society, and stakeholders. A range of factors will be considered in the process, such as proximity and local amenities. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Final supplementary. Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can the Minister tell me in the decommissioning of Riverview Lodge in ten years, has consideration been given to include planning for a new facility on that site? I think the location of it is important because it is downtown, and seniors like the location. It allows them to get out and walk and visit and also to use the amenities that the downtown core provides. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm happy to say that Housing is considering this area for future development. We do have plans that are on the way. Right now it is a discussion within the department, and I will keep the Member informed as we progress with the new seniors’ complex. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.
