Planning for new low-barrier shelter in Iqaluit moves forward

Uquutaq Society’s plan to build a new low-barrier shelter took another step forward Tuesday when Iqaluit’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve a development permit for it.

A low-barrier shelter does not require users to be sober in order to access services, executive director Laurel McCorriston told the committee during Tuesday’s meeting. However, alcohol consumption will not be allowed on site.

“I know how badly we need a facility like this,” Coun. Kyle Sheppard said. “For our most vulnerable population to have a place like this to go is critically important for our community.”

Uquutaq Society currently operates a high-barrier shelter at building 1077 for people who are not intoxicated, and a low-barrier shelter at building 534.

The current low-barrier shelter can only accommodate 17 people at a time, is over capacity and turns away an average of 50 people a month, said McCorriston.

She added people who are turned away from the high-barrier shelter because they are impaired often turn to the low-barrier shelter, further straining capacity.

The proposed new shelter will be built on two currently empty lots, one of which used to be the location of the country food store.

Uquutaq Society’s plan for a new low-barrier shelter includes 44 shelter beds, plus 13 transitional housing units. The facility would include five eight-bed shelter dorms and two two-bed isolation rooms on the second floor, according to planning documents.

“This provides the widest level of support to the community, but may have impacts on the surrounding uses,” cautioned Samantha Toffolo, the city’s consultant planner.

Coun. Harry Flaherty wanted to know what “disadvantages and challenges” might arise for homeowners and businesses in that area if the shelter is built there.

“What steps have been taken to mitigate that?” he asked.

A neighbour has come forward with concerns, McCorriston said. Discussions are ongoing, but she noted one issue involves shelter users loitering when they go outside to smoke.

McCorriston said the proposed shelter includes an enclosed smoking area, an on-site security guard and continuous perimeter checks which should help mitigate concerns.

“So not only will there be a security guard at the door, but more constant patrols. And this site will be much more highly staffed,” she told committee members on Tuesday.

Security staff will check for weapons, drugs and any other contraband, which would be confiscated if found.

McCorriston noted the current low barrier shelter is scheduled to be demolished in 2025. “That’s what made this project a priority for us,” she said.

In an interview Wednesday, she said the facility will also offer a warming centre operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, something Iqaluit “doesn’t have at the moment.”

The shelter, which is expected to be completed by 2025, already has $17 million in funding from Indigenous Services Canada but is expected to cost approximately $30 million to build. McCorriston said that number could rise depending on the tendering process.

She said Uquutaq Society is seeking multiple additional funding sources, including applications to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.’s co-investment fund and National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc.

Nunavut Housing Corp. has committed $800,000 to the project, she said.

McCorriston said the location was selected because it’s already zoned to allow a shelter and boarding house. She noted the Qikiqtani Inuit Association provided funding for demolition and clearing of the site.

She said the Uquutaq Society plans to hold consultation sessions for the public regarding its plans. As well, it still needs full council approval for a development permit and then a building permit before it start to look for a builder.