Housing Minister Frost says Mould Not an Issue in Ross River Homes

Thursday, 11 May 2017 08:45

Frosts comments contradicts Ross River Dena Council which stated in October that 27 homes were filled with toxic mould.

Yukon’s Housing Minister Pauline Frost (Vuntut Gwich’in) says an inspection conducted by the Housing Corporation of homes in Ross River revealed that mould was not an issue. “The inspections revealed there were no issues around mould.”

This contradicts the Ross River Dena Council, which stated that 27 homes are filled with toxic mould and other contaminants. The First Nation says the health of the occupants in those homes is being compromised, recommending the homes be demolished.

Frost says the agency is focusing its efforts on ten housing units which were flagged for not meeting national code. “What's the next thing on the list of priorities? There's ten units and a set amount of money which has to be spent on bringing those units up to the national standard, up to a standard that will provide a safe home for the community members.”

Frost says the federal government is contributing $200,000 to ten units for renovations. She says the Ross River Dena Council receives $600,000 annually for housing up keep, and that a further $2 million is committed to the situation.

Last fall Chief Jack Caesar declared a housing emergency, wanting the territorial government to provide emergency housing to his people. His plea came following the release of a report which found that 65 homes were too toxic to live in, with 47 of those homes still being occupied. 27 of those homes are considered uninhabitable and that 16 homes were abandoned with two being demolished.

Frost says throwing money at the situation will not solve the problem, saying Yukon Housing is providing capacity building expertise. Access to Information documents suggest the government is helping the First Nation select a project manager to oversee the construction of three duplex units, develop annual inspection and other capital construction reports, as well as tendering methods to include pricing for common projects, such as roofing and flooring.

But NDP leader Liz Hanson (Whitehorse Centre) says Ross River is often left out on crucial infrastructure like roads and housing. “The community of Ross River has been on the back burner for the Yukon government for far too long. From the bridge, to housing conditions and road repairs, a lot of work needs to be done to close the infrastructure gap between Ross River and other communities.” “During their 2016 campaign, the current government promised funding for housing in Ross River. To date, the only evidence of this commitment is a line item in the budget for new staff housing along with two housing units to be used as transition for homes being renovated.”

Frost confirms that Yukon Housing has provided two transition housing units for families, whose homes are under going renovations. Frost says those homes will stay there if needed.

(Dan Jones May 11, 2015)