Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, providing suitable, accessible, and affordable housing is a top priority for this government. Housing NWT is dedicated to delivering quality solutions that address the evolving housing needs of the Northwest Territories' communities and residents. Housing NWT continues to deliver a significant capital plan, including 512 housing units. This will result in 148 new and replacement public housing units, as well as the modernization and improvement of 364 housing assets currently operating throughout the territory.
Housing NWT's large multi-year capital program is currently valued at over $100 million. These capital projects are primarily funded by significant upfront contributions from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. By planning strategically, establishing important partnerships, and focusing on operational and environmental sustainability, Housing NWT is implementing these projects to address housing challenges while also creating opportunities for economic growth, capacity development, and local employment.
Mr. Speaker I want to highlight four projects underway:
The modernization of Aspen Apartments;
The construction of a mixed-use 50-plex in Yellowknife;
As well as a biomass heat plant in Fort Simpson; and,
The completion of five duplexes in multiple communities to support seniors aging in place.
The modernization project for Aspen Apartments, a 36-unit building in Yellowknife, was recently awarded to a local contractor and is expected to be completed by Fall 2025. Housing NWT acquired these apartments in partnership with the city of Yellowknife and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under their federal lands and Rapid Housing Initiatives. This project focuses on modernization, key building components such as ventilation and life safety systems and increasing operational efficiency. The project also includes a new biomass heat plant, which is expected to offset approximately 80 percent of the fuel oil historically used to heat the building and produce hot water. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, aligning with the objectives of the Housing NWT's energy management strategy. These 36 units will replace units currently leased for the public housing program through a third party, making those units available for others in the private market.
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to announce that progress is being made on Housing NWT's new 50-unit multiplex project. Site remediation is scheduled to begin shortly followed by construction scheduled to be completed by Fall 2026. This project, funded through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Rapid Housing Initiative, contributes to the significant expansion of Housing NWT-owned public housing assets within Yellowknife. This project includes 25 barrier-free studio units for seniors, people with mobility challenges, and singles as well as 25 two-bedroom units for small families. This building will have an innovative and efficient mechanical system using a combination of biomass and heat pumps for space heating and cooling with no fossil fuels being used in the heating system. Additionally, the ground floor will include Housing NWT's North Slave district office and the Yellowknife Housing Authority, providing improved client-centered services at a public-facing accessible location.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, with the funding provided from Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund, Housing NWT is completing a 20-unit biomass project at the Stanley Isaiah Centre in Fort Simpson. This will provide renewable space heat for 20 senior home units and a health facility offsetting 80 percent of the heating requirements currently being provided by fuel oil and reducing fuel oil consumption by nearly 50,000 litres annually.
Mr. Speaker, as a part of housing innovation, five new seniors' duplexes are under construction in Fort McPherson, Tulita, Fort Simpson, Fort Resolution, and Behchoko. Funded with support from Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, these energy-efficient housing units are nearing completion and have been designed with input from a seniors' advisory committee. These units include features that support aging in place such as accessible kitchens, washrooms, entryways, and spaces to support traditional food preparation. Units will enable seniors to age in place in their communities, helping to sustain important community and family networks.
Collaboration with Indigenous governments remains a top priority for Housing NWT. We continue to meet regularly with community leadership to plan and deliver projects, ensuring alignment with their housing plans. This includes opportunities to coordinate delivery schedules, supporting apprenticeship development, and designing energy efficient resilient units. Housing NWT continues to utilize a range of construction methods including building modular units with northern manufacturers.
Finally, Housing NWT is developing a territorial housing needs assessment to clearly define the housing needs of communities. This assessment will combine data and community input to provide a clear picture of housing challenges, helping to secure much-needed funding support.
As we adapt to changes in the housing landscape, Housing NWT remains committed to collaborating with our various housing partners to address the housing needs of all residents across the territory. Quyananni, Mr. Speaker.
