The federal government is investing $35.6 million to build a 23-unit staff housing complex in Iqaluit at 174 Nikku Lane, which will be built by Inuit firm Arctic Fresh Projects. That works out to just over $1.5 million per home. Many housing developments in Nunavut cost between $800,000 and $1 million per unit. The higher price tag is because this housing project will be highly efficient and environmentally sustainable, and will be the first LEED Gold building in Nunavut, explained Kevin Turner, an official at Public Services and Procurement Canada. Minister of Public Works and Procurement Joel Lightbound made the announcement on July 21 at Iqaluit’s Pilimmaksaivik Office, which is the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut. Asked about the higher cost, Lightbound replied, “To make sure we have the appropriate project that’s built sustainably that’s going to be a longer-term solution. When you look at it, we’re looking at three single family homes that were in a pretty sorry state to 23, two- to three-bedroom units.” The 23 housing units are being reserved for federal employees and will not count towards the 750 homes for the territory, agreed to with the Government of Nunavut. The project is expected to create up to 60 jobs over two years. Inuit recruitment will be a focus, said Evan Schellenberg, general manager of Arctic Fresh projects, and the company’s human resources team is entirely Inuit. “Inuit-owned firm Arctic Fresh Projects is bringing their expertise to the project, and under our new Buy Canadian Policy, they will use Canadian materials to get the job done,” Lightbound said. Canadian-made steel, lumber and aluminum will be used in the building. Construction is expected to finish by December 2028. The project is being built on federal government property, where three single-family units were previously located. “For too many people in Nunavut, finding a safe and affordable place to live remains extremely difficult. The demand for housing continues to grow, while the supply has not kept base that reality place is tremendous pressures on families,” Lightbound said. Arctic Fresh is known for its grocery delivery service, but also has a construction projects arm, an equipment and materials division, as well as a vehicle and home rental company.
Arctic Fresh gets $35.6 million from feds to build 23 staff housing units in Iqaluit
