Apr
29
2009
Housing in Canada’s Far North has special challenges, says Sandy Hutchens. Because communities are remote, transportation costs are high, which limits housing options for builders.The climate and permafrost present their own challenges: energy efficiency is an important priority.
There is a severe shortage of affordable, adequate housing in remote communities in Nunavut, Canada’s largest northern territory.The communities are mostly Inuit and housing must be sensitive to the Inuit lifestyle and culture.
The Affordable Housing Solution
To meet the unique demands of Northern housing, the Nunavut Housing Corporation introduced the “5-Plex” in 2005.The 5-Plex design is energy-efficient, healthy, affordable and is sensitive to the Inuit lifestyle and culture.The Corporation built 18 of the five-unit complexes to create 90 homes for Inuit families.
Building five units together, reduces material and transportation costs and creates greater energy efficiency. Lightweight steel studs, for example, are cheaper to transport than conventional studs. Rock wool insulation, better air sealing, triple- glazed windows and eliminating heated crawl spaces improves energy efficiency.
Energy-efficient lighting and appliances and low-flow water fixtures reduce operating costs. A single utility room, with one central heating appliance and heat recovery ventilator, services all the units, cuts monthly heating bills and improves air quality. To respect the Inuit lifestyle, each unit is open concept, providing more space for family gatherings and communal activities.
For Inuit hunters, there is a rear entrance giving access to a country food preparation area. Other features include large kitchen cupboards for storage and large, heated porches. Rent is geared to income, but capped so no tenant pays more than 28 percent of their income. Seniors and people with disabilities live rent-free, reflecting the Inuit “Qaujimajatuqangit” principle of “Inuuqatigiitsiarniq” –respecting others, relationships and caring for people. The average cost of a 5-Plex is $1.4 million.
The Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund contributed to construction costs and CMHC provided consulting and advisory services.The 5-Plex design won a CMHC Housing Award in 2006 for meeting the unique housing needs of Inuit communities in a cost effective, energy-efficient manner.