Increase in Senior Home Heating Subsidy for Norman Wells recipients
Publication Date
News Release
Senior Home Heating Subsidy rates have been increased for subsidy recipients age 60 and over in Norman Wells, in recognition of the rising cost of home heating fuel.
The rate from October to April has been increased from $750/month to $1,455/month. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to monitor heating costs in Norman Wells and may adjust the subsidy rate, as needed.
Seniors who have already been approved for the Senior Home Heating Subsidy do not need to re-apply to receive the increase.
The increase to the Senior Home Heating Subsidy is one of the supports the Government of the Northwest Territories has deployed to assist residents and businesses in Norman Wells. Other supports include funding for businesses and longer-term efforts for the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
Residents can explore other GNWT funding opportunities to see if they're eligible for any other programs.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes that the Sahtu region experiences some of the highest costs of living in the country. The impacts from the barge cancellations due to low water is further impacting home heating costs in Norman Wells. This is why we have nearly doubled the Senior Home Heating Subsidy rates for Norman Wells recipients beginning this month. We will continue to monitor home heating costs and are prepared to adjust subsidy rates further based on those prices to ensure seniors are supported.”
-Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
Quick facts:
This past summer, the annual resupply barges along the Mackenzie River were cancelled due to record low water levels.
The increase for Norman Wells Senior Home Heating Subsidy recipients is in addition to the rate increases previously announced for 2024-2025, which was providing an extra $85 - $175 per month from September 2024 to April 2025 depending on the Senior’s community.
The Senior Home Heating Subsidy assists low-to-modest income seniors, 60 years of age and older, in the NWT with their heating costs.