NNSL file photo
The territorial government is planning to replace the Riverview Lodge seniors' complex within the next five years, and building at a different site.
In the Legislative Assembly on March 5, Alfred Moses, the minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, said the now vacant land where the so-called Disneyland housing once stood has been earmarked for the replacement of the 40-year-old Riverview Lodge, which is located on Capital Drive.
Moses said the corporation is looking at a replacement within the next five years.
"The Housing Corporation plans to construct the replacement seniors' complex on existing NWT Housing Corporation's own land, avoiding the need to displace the current senior tenants," he said.
Moses was responding to questions from Hay River North MLA R.J. Simpson, who also raised the issue on March 13 in the Legislative Assembly and asked for more detail on when replacing Riverview Lodge might take place.
"It is something that we are going to be looking at, obviously, considering replacing within the next five years," said Moses, adding there will be consultations with community stakeholders.
"The current lot that the Riverview Lodge sits on is a beautiful piece of property. It's right downtown. It's right on the river," said Simpson. "Does the minister have an idea yet of what is planned for that piece of property after the new lodge is built?"
Moses said the existing lot will be used for future development by the NWT Housing Corporation.
Simpson also asked the minister if he would commit to engaging with the Hay River Seniors' Society on the design of the replacement for Riverview Lodge, the amenities in the building and its location, noting the current Riverview Lodge is downtown, right across from the drugstore and near the arena.
"You are close to everyone, and you can walk everywhere, and I know a lot of people appreciate it," said Simpson. "So will the minister commit to consulting about the design and the location of the building?"
Moses responded that the government will be looking at engaging with the relevant stakeholders.