Calling it a great day for Yellowknife seniors and a wonderful day for the city in general, President and Chief Executive Officer Daryl Dolynny of Avens, a community for seniors, was all smiles as the newest complex on the site had its official opening Thursday afternoon.
What is known as the Pavilion is home to just over 100 one and two bedroom apartments for people 55 and over. The four year plus project has tripled the number of people who can now live at Avens.
“The ability to create housing, especially for a vulnerable sector, doesn’t happen every day,” said Dolynny. “Collectively a lot of hands were involved. It’s a crowning achievement not just for Avens but for Yellowknife.”
He added that by creating the new housing units, Avens has given seniors a new option for ageing in place with dignity.
Hundreds of people – from Nahanni Construction workers who helped build the facility, to fundraisers to politicians filled the pavilion’s main dining hall for the ceremony.
Many of them took a tour afterwards of the sparkling new building. All the units are priced under $2,000 a month and they are reportedly going quickly with names being added to a waiting list on a regular basis.
Dolynny added that he is very grateful for everyone involved who helped the project through completion despite the Covid pandemic and the wildfire evacuation of 2023.
