It’s fair to say that the housing issue in Nunavut is of big concern, and Iqaluit housing options are not much different.
When I first moved to Iqaluit, I was lucky enough to be provided with subsidized housing through my job. It was a humble abode, but it was conveniently located and (almost) fully furnished. The 500 square feet accommodated me just fine, and I knew that I was luckier than most. However, a series of circumstances led me to seek out housing options in the private market.
And so, I began house hunting in a place known for its housing crisis.
With limited options and exorbitant rent, finding accommodations in Iqaluit is a challenge to say the least. Through my trials and tribulations, I learned some tricks of the trade. So, for those of you looking to move to Iqaluit, here are some ways to find yourself a home sweet home.
1. Work for the Feds
Notoriously known for getting hooked up with sweet housing (and for getting let off work during blizzards way earlier than everyone else), some of the nicest and most ubiquitous subsidized units in town are reserved for federal employees (and their spouses; just ask Anubha). Other organizations have subsidized staff housing as well, but it’s particularly hard to come by.
2. Co-operate; Co-habitate
I’ve only heard whispers about Iqaluit’s co-op housing. The word on the street is that the units are spacious and (relatively) affordable, but the wait list is long. My impeccable Google skills didn’t come up with much information, other than some 411.ca and Yellow Pages search results. Good luck on your mission.
The red-roofed homes with a view are part of co-op housing, which is located in one of Iqaluit’s most cheery neighbourhoods: Happy Valley.
3. Become a Vagabond
House sitting gigs arise fairly often, and I have friends who have saved themselves a few months’ rent by house hopping. It’s a win-win situation: the homeowners’ pipes don’t freeze/pets don’t starve/plants don’t die and your bank account doesn’t plummet. The only downside is living out of a suitcase, which is difficult in the Arctic given all that winter gear. But if you’re up for a staycation, check out the Iqaluit House Sitters & Couch Surfers and Iqaluit Permanent & Temporary Housing Facebook pages to see what’s available.
4. Become a Home Owner
This one seems a bit extreme, but so is paying thousands of dollars into the black hole that is your landlord’s pocket. Real estate is not cheap up here, but if you do the math it just might be worthwhile. Added bonus: the incredible housing shortage in town means that it’s a seller’s market, so you may make quite the return on your property investment. Houses for sale can be found (formerly) on the Property Guys and Atiilu Real Estate websites, as well as (informally) on the Iqaluit Public Service Announcements Facebook page.
5. Shack Up
Yes, gone are the days of being able to afford your own apartment. With one-bedroom units costing upwards of $2,700 per month, shared accommodations can allow you to enjoy more space for less rent. This involves re-adjusting to life with roommates (good thing mine are so fabulous), so cross your fingers you don’t end up in a frat house. You can find people looking for extra roommates on the Iqaluit Public Service Announcements and Iqaluit Permanent & Temporary Housing Facebook pages, or on bulletin boards around town (e.g. Post Office, Arctic Ventures, Baffin Deli).
6. Be Patient and Persistent
So this is my most legitimate recommendation. If you’re looking for a more traditional method of finding accommodation, there are one-, two-, and three-bedroom options available through a few property managers in town. The availability of units changes quite frequently, so it may take a while to find one that’s a good fit for you. I’ve had particularly good success dealing with Northern Properties and Nunastar. Atiilu Real Estate is also an option.
The view of the #dumpcano from my balcony at midnight. I’m so glad I found this townhouse with such a buena vista.
Do you have any suggestions for finding accommodation in Iqaluit or elsewhere in Nunavut? If so, leave us a note in the comment section below or get in touch through Twitter!
Great synopsis, can’t think of anything you missed – except the obvious “score job with housing” which isn’t always easy 😉 This will be very helpful for anyone hoping to move to iqaluit!
Thanks, Lindsay! Very true – scoring a job with housing is definitely like finding a diamond in the rough. That said, it’s a huge incentive for southerners moving north. Especially with expensive airfare, groceries, and well, everything.
Very helpful article! ☺
I am moving to Iqaluit end of September. I was wondering if you’d be able to answer a couple of my questions. How is Internet service up there like? I’ve done some research and found northwestel charge $180 with 30gb limit. Is 30gb really the max ? Also, how much approximately would electricity bill be for a single person?
