Housing challenges in Nunavut have long underscored the need for innovative and community-centric solutions. The Northern Housing Report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), published in early 2024, highlights the rising number of Nunavut households living in inadequate or unsuitable homes.
The Nunalingni Piruqpaalirut Fund (NPF), aims to tackle these issues by backing community-driven housing initiatives, thereby expanding affordable housing, and enhancing living conditions in Nunavut. It was launched in partnership with the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) and is aligned with the Nunavut 3000 Strategic Plan.
Through the fund, the Centre has provided $50,000 grants to support transformative projects led by the Cambridge Bay Housing Association (CBHA) and the Uquutaq Society.
The projects at a glance
The Cambridge Bay Housing Association (CBHA) is a non-profit organization providing public housing and managing government staff accommodations in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
CBHA will use its grant to bolster its public housing system, which serves approximately 70% of Cambridge Bay residents. The funding is directed toward an energy retrofit project that improves the efficiency and sustainability of housing units. This initiative incorporates local labor, offering employment opportunities for Red Seal tradespeople and apprentices, thus reinforcing community empowerment.
The Uquutaq Society, based in Iqaluit, is a cornerstone of Nunavut’s community housing sector known for offering culturally sensitive, safe, and dignified housing solutions. It is committed to enhancing homelessness services, providing more housing options, and developing support services to help Iqaluit maintain safe and secure permanent housing.
The organization focuses its grant on the ATCO Loop Mixed-Use Development, a visionary project featuring single-room occupancy units tailored to the needs of Iqaluit’s underserved populations. This facility, comprising 24–28 units with shared amenities, introduces an affordable housing option previously unavailable in the area.
By integrating community feedback and partnering with local contractors, the project not only addresses immediate housing needs but also lays the groundwork for a scalable model.
Addressing community needs
Nunavut faces unique challenges, including extreme weather conditions, limited construction seasons, and high costs of materials and labour. Both projects illustrate how tailored interventions can bridge these gaps.
CBHA’s energy retrofits project is a prime example of how housing initiatives can simultaneously address environmental goals and foster local economic development. By hiring and training local workers, the project ensures that the community benefits directly from these investments.
The Uquutaq Society implements holistic housing solutions with a mixed-use development that introduces an innovative approach to housing that prioritizes affordability, accessibility, and shared community spaces. This model cultivates social cohesion while meeting the practical needs of individuals who face systemic barriers to stable housing.
“The projects supported by the NPF to date demonstrate how the fund helps communities turn their ideas into action, addressing the unique needs and opportunities of organizations and the people they serve. These initiatives underscore the fund’s adaptability and its ability to support a wide range of activities, ensuring that funds are directed toward projects that deliver meaningful and impactful outcomes for the community.” Alison lair, Director of programs
Supporting Nunavut 3000: building homes and futures together
These projects align closely with the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s mission and the ambitious Nunavut 3000 strategy, which aims to deliver 3,000 new housing units across the territory by 2030. By targeting urgent public and transitional housing needs, both projects contribute to expanding the housing continuum, while simultaneously fostering local economic growth and capacity building.
The Cambridge Bay Housing Association’s energy retrofits and the Uquutaq Society’s mixed-use development exemplify key objectives such as leveraging local expertise, optimizing housing design, and creating sustainable partnerships. Together, they contribute to a holistic vision of providing adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all Nunavummiut.
Looking ahead
Beyond immediate housing improvements, these initiatives have the potential to catalyze systemic change across Nunavut.
The work of CBHA and Uquutaq Society highlights the transformative power of targeted funding combined with community engagement. As these projects take shape, they offer a compelling vision of what’s possible when local innovation meets strategic investment.
Practical information
The fund offers three categories of grants:
- Capacity building
- Pre-planning and development
- Research & innovation
The fund’s eligibility criteria have been broadened to now include municipalities, and the contribution ceiling for the three streams has been increased. These changes were made in response to valuable feedback from the community.
If you have a community housing project in Nunavut and are seeking funding, please contact Alex Wolf, Project manager.
For more information about the fund or to apply for a grant, please visit the fund’s page.
