Elders not happy with location of new Fort McPherson seniors housing, says chief

Some eldersin Fort McPherson, N.W.T., aren't happy about the location of a newseniors home under construction, says the community's chief.

The building, which will have eight one-bedroom apartments and a unit for a caretaker,is being built near the main road that passes through the hamlet.

The $3,268,464 project is expected to be completed byNovember.

Chief William Koe says he's heard from several elders who feel they weren't properlyconsultedin deciding where it would go andthat it should have been built in a quieter part of the community with a view of the mountains.

Koe also says residents are concerned that the home is being built on ground that's traditionally been known as swampy.

"It's like moss ground," he said. "And under there I don't know how the permafrost stays frozen. We might see the building shifting."

But Abe Koe, 76, said he'sjust glad that residents like him will soon have facility to call home.

The territorial government has not yet made anyone available to comment.

Officials from the Housing Corporation will be in the community in April to hear their concerns.