Housing NWT, in partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the City of Yellowknife, held a groundbreaking ceremony this afternoon for a new 50-unit public housing multi-plex set to open in the Fall of 2026 in downtown Yellowknife.
GNWT called the project “a major step forward” in addressing the housing shortage in N.W.T.
The groundbreaking took place at 5022 50 St, where the building will be constructed. Accessible ground floor commercial spaces will be used for Housing NWT’s North Slave District Office, including a service location for the Yellowknife Housing Authority.
GNWT explained that the project was born from a collaborative effort between Housing NWT, the City of Yellowknife, PCL Construction, Stantec and CMHC with a $20.8 million contribution funded through their Rapid Housing Initiative.
Officials said the project will provide sustainable, affordable housing for seniors, singles, and small families in a mixed-use building, which co-locates housing service providers in an accessible downtown location.
“Incorporating a mix of unit sizes and layouts, the building is designed to accommodate a wide range of housing needs. The building will feature 25 barrier-free bachelor suites for seniors and singles and 25 two-bedroom units for small families,” said GNWT in an announcement issued today.
GNWT also announced that this project reflects Housing NWT’s commitment to “energy-efficient, climate-resilient housing solutions” in the North.
The building will feature a sustainable design built of mass timber construction for rapid assembly and biomass heating.
The project is part of the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy to provide safe, affordable homes to more people across the country.
Minister Lucy Kuptana, who is the minister responsible for Housing NWT attended the ceremony and spoke about the many challenges that individuals and families are facing in securing housing in the North.
Minister Kuptana explained that currently, there is a waitlist of over 300 households in need of affordable housing in the territories.
The Minister said the new housing project shows how committed the GNWT is to tackling the housing crisis in the North.
“This 50-Unit Multi-Plex project demonstrates our commitment to improving housing accessibility for residents across the territory and providing more homes for Northerners. These new units will provide a safe and sustainable environment for residents. The project shows the GNWT’s commitment to advancing affordable housing solutions in partnership with the federal government.”
Michael Saturnino, the associate deputy minister of Housing Sustainability and Partnerships with Housing N.W.T., also attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Saturnino told True North FM that currently, there are plans in place to develop more affordable housing, including accessible housing, across N.W.T.
Anyone who would like more information about applications to GNWT’s homeowner programs can head to their Homeowners program page or Housing NWT’s social media page.
