New Aklavik, N.W.T., elders' home opens

A new $6 million home for eldersopened Monday in Aklavik, N.W.T.

The Joe Greenland Centreoverlooks the river and haseight rooms for seniors.The new centre is built on the same site as the old one.

"Every room faces the river or the mountain and they have a fantastic view," saidRobert C.McLeod,minister of housing.

"The hallways are a lot wider. So it would be good for the elders that are staying here to walk the hallways."

It features bright windows, wheelchair access and verandahs for elders like MosesKayotukto people-watch.

"What's good about it is it's high," he said. "And it's new. Not like that old one. Now you can stretch your neck and you can have a look over there."

The new building can accommodateelders living independentlyand thosewho need assisted living.

The community has been without an elders' home for years.Before the new home was built, Aklavik's elders either had to move to Inuvik or move in with family.