Residents of Elders Home in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, to Be Relocated Due to Heating Issues

The Ungava Tulattavik Health Centre (UTHC), which operates the Tusaajiapik elders home in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, issued a news release on Wednesday stating that the facility faces heating and other technical issues. The home houses 13 residents, with 10 of them either bedridden or in wheelchairs. UTHC is developing alternative housing options for these residents.

UTHC indicated a preference for solutions within the Nunavik region where possible. If clinical needs require it, resources in southern Quebec may be used to ensure continuity of care. The centre is conducting individual assessments to create tailored transition plans for each resident.

Facility The Tusaajiapik elders home was built in the 1990s and was not originally designed for hospital-level care or to serve elders from multiple communities.

Over time, due to limited infrastructure in the region, UTHC has maintained these services at the facility. Larry Watt, UTHC's executive director, described the relocation as a precautionary measure in an interview with CBC’s Tuttavik. " — Larry Watt, UTHC executive director (translated from Inuktitut) Watt did not specify a timeline for the relocation or the start of repairs.

The heating problems involve renovations to the furnace, with most parts requiring shipment from southern regions. UTHC estimates the repair costs could reach $15 million.

residents moved to southern Quebec facilities, UTHC plans to provide up to six plane tickets per year for family visits, along with coverage for accommodation, meals, and local transportation.

The facility currently employs 35 staff members. UTHC stated it is arranging alternative employment opportunities for them within other parts of the institution. This situation highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in remote Nunavik communities, where access to specialized care and maintenance resources is limited.

The relocation aims to address immediate safety concerns while long-term repairs are planned. Further updates on timelines and specific placements will depend on assessment outcomes.