Community
GNWT to build 98 modular homes in 9 communities
Project will reduce costs and provide durable, climate-resilient homes built to northern standards
The territorial government is moving forward with a major modular housing project that will deliver 98 new homes across nine communities.
This initiative is part of a historic three-year, $150 million plan approved this year by the Legislative Assembly to improve housing across the territory, stated a release.
Lucy Kuptana, minister responsible for Housing NWT, stated: “Housing is the number one priority I hear about in every community across the Northwest Territories. Northerners want safe, affordable, and sustainable homes — and our government is delivering. I am proud to announce the construction of 98 new housing units across the territory, while also creating opportunities for local businesses and apprentices. These modular homes will be durable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient. They will be built for northern conditions and will meet the needs of Northerners today and in the years ahead. This is about more homes for Northerners and the stronger communities that come with them.”
The homes will be prefabricated and transported to communities for assembly, ensuring durability, efficiency, and cost savings through economies of scale.
A request for proposals for the design-build contract recently closed, and a contractor will be announced later this fall.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and continue through March 2028, following the successful proponent’s schedule.
The nine communities included in this initiative are: Ulukhaktok, Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik, Délı̨nę, Tulita, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Behchokǫ̀ and Fort Smith.
Communities were selected based on the number of housing units that have exceeded their expected service life and where there is a demonstrated need for singles housing, which aligns with the findings of the territorial housing needs assessment.
The new units will be one-bedroom public housing, configured as modular duplexes and fourplexes. They will diversify housing options, replace aging stock, and increase options for a demographic at risk of homelessness.
More information:
- A total of 98 modular housing units are planned for delivery across nine NWT communities.
- The Legislative Assembly approved an additional $41.6 million for Housing NWT in March 2025, bringing the 2025–26 housing capital plan to $50 million.
- The three-year, $150 million Incremental Investment Plan focuses on replacing units beyond their service life, extending the life of existing homes, and addressing deferred maintenance.
- Modular construction will reduce costs, mitigate supply chain challenges, and provide durable, climate-resilient homes built to northern standards.
- Housing NWT is committed to working with Indigenous governments and local contractors to maximize community benefits.
UPDATE: The original version of this story contained an error that has been corrected.