Expert Says Homes In The North Not Hardy Enough

Expert Says Homes In The North Not Hardy Enough

Wednesday, February 02, 2005 at 14:17

A housing coordinator with the Prince Albert Grand Council says it’s time for a fundamental change in how First Nations housing is developed.

Vince Genereaux says families in the Far North are suffering because the homes they live in were designed for climate conditions in southern Canada and the United States.

He points to mould and flooring breakdowns as just a few examples of how the unsuitable homes are failing to cpe with the harsh conditions.

Generaux says companies building houses have to begin designing them for the environment found in the Athabasca basin.

He notes permafrost is another troublesome factor that designers just don’t take into account when designing flooring for houses.

Generaux spoke at a housing conference taking place in Prince Albert.