Construction on the site of Housing NWT’s new 50-Unit mixed-use building in Yellowknife will pause over the winter season. Materials will be manufactured off-site during this time. Work will start again on site by Spring 2026.

To date, the following work has been completed:

• A new fire hydrant
• Foundation construction
• Underground plumbing and mechanical systems
• Municipal services connections
• Placement of backfill materials around the building

The future residential mixed-use building is located on 50th Street This land was donated by the City of Yellowknife in support of Yellowknife’s downtown revitalization strategy. The location was chosen based on land availability and its proximity to key services. The area is currently undergoing redevelopment with new businesses. The Yellowknife Wellness Centre is currently under construction, and housing supports will be integrated directly into the building on the ground floor.

This project supports the City’s goal to make downtown more inclusive, and supports vulnerable populations. Residents also benefit from being close to parks and playgrounds, schools, and public transportation—all advantages of downtown living that enhance accessibility and connection to the community.

Security features are built into the design with the goal of creating a safe, comfortable living environment.

This new multi-unit complex will include:

• 25 barrier-free units for seniors and individuals with accessibility needs
• 25 two-bedroom units for small families
• An accessible service location for the Yellowknife Housing Authority and public facing office spaces for Housing NWT’s North Slave District Office on the ground floor

This project helps grow Housing NWT’s public housing stock and reduces the need to lease private units in the city.

The project is made possible through strong partnerships with:

• The City of Yellowknife, contribution of the land
• CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative provided $20.8 million in funding
• PCL Construction and Stantec as design-build partners.

The building is designed for northern conditions. It will use cross laminated mass timber panels for construction and premanufactured building envelope, a first in the NWT. It will also use solar panels and renewable space heating systems, including a pellet boiler, electric boiler, and heat pumps.

Over the winter, some parts of the apartment building will be built off-site. Structural components will be made at the Kalesnikoff Mass Timber facility in Castlegar, BC, using strong, sustainable wood and precise building methods that help reduce waste. At the same time, Flynn Speedwall will be factory-assembling the building’s outer walls system. Because these pieces are built ahead of time, they can be put together quickly and easily once they arrive at the site in the new year.

Construction on site will resume in Spring 2026, with completion planned by Spring 2027.

For media requests, please contact:
Jeanne Gard
Manager, Communications
Housing NWT
nwthc_comms@gov.nt.ca