How will the GN’s staff housing plan affect you?

The GN says no one will lose their staff housing accommodation because of their new policy.

But it does mean that you will start paying more of what it actually costs to supply you with a unit.

If you live in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet or Cambridge Bay, your base rent will increase by:

* 15 per cent in January, 2006
* 15 per cent in January, 2007
* 20 per cent in January, 2008
* 20 per cent in 2009 and 2010, or by an amount that takes it to market level by 2010.

If you live in Iqaluit:

* By 2010, landlord responsibilities will be transferred to the owner of your building and the GN will withdraw from the provision of staff housing.

If you live in Rankin Inlet or Cambridge Bay:

* By 2015, landlord responsibilities will be transferred to the owner of your building, and the GN will withdraw from the provision of staff housing.

If you live outside of Iqaluit, Rankin or Cambridge:

* Your base rent will increase by 10 per cent in January of 2006, and by 10 per cent a year until 2010.
* Between 2010 and 2015, your base rent will increase by 5 per cent each year or until it reaches a market level.
* The GN will continue to supply staff housing in your community, unless a private housing market develops.

How can the rental assistance program help me?

* If your total annual household income is less than $90,000, your base rent will not exceed 20 per cent of income.
* If your total annual household income is between $90,000 and $110,000, your base rent will not exceed 25 per cent of income.
* If your total annual household income is greater than $110,000, your base rent will not exceed 30 per cent of income.
* For low income families: your total annual household income may be reduced (for the purpose of this calculation) by $6,500 for each of your dependents.

What is “base rent?”

* It’s the rentable area of your unit, measured in square metres, multiplied by a number called the “base rate.” It’s the rate per square metre that will actually increase each year.

What will I pay for utilities?

* You will pay an extra charge for utilities like water and sewer, fuel, power and garbage collection.
* If your building lease includes utility costs, the GN will calculate how much you pay for things like fuel, power, water, and municipal services through a formula based on the number of square metres in your unit.

Source: The GN Staff Housing Policy, August 2005, and GN press handouts.