INUVIK, NT, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country.
Central to that work, the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, which is helping increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes is also helping fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It is building deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partnering with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.
As part of the Government of Canada's broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, investments are being made across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.
Today, the federal government announced $19.2 million in funding, combined with funding committed by the Government of the Northwest Territories, to help build 40 new homes in Inuvik. This development will feature 20 two-bedroom units and 20 units for singles, in a mix of four-plexes and duplexes on a central, vacant lot in Inuvik. On completion these homes will be operated as deeply subsidized, low-cost rental housing under NWT Housing's Social Housing Program.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, alongside the Honourable Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT.
The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.
Quotes:
"This investment will deliver 40 new affordable homes and transform the Blueberry Patch into a place where residents of Inuvik can live and grow. This is a part of our government's mission to build homes across the North at a pace not seen in generations." – The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
"Access to more homes for Northerners is essential for healthy, resilient communities. Redeveloping the Blueberry Patch site allows us to respond quickly to Inuvik's housing needs and deliver accessible and well-located social housing. Investing in new housing today means stronger communities tomorrow." – The Honourable Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories
Quick Facts:
- The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provided funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This was a $16.1 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gave priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. The application portal for AHF is now closed as all funding has been committed.
- As of December 2025, the Government of Canada has committed $14.44 billion to support the creation of over 56,900 units and the repair of over 174,700 units through the Affordable Housing Fund.
- On September 19, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $1.5 billion top-up in loans for the AHF's New Construction Stream, to support the creation of over 5,000 new units starting in 2025-26. Additionally, the AHF's Rapid Housing Sub-Stream will be accelerated, by pulling $385 million in funding from future years.
- Funding provided for Blueberry Patch is as follows:
- $19.2 million through the federal government's Affordable Housing Fund
- Funding contribution from GNWT
Additional Information:
- Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information.
- Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.
- CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. CMHC's mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.
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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Contacts: Renée LeBlanc Proctor, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]; Communications, Housing NWT, [email protected]
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