Hybrid public housing project opens doors in Délı̨nę

Housing NWT has completed a hybrid housing project in Délı̨nę, adding two new modular duplexes for a total of four new social housing units in the Sahtu Region community.

Housing NWT says this pilot project brings much needed housing for single residents to the community, while piloting new construction approaches designed for northern conditions.

Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana stated in a release that remote communities such as Délı̨nę need homes that work in Northern conditions and can be delivered efficiently, despite the challenges of distance and climate.

She continued: “As a Minister from a small community, I see first-hand how barges and weather can impact projects. I believe this modular core construction method has the potential to transform housing construction in small communities.”

The hybrid project uses prefabricated modular cores, manufactured off-site locally in the NWT. Each core includes a kitchen, bathroom, mechanical room, plumbing and water tank.

Local workers and subcontractors then complete the building shell on site, allowing the homes to be built faster.

The design aims to exceed energy efficiency standards and reduce fuel oil consumption through a well-sealed, highly insulated building envelope.

This hybrid construction approach also helps address challenges related to short building seasons, weather constraints, and transportation logistics in the Sahtu region.

These new homes are intended to help relieve pressure on existing social housing units that are nearing the end of their service life.

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The GNWT’s modular housing project promises to deliver 98 new homes across nine communities — part of a historic three-year, $150 million plan approved last fall.

Construction is expected to continue through March 2028.

In addition to Délı̨nę, communities included in this initiative are: Ulukhaktok; Tuktoyaktuk; Inuvik; Tulita; Fort Simpson; Fort Providence; Behchokǫ̀; and Fort Smith.