Thanks in dance ☺
We’re glad you think so, Valeriya! In terms of internet, you have a few options in Iqaluit, namely Northwestel, Qiniq, and Xplornet. They each have their pros and cons (which will make a good future blog post…) But until that gets written, Google them and figure out which one might suit you best. Up here, the internet speeds are slow and the usage caps are low. Welcome to the arctic!! In terms of bills, the costs vary greatly depending on your housing and your housemates. In a townhouse with 4 people, we each pay $35-80 a month for electricity and $35-65 a month for heating. Let us know if you have any other questions 🙂
Thanks Anubha and Sara! 🙂
I have oh so many questions but I think I’ll find out all the answers once I get there 🙂
Good luck and feel free to drop us a line when you get up here!
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Well, I have noticed a lot of Inuit put behind others, as in the “whites”. So I’ve been told the Housing Authority is a hassle, Yes there are a lot of Inuit, with such little space given before “our kind”. And I believe that is not set right, this IS our community, don’t get me wrong, everyone is welcome, but having said than done, is a mess. I see all these homeless people, I’ve known people that have been without homes, for as long as I can remember. The people of Iqaluit are in shelters, Big families are put into one bedrooms, such little families have been put into wide spaces. The lack of proper housing is common now a days. Waiting lists are never ending, we are angry but cannot show just a little commonsense. They (as in the people) cannot afford most prices, but giving the proper housing, would do some good. This is our community, before “white people”, before “out of towners”, and put aside because of “our kind”. Like, it is understandable why and how the people are put out on the streets from our social past, from these alcoholics, and burning houses, and lack of payments. And I have to say “not all Inuit are”. I am a young lady in need for my own house, for my own good, and having one would help not only me, yet also the people that are close to me, and yet in need to have a roof over our heads. To keep warm, and safe. Simple. Considering the fact that my whole life would have been completely different if I had a decent place to sleep at night, if I was put into a safe environment, as not only myself, see I’ve lived here in Iqaluit all my life, and these young ones as myself are in danger, young girls are in shelters, kids walking the streets at night without a place to go, young ladies forced to do what is not right. You see people at the grocery store, because they do not have a place of their own to stay, a place to be. Social Assistance is no longer in the housing system. For they look for high prices, when simply it is not enough. And to realize when the people act up on these problems as in protests, without the authority to do so it is not right. Us Inuit have tried our best. The people are not lazy, they are not bums, they are homeless. And a times it brings forward lack of payments, more alcoholism, drug-attics and North Mart people. That the housing authority implies to all Inuit. Without a doubt, and that is just straight up wrong. I am a student at the Arctic College looking for a night time job, therefore I have payments that I can pay. I have lived here all my life, I have seen more than I should, I have realized what this really is at a really young age. And that just proves what the Authority has shown us, has given us, in our own community.
At times its “personal” to the employees in this Housing Authority, and when it is the “whites” I believe it is a racial act. As I was saying “not all Inuit are”. This is down-up wrong. And I believe this site http://findingtruenorth.ca/iqaluit-housing/ is proof that the people that are moving in CAN easily get what they need, more of what we need (as in the people), and I have this feeling this site CAN help, if they chose to, or if they even have some senses. Sara, What do you have in mind?
Hi Meeka,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. You are touching on some very difficult but ultimately important issues that affect Nunavut, and many other parts of the world. Just like you and anyone else in our community, we are aware of and concerned about these same topics – poverty, homelessness, food insecurity – and, just like you, we would also like to see a change.
Thus far, our blog has taken a positive approach to writing about Iqaluit, focusing on our community strengths and features. That means that we don’t always cover the whole story, as seen in this post, where we give advice on finding a house for those who can afford to do so, without talking about the city’s housing crisis. In the future, we hope to give more attention to some of the concerns you raised, if we can do so in an authentic, respectful, and well-informed manner.
For now, thank you again for taking the time to write your comment. Your honesty is appreciated 🙂
anubha and sara
I am arriving in Iqaluit on Friday 7 November and would like to find a room.
Thanks
Lili Weemen
Hi Lili. Well that’s exciting! How long will you be staying for?
I am looking for a place right away for a week or 2 at the most my current living condition is no good anymore and I am leaving Iqaluit for a job in Regina. I am a very clean person and will take care of a house no problem as if it were my own!
Peter, have you posted on the Iqaluit housesitters page? That is your best bet for finding a place quickly!