The Nunavik Housing Bureau listens to tenants: Results of the second survey from the “Well at Home” initiative revealed.
Results of the Around your house Second Quiz: Tenant preferences regarding the surroundings of their houses.
The Well at Home Initiative, launched by the Nunavik Housing Bureau (NHB), continues to register progress in improving housing conditions in Northern Quebec. With the release of the second questionnaire results, based on feedback from 115 participants, the initiative is gaining valuable insights into tenant preferences that are crucial in shaping the future of housing in the region.
The second questionnaire, submitted to participants in the fall of 2023, delved into the aesthetics and surroundings of the house.
Highlights of the Second Quiz – Around your house
While Kuujjuaq remains the community with the highest participation rate, there has been increased regional involvement in this second questionnaire, indicating a growing interest in participating in the housing improvement process.
1. House styles: The results revealed a significant preference for modern (35%) and traditional (34%) house styles over existing styles prevalent in Nunavik, such as the recent Nunavik style (2%) or Nunavik style before 2000 (16%).
2. Siding: Respondents said they favored neutral colors (70%) over bright ones (30%) for house siding, with grey emerging as the clear favorite (46%), amongst a selection of 14 neutral and bright colors.
3. Shed features: Tenants emphasized the importance of shed size (86%), larger or double doors (86%), and connection to electricity (66%). Notably, all new sheds constructed in recent years are equipped with electricity.
4. House extensions: 50% of respondents expressed a preference for a deck attached to the porch, offering a more private outdoor space. Other options included an extension of the porch on the outside (24%), a balcony (16%), and a deck in the backyard (8%).
5. Shared Spaces: Tenants expressed a willingness to share facilities such as workshops (67%) and decks (58%), provided that these facilities were located adjacent to the house and that they had a say in who they shared them with. However, respondents were less positive about sharing their sheds (47%).
6. Parking Needs: 75% of respondents expressed the need for parking space for at least three vehicles around their house, including cars, trucks, snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, and motorcycles. Interestingly, 41% indicated openness to alternative parking options.
Desired Features for Living in a Plex
Respondents were also asked about factors that would incentivize them to live in a plex. The majority expressed a need for more storage (61%), larger water/sewage tanks (56%), better soundproofing (57%), and a non-smoking policy (43%). It is worth noting that a non-smoking policy has been in place for all new units built since 2022.
Makivvik commits to implementing achievable changes
A full report of the questionnaire results has been shared with our collaborators at Makivvik. They will analyze the comments and implement possible changes based on the feedback received from tenants.
The insights gleaned from this second questionnaire are invaluable, as they facilitate understanding of tenant preferences and needs, ultimately contributing to future improvements in living standards and community satisfaction across Nunavik.