Housing Northwest Territories (Housing NWT) has completed a hybrid housing project in Délı̨nę, adding two new modular duplexes for a total of four new social housing units in the community. This pilot project brings much needed housing for single residents to the community, while piloting new construction approaches designed for northern conditions.

The hybrid project uses prefabricated modular cores, manufactured off-site locally in the NWT. Each core includes a kitchen, bathroom, mechanical room, plumbing and water tank. Local workers and subcontractors then complete the building shell on site, allowing the homes to be built faster. The design aims to exceed energy efficiency standards and reduce fuel oil consumption through a well-sealed, highly insulated building envelope. This hybrid construction approach also helps address challenges related to short building seasons, weather constraints, and transportation logistics in the Sahtu region.

These new homes are intended to help relieve pressure on existing social housing units that are nearing the end of their service life. This project reflects ongoing efforts to modernize and improve how new homes are built and delivered. Housing NWT is also ensuring all new homes are built to northern standards and designed to meet the needs of residents.

This investment aligns with the GNWT’s mandated commitment to increase the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing across the Northwest Territories. By adding new homes in Délı̨nę, Housing NWT is supporting community stability, improving living conditions for families, and strengthening long-term housing outcomes in the Sahtu region.

Quotes

“Remote communities like Délı̨nę need homes that work in northern conditions and can be delivered efficiently, despite the challenges of distance and climate. Completing this hybrid housing project is about strategically delivering more homes for Northerners and about making sure that residents in Délı̨nę have access to safe, reliable housing. As a Minister from a small community, I see firsthand how barges and weather can impact projects. I believe this modular core construction method has the potential to transform housing construction in small communities. A huge congratulations to Délı̨nę for being the first community to participate in this new innovation for the Northwest Territories.”

- The Honourable Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories

“Housing remains a major priority for communities across the Sahtu, and these new homes in Délı̨nę are an important step forward. New units like these help relieve pressure on existing housing while giving residents safe, modern homes built for northern conditions. It’s also encouraging to see new construction approaches being tested that can help deliver housing more efficiently in small and remote communities while creating opportunities for local workers.”

- Danny McNeely, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Sahtu

Quick facts

• Two new modular duplexes have been completed in Délı̨nę, adding four new social housing units.
• The hybrid construction approach combines a premanufactured core with onsite construction.
• The project supports faster delivery of housing in remote communities while meeting northern building standards.
• The new units will help ease pressure on existing social housing stock.
• This project supports the GNWT’s mandate commitment to increase the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing across the territory.

Related links

• Lucy Kuptana: Capital Delivery Status Update
• GNWT advancing 98 new modular homes across nine NWT communities

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