YELLOWKNIFE — An Edmonton-based contractor has been awarded a $55-million contract to build a 64-unit social housing building on a downtown Yellowknife site long marked by tragedy and recovery.
Project scope and site
PCL Construction will begin work this fall on a building located on 54 Avenue, the parcel where the Rockhill Apartments once stood before the fire in early October 2018. The new development will include social and transitional housing units, an early learning and childcare space and barrier-free units designed to improve accessibility.
The project was announced by Housing NWT and has been described as a continuation of territorial and federal efforts to expand housing supply and supports for vulnerable residents. Construction of the 64-unit block follows other recent social housing projects in Yellowknife, including a 50-unit building currently under way beside the Raven Pub.
Funding and units
The contract value for construction is listed at $55 million. Federal and territorial funding announced earlier this year set the groundwork for the unit mix: Ottawa approved $24 million to build 40 new units comprised of 30 transitional residences and 10 social housing units. The Government of the Northwest Territories committed to creating an additional 24 units, bringing the total for the new building to 64.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contract value | $55 million |
| Location | 54 Avenue (former Rockhill Apartments site) |
| Units | 64 total (30 transitional, 10 social — federally funded; 24 territorial units) |
| Features | Early learning and childcare space; barrier-free units |
Statements from partners
Housing NWT Minister Lucy Kuptana praised the partnership with PCL and framed the project as expanding access to both transitional and social housing in the territory.
“Through this partnership with PCL Construction, we are expanding access to transitional and social housing while investing in homes that will support residents and strengthen our communities for years to come.”
PCL vice-president Jason Portas said the company is proud to be building in Yellowknife and delivering a project designed to have lasting community impact.
“Together with our partners, we’re committed to delivering a high-quality housing complex that will provide welcoming places for residents to live.”
Northwest Territories Member of Parliament Rebecca Alty described the announcement as a step toward providing safe, accessible homes for vulnerable community members.
“Together, we are building stronger, more prosperous communities by delivering real results for some of our most vulnerable friends and neighbours.”
Local context and consequences
The new complex will replace a long-vacant site that has been an emblem of housing vulnerability and downtown rebuilding since the 2018 Rockhill Apartments fire. For residents and service providers in Yellowknife, the addition of transitional spaces as well as permanent social housing is intended to support residents moving from crisis or homelessness into more stable accommodation.
Beyond housing units, the inclusion of an early learning and childcare space directly addresses a common barrier for families seeking employment, training or stable housing. Barrier-free units respond to accessibility needs among older or mobility-impaired residents.
Work on the project will begin this fall and will join other Housing NWT capital projects funded through the 20th Assembly’s incremental investments. PCL is already active in the city building a downtown 50-unit block that was announced in 2024, signalling sustained construction activity in Yellowknife’s housing sector.
What to watch
- Construction start and expected completion timeline once PCL releases a schedule.
- How the new units are allocated between transitional and long-term social housing.
- Community supports tied to the transitional units, including wraparound services and childcare operation details.
The project represents a significant capital investment in Yellowknife’s housing stock and will be a test of how federal and territorial dollars translate into on-the-ground supports for residents in need.
