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GDC hosts FN housing forum

The Gitxsan Development Corporation presented housing options for aboriginal people in the Hazelton area last week at Gitanmaax Hall.

The Gitxsan Development Corporation held an information session proposing housing options for aboriginal people in the Hazelton area last week at Gitanmaax Hall.

The forum was cohosted by Natural Resources Canada, who sent Bradley Henry to inform people of the realities they will face in the near future.

He urged those in the room to consider working with prospective industry rather than fight against them.

“Enbridge wants to build a pipeline near here,” Bradley, who has consulted for Enbridge, said. “They want to come through here, but it’s up to you to make sure they do so on your terms.”

Nine individual home building and related companies came to give attendees of the two-day event an idea of the possibilities when looking to build.

Mike Sawyer, Net-Zero Structures Ltd., spoke about needs versus wants when devising and planning to build a home.

“You have to manage your expectations and build to suit what is actually needed rather than attempting to build our dream home,” Sawyer said.

Net-Zero homes, which uses an innovative method of pre-fabricated, insulated paneling can build for as low as $100,000 and up to $300,000 for a top-of-the-line model.

Sandra Rohler, passive house design architect and owner, enlightened those in attendance about what her company has to offer.

“We build to suit,” Rohler said. “There are few limitations to what we can do.”

Passive houses use heat from appliances and bodies and appliances plus geo-thermal and solar to heat houses, which is circulated for maximum efficiency.

Rick Connors, GDC CEO, is quick to point out the reason for the event.

“This isn’t a competition,” he said. “Hopefully people will find something that works for them here.”