‘Good news for Nunavummiut’: 23

‘Good news for Nunavummiut’: 23-unit housing complex coming to Iqaluit

Federal government awards $35.6 million contract to Arctic Fresh Projects Inc.

A plot of land that previously housed three families, will soon provide housing for more than 23.

The government of Canada announced Tuesday it’s awarding a contract to build a 23-unit housing complex in Iqaluit. It will be on Nikku Lane behind the Northwestel building.

The government has given the $35.6 million contract to Arctic Fresh Projects Inc. under a federal program called the Buy Canadian Policy, which is committed to prioritizing Canadian supply chains and workers.

“Building a new 23-unit housing complex here in Iqaluit is good news for Nunavummiut, and good news for the many Canadian builders and suppliers who will bring the project to life under the Buy Canadian Policy,” Nunavut MP Lori Idlout, said in a news release Tuesday.

She said Arctic Fresh Projects Inc. — also the builders on Nunavut’s first addictions and treatment centre set to open later this year — reflects the government’s commitment to supporting Inuit entrepreneurs.

“Our government will continue working with local partners and Indigenous Peoples to advance projects that will build a more prosperous future for Canada’s North,” she said.

The new building will have a mix of two and three-bedroom units, including two accessible units. The units will be owned by the federal government and leased under the Northern Pool Housing Program, which offers housing to federal workers in northern communities.

The project is expected to create “up to” 55 jobs over the next two years and will use mostly Canadian-made steel, aluminum and lumber.

The units previously in the area where the new ones will be built have already been demolished.

Officials said they expect construction to be complete by December 2028.