People-centred solutions in action: mould remediation and housing restoration in Nunavut

 Access to safe, healthy housing is fundamental to community well-being. In Northern communities, where environmental conditions and resource constraints present unique challenges, maintaining housing quality is especially critical.  

Across Nunavut, mould contamination in residential units has emerged as a significant concern, with direct implications for both human health and long-term housing integrity.  

The human impacts of mould contamination  

Mould contamination in housing is a critical issue in remote Northern communities, where limited housing supply and overcrowding intensify indoor environmental risks. Poor housing conditions are closely linked to poor physical/ mental health and social outcomes. These can include: 

• Health risks: Exposure to indoor mould is associated with respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as well as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also contribute to the development or worsening of asthma, bronchitis, and other infections, particularly among infants, children, seniors, pregnant people, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.  
• Social impacts: In already overcrowded homes, poor indoor air quality can increase stress, disrupt family well-being, and heighten the risk of illness transmission among occupants, compounding existing social and health inequities.  
• Housing impacts: Mould accelerates building deterioration and can render homes unsafe or temporarily uninhabitable. In remote regions where access to materials, labour, and replacement housing is often limited, mould remediation may require resident displacement, further straining communities and housing systems.  

Addressing mould contamination in Northern communities therefore requires integrated, community-informed solutions that improve indoor air quality, building performance, and long-term housing resilience. 

A coordinated approach to mould contamination assessment and remediation 

In recent years, Englobe has been working alongside the Nunavut Housing Corporation to deliver people-centred, multidisciplinary solutions that address mould at its source, helping restore homes and improving residents’ quality of life across the territory. 

The Englobe team’s role began with detailed building investigations designed to identify, document, and assess the extent of mould contamination. The team conducted thorough site inspections and compiled comprehensive photographic documentation, creating a clear and reliable foundation for informed remediation planning. 

Recognizing that effective solutions require both technical expertise and local partnership, the Englobe team collaborated closely with Sila Remediation Inc., its sister company and a majority Inuit-owned contractor. Together, the teams delivered integrated remediation and reconstruction services, ensuring that affected housing units were not only decontaminated but restored to safe, livable conditions. 

Over the past four years, this collaborative effort has resulted in 73 mould contamination assessments and 58 remediation and reconstruction projects across 15 communities throughout Nunavut, an initiative addressing an urgent and widespread issue. 

Minimizing disruption, maximizing impact 

In remote Northern communities, successful project delivery requires careful coordination not only with clients, but also with the communities themselves. The Englobe team worked closely with the Nunavut Housing Corporation and local stakeholders to align schedules with community priorities and logistical realities.  

A key focus throughout the project was minimizing disruption for residents, since remediating mould contamination often requires temporary relocation - which can be challenging for families and communities. To address this, the Englobe project team prioritized efficient delivery timelines to reduce displacement and enable residents to return to their homes as quickly as possible.

Supporting health, sustainability, and local capacity 

Beyond the technical scope, the Englobe project team delivered meaningful social and sustainability outcomes. By removing mould contamination, the initiative directly reduces health risks associated with poor indoor air quality, contributing to safer living environments and improved well-being for residents. 

The project also supports economic and community development by actively involving an Inuit-owned partner, Sila, in remediation and reconstruction work. This collaboration strengthens local capacity, supports Indigenous participation, and ensures that benefits extend beyond the immediate project scope. 

In addition, the integrated approach to investigation, remediation, and reconstruction helps optimize the use of limited resources. This is an important consideration in remote regions where access to materials, labour, and infrastructure is often constrained. 

Delivering impact across Nunavut 

The scale and outcomes of this project highlight its broader impact: 

• 73 detailed building investigations to identify and document mould issues 
• 58 housing units remediated and restored, supporting safe, healthy living conditions 
• 15 communities reached, reflecting a territory-wide effort 
• Efficient delivery timelines to minimize resident displacement 
• Support for Inuit participation through partnership with a majority Inuit-owned contractor 
• Improved housing quality and community well-being 

Building healthier communities 

For Englobe, this initiative reflects a commitment to delivering solutions that go beyond technical excellence. By combining multidisciplinary expertise with strong partnerships and a people-first mindset, the team is helping address complex challenges in a way that is both practical and impactful. 

As communities across Nunavut continue to navigate housing and infrastructure needs, projects that address and remediate mould contamination - such as this one - demonstrate how thoughtful engineering, collaboration, and local engagement can come together to create healthier, more resilient places to live.