Housing NWT is pleased to announce the completion of modernization work at Aspen Apartments. The 36-unit building will improve the quality of social housing in the Northwest Territories. It is also intended to help ease pressure on Yellowknife’s rental market.

With the building now ready for occupancy, Housing NWT will allocate the 30 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units to social housing tenants.

This modernization project will extend the service life of the building by an additional 25 years. Upgrades include:

• Life safety systems (fire alarms and sprinklers)
• Improved ventilation for better indoor air quality and efficiency
• Increased operational efficiency
• Integrated security system to enhance resident safety
• A new biomass heating system expected to offset 80% of the building’s previous fuel oil use.

Housing NWT acquired the previously vacant building in partnership with the City of Yellowknife and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through the Federal Lands and Rapid Housing Initiatives. ARCAN Construction completed the renovation work. Design and construction oversight were provided by Stantec.

Quotes

“This project is an important step toward improving housing quality and affordability in Yellowknife.  By reducing reliance on private leases and modernizing this building, we are supporting the long-term sustainability of social housing. It also demonstrates the strength of collaboration with our partners, in this case the City of Yellowknife and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, through initiatives like Federal Lands and Rapid Housing, allowing us to deliver timely solutions and better support our most vulnerable residents."  

- Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT

“The completion of the retrofit of the 36 units at Aspen Apartments will greatly improve the quality of social housing here in Yellowknife.  With an investment of almost $8 million from the federal government, this project is just one of the ways we’re easing pressure on the rental market and building more safe, affordable housing in Yellowknife.“
- The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations 

Quick facts

• Aspen Apartments is a 36-unit building in Yellowknife, NT
• The building includes 30 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units
• Existing tenants will move into these units, which are now managed by Housing NWT, freeing up private market rentals.
• Upgrades include life safety systems (fire alarms and sprinklers), improved ventilation, security system, and a biomass heating system expected to offset 80% of fuel oil use.
• The project was delivered in partnership with the City of Yellowknife and CMHC through the Rapid Housing Initiative and Federal Lands Initiative.
• Construction by ARCAN Construction; design and oversight by Stantec.

Related links

• Lucy Kuptana: Capital Delivery Status Update

For media requests, please contact:
Housing NWT Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
NWTHC_Comms@gov.nt.ca

**Please note, this news release has been updated to reflect a quote included from Minister Rebecca Alty