Housing NWT has relieved the chair and board members of the Fort Resolution Housing Authority of their duties and appointed Darlene Berthier as Administrator in their place.
In an announcement issued on July 25, by the territorial housing authority, Minister Lucy Kuptana, GNWT’s Minister of Housing said it was not an easy decision.
“This decision to place the Fort Resolution Housing Authority under Administration was not made lightly. Our priority is, and will always be, the well-being of residents, because we understand how important housing is to the health and strength of a community,” Minister Kuptana said.
“This step is about ensuring stability today, so that residents continue to have access to safe and affordable housing, while we work toward a strong, community-led future. We are committed to working in partnership with the Administrator and the community to restore local governance and support progress that reflects the needs and voices of Fort Resolution,” added the minister.
Joletta Larocque, Housing NWT vice president told True North FM that the move comes following an independent investigation of the Fort Resolution Housing Authority.
“The intent of the independent review is to ensure the LHO is adhering to Housing NWT’s policies and procedures, which aim to ensure housing support goes to those most in need,’ said Larocque.
The “exceptional measure” was taken to “protect housing services” and “ensure stability” after issues were found with operations, which are now being assessed by the new administrator, said Larocque.
Housing NWT and Laroque did not provide information about what issues were being assessed but said there were concerns around certain aspects of operations including management.
“The President and CEO of Housing NWT (Dr. Erin Kelly) expressed concerns about the Fort Resolution Housing Authority Board which included irregularity of board meetings, allocation of housing units and oversight of management,” said Laroque.
In their announcement, Housing NWT said the change in leadership will remain “indefinitely,” and the new administrator will review progress every three months to assess whether conditions support a return to local governance.
Housing NWT and Laroque said the long-term goal is to restore the Board and ensure the Housing Authority is equipped to meet the needs of residents.
“The Board’s role is to ensure that Management and Administrative Services are provided in accordance with HNWT’s principles, policies, program guidelines and standards. This includes, but is not limited to, tenant relations, maintenance activities, ensuring the safety and integrity of our units and providing program support activities,” said Laroque.
Currently, The Fort Resolution Local Housing Authority is responsible for 96 units, including 85 public housing units and 11 market rentals.
In their announcement, the GNWT said they will work closely with Berthier to ensure Fort Resolution residents have access to housing support. The South Slave District Office will also be assisting to provide support to tenants.
