Housing

The Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC), via the Iqaluit Housing Authority, provides dedicated public housing units for seniors in Iqaluit. These units are designed for elders, often in senior-specific buildings or clusters.

Eligibility: Generally for elders (usually 60+ years old) who have low or fixed income and need affordable housing. Elders in public housing with income below a certain threshold may qualify for support.

How to access: Apply through the Iqaluit Housing Authority or Local Housing Organization. Applications include an income assessment and housing needs assessment. For more information, contact the Iqaluit housing office at 867-979-7200 ext. 7235.

A grant program that helps senior homeowners pay for essential home repairs or modifications. This program provides up to $15,000 (plus shipping costs) as a grant to address issues like structural repairs, plumbing, electrical, heating, or adaptations (e.g., installing ramps or grab bars) to make the home safer and more accessible for the elder.

Eligibility: Homeowners aged 60 or older in Nunavut who are living in their home and require repairs to ensure safety and accessibility.

How to access: Administered by Nunavut Housing Corporation. Seniors can request an application form from NHC. In Iqaluit, contact the NHC Homeownership Programs office at 1-844-413-9355 or email Homeownership@nunavuthousing.ca for information and applications.

A funding program to assist seniors (60+) and people with disabilities with yearly minor repairs and maintenance on their homes. It provides an annual contribution of up to $3,000 to cover small repairs or maintenance work (materials, labor, freight) that will prevent bigger problems (for example, servicing the furnace, fixing a window, etc.).

Eligibility: Homeowners aged 60+ (or disabled) in Nunavut who could use help with upkeep of their home.

How to access: Also offered through Nunavut Housing Corporation. You can inquire with NHC or your local housing office for the Preventative Maintenance Program application each year.

A special homeownership transition program to help seniors who find it difficult to continue maintaining their own home. This program allows an elder to transfer or sell their house (for example, to a family member or to NHC) and in return gain priority access to public housing. The goal is to ensure the senior has a secure, manageable housing option without the burdens of homeownership.

Eligibility: Seniors or disabled homeowners who can no longer safely maintain their home or afford the costs, and who agree to move into public housing or smaller accommodations.

How to access: Contact the Nunavut Housing Corporation Homeownership Program (toll-free 1-844-413-9355 or email Homeownership@nunavuthousing.ca) to discuss options. They will guide through the process of transferring the property and applying for public housing with priority status.

In addition to the Iqaluit Elders Home (listed under Healthcare), Iqaluit has independent living units for elders, often adjacent to the Elders Home. These are apartment-style units dedicated to seniors who can live on their own but benefit from being close to support services and other elders. They provide a community atmosphere and easier access to care if needed.

Eligibility: Generally for independent seniors (often 60+) who are able to live alone but prefer a seniors-oriented housing environment.

How to access: These units are usually managed via the local housing authority or the elders society. Interested seniors can inquire with the Iqaluit Housing Authority or the Pairijait Tigumivik Elders Society (phone 867-979-6015) for information on availability and application procedures.

A program designed to reduce or eliminate property taxes for senior and disabled homeowners within municipalities. In Iqaluit, eligible seniors (and individuals with disabilities) can apply annually to have their municipal property taxes waived or significantly reduced.

Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older (or those with disabilities) living in Iqaluit. If the property is within the City of Iqaluit taxation area, you qualify to apply through the city; seniors living outside Iqaluit in Nunavut can apply through the territorial Department of Finance.

How to access: In Iqaluit: Contact the City of Iqaluit Taxation Section to obtain the application for the Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons Tax Relief. The City’s finance office (Building 2425) can be reached at 867-979-6363 for information. Applications must be submitted each year to renew the tax relief.

Outside Iqaluit (if applicable): Contact the Nunavut Department of Finance, Taxation and Insurance Section (toll-free 1-800-316-3324) for the property tax relief program, or email propertytax@gov.nu.ca.

A territorial program that helps offset the high cost of heating fuel for senior homeowners. Eligible seniors can be reimbursed for a set amount of their annual home heating fuel usage (up to 3,500 liters per year). This subsidy can significantly reduce the cost of staying warm through Nunavut’s cold winters.

Eligibility: Nunavut residents aged 60 or older who own and live in their own home, have a net annual household income of $100,000 or less, and are not receiving income support. (The subsidy covers 100% of fuel costs up to 3,500L for seniors with income up to $75,000; and 50% up to 1,750L for incomes between $75,000 and $100,000).

How to access: Applications are handled through local Income Assistance offices. In Iqaluit, you can contact the Income Support office at 867-975-6576 to get an application or more information on the Senior Fuel Subsidy. You will need to provide proof of age, home ownership, residency, and income when applying.