Northern Ontario Construction News staff writer
Housing NWT has marked a major construction milestone on a new 50-unit social housing development in downtown Yellowknife with the completion of the building’s final roof beam installation.
A topping out ceremony celebrated the placement of the final structural beam, marking the completion of a significant phase of construction on the multi-unit housing project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
The new building will provide 50 social housing units, including 25 barrier-free bachelor suites designed for seniors and single residents, as well as 25 two-bedroom units intended for small families.
Office space will be included for Housing NWT’s North Slave District Office, along with a service location for the Yellowknife Housing Authority, creating a centralized, accessible location for housing programs and services.
Construction is being led by PCL Construction and includes installation of prefabricated mass timber structural components and the building enclosure system. Many of the structural elements were manufactured off-site during the winter before being assembled at the downtown Yellowknife site.
“As Yellowknife continues to grow, housing remains the most important foundation for our community’s future. We are seeing investment, opportunity, and momentum across our city. Ensuring people have access to housing needs to be our focus,” said Yellowknife Mayor Ben Hendriksen, Mayor, City of Yellowknife. “The 50-Plex project is an important step forward and a reflection of the collaborative effort required to address housing needs in the North.”
Using prefabricated construction methods, mass timber and panelized wall systems is intended to improve efficiency during construction while creating a durable building suited for northern conditions. The project will also incorporate biomass heating technology to improve energy performance and reduce long-term operating costs.
Housing NWT is working with local contractors including J&R Mechanical, DT Electric, NWT Construction, CR Enterprises, Slades Fire Protection, Look HVAC Systems, Canuck Concrete Pumping and Crane, Paul Bros Nextreme, Ideal Woodwork, Tetra Tech, Det’on Cho Challenger Geomatics, Preventative Security Services, Kavanaugh, North Shore Waste Management and Ron’s Equipment Rental & Industrial Supply.
“The 50-Plex project is a key part of the GNWT’s work to increase the availability, accessibility and affordability of housing across the territory,” said Lucy Kuptana, Minister of Housing Northwest Territories. “Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to delivering 50 new homes that will expand housing options for residents and help address growing demand in Yellowknife.”
The project is funded through the federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Rapid Housing Initiative.
Construction is expected to continue through 2026, with the new 50-unit building scheduled for completion in spring 2027.