For the past two or three months we have been looking for someplace to live in Iqaluit. During this span we've been in three different house-sits, and I even spent some very miserable time in the researcher bunkhouse.
As of this week, neither of the two major (as in hundreds of units) housing companies has anything. Well, one said they "might" have a one-bedroom but someone was looking at it... I guess that person took it, because we never received a call back.
Two smaller companies (the only other two I can think of) likewise have nothing.
We are also on the list for co-op housing, and had been optimistic having been told we were second or third on the list. However, a call earlier in the week confirmed we are now more like fifth or sixth. So, no hope in hell there.
Now, for southern folk not familiar with the scene here, this does not mean we can't find an apartment within a very specific price range, or with some specific features. And I know we're not alone in this dilemma, because there are more signs posted "house-sit wanted" around town then I have ever seen.
I'm sure there are lots of reasons for the scarcity of living spaces. GN vacancies have hit an all-time low from what I can see on staff phone lists. (Maybe the recession is chasing people North?) A lot of public housing has been displaced while new units are being constructed. And the city continues to attract people from around the territory.
But this is kind of getting to the end point for us, I have to tell you. We're two full-time workers, good tenants with good references and in one month (the remainder of our current house-sit) we're going to be homeless again. I know, boohoo. But it's lame and annoying. And that's my rant.
