IRC marks soft opening of new Transitional Housing and Recovery Program home in Inuvik
Inuvik, NT, June 17, 2026 — Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) marked the soft opening of its new Transitional Housing and Recovery Program (THARP) home in Inuvik today, a new community-based support that will help men continue their recovery after completing addiction intervention or treatment elsewhere.
THARP will provide second stage transitional housing and aftercare recovery programming for men returning to the community. The home will offer a safe and stable place where participants can focus on continued addiction recovery, daily life skills, and the next steps toward longer-term housing stability.
THARP is intended to serve as a bridge between structured treatment and a return to community life. Through continued support, residents will be able to practise recovery strategies, strengthen routines, and work toward safe, stable and independent living.
The new THARP home will be operated by IRC and will support residents through connection to programming focused on life skills, continued addiction recovery, and housing transition planning. The principal of THARP recognizes that aftercare is an important part of recovery, particularly for people returning from intervention or treatment to northern and remote communities where housing and ongoing support options is limited.
The soft opening provided an opportunity for media, invited guests and community partners to tour the home and learn more about THARP before it begins accepting residents later this summer.
Quotes
“This house reflects IRC’s commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting long-term wellness in ways that are grounded in dignity, accountability and care. Recovery does not end when treatment ends. People need connection, structure and a safe place to continue the work of healing as they return to community.”- Erwin Elias, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, IRC
“For people leaving treatment, safe, sober housing is essential to long-term recovery. The new Inuvik THARP home helps close a gap in aftercare, providing a supportive space where residents can continue healing—close to family, culture, and community.”- Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services
“Investing in transitional housing like the Inuvik THARP home strengthens the entire housing system, creating more homes for Northerners at every stage. It leads to better outcomes for residents and helps ensure they have the right supports in place as they move toward long-term housing. Together, we are creating meaningful, community-led solutions that support residents on their path to wellness.” – Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories.