Mould is present in dozens of public housing units, according to Housing NWT.
"From April 1, 2024, to Feb 6, 2025, for approximately 2,800 owned units, there were 33 instances of mould reported by our tenants," said Jeanne Gard, a communications manager with Housing NWT. "The remediation and repairs have been or are in the process being addressed."
Although requested, no related cost was disclosed for addressing mould in those units.
Public housing is a rental program that provides residents with income-based subsidies so they can occupy GNWT-owned residences. Mould is a fungus that grows in damp environments and on things like wood and fabrics. It can cause serious respiratory damage.
"Units with observed mould have been vacated and are undergoing further evaluation in accordance with the referenced guidelines. We have been made aware that mould is also present in two occupied units at Hilltop [Apartments]," added Gard. "We are actively working to relocate affected tenants and address the cause of the mould."
Through a resident who has lived in multiple public housing units, SA国际影视传媒 obtained a number of documents that explain how environmental health officers conducted investigations into certain public residences in November 2024. The documents NNSL obtained do not mention Hilltop Apartments.
During those investigations, environmental health officers made a couple of key observations.
"The wall had a chip and signs of mould (dark sports), likely due to moisture," one statement reads about a particular housing unit. "The services of a professional mould investigator may be needed for a more thorough assessment."
Those investigators also report they could not find what was causing the moisture. Another statement, this time from Bob Bies, the CEO of the Yellowknife Housing Authority, confirms there is mould in that resident's home. It also reveals another issue.
"We are taking the necessary steps to thoroughly investigate the extent and cause of the mould identified in your home," Bies' statement reads. "However, due to the asbestos in the drywall, we cannot safely conduct this investigation without disturbing the asbestos, which would pose a significant health risk."
Asbestos, which has been linked to cancer and serious respiratory conditions, is present in many buildings built prior to 1990, said Gard.
"There are no significant health risks if materials containing asbestos are tightly bound in products and in good condition; sealed behind walls and floorboards; isolated in an attic; and left undisturbed," she stated.
Close to a year ago, nine tenants from Hilltop Apartments were moved into other public housing units. Housing NWT was asked then if everything was all right with those units, to which the corporation made no comment about any mould.
"Due to damp conditions in some Hilltop units, there are concerns about potential mould," stated Gard. "The most-affected units have already undergone repairs, and we continue to monitor and address any emerging issues. Any tenant with concerns is encouraged to contact the Yellowknife Housing Authority for assessment and support."
Gard added that Housing NWT and local housing organizations (LHOs) are addressing tenants' observations of mould. Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana also provided a statement.
"Maintaining the health of public housing units is a shared commitment between the tenant and the authorities," she said. "Tenants should report mould or damage to their LHO as soon as they notice it. For issues persisting in any unit, LHOs follow specific procedures to ensure concerns are being addressed appropriately."
