Canada and Housing Northwest Territories announce a 64-unit housing development in Yellowknife

YELLOWKNIFE, NT, Feb. 13, 2026 /CNW/ - Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to increase the supply of housing in Canada.

Central to that work, the Government of Canada launched Build Canada Homes, which will help increase the pace of affordable homebuilding to increase housing supply. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It will build deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partner with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.

As part of the Government of Canada's broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, work is being done across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.  

Today, the Government of Canada announced a contribution of over $24 million in funding to support the delivery of 30 transitional and 10 social housing units in Yellowknife for individuals at risk of homelessness. This funding, combined with an incremental Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) investment for an additional 24 social housing units, will deliver a total of 64 affordable housing units.

The planned 64-unit development at 4900 54^th Avenue will offer a mixture of housing types and configurations as follows:

• 30 Transitional housing units – Private single units, each with a kitchenette and bathroom combined with common spaces for dining, relaxing, wellness activities, and administrative support for program operators.  
• 34 Social housing replacement units – A mixture of bachelor suites, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom apartments.

The development will include barrier-free units to ensure accessible services for northerners. An early learning and childcare centre, accommodating 24 spaces, will be located next to the social housing units.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. Minister Alty was joined by the Honourable Lucy Kuptana, Minister responsible for Housing Northwest Territories and Minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Quotes:

"Our Government is committed to providing communities the support they need to build capacity to develop local solutions to homelessness. Access to adequate, affordable housing is the foundation for socio-economic success. It supports better education and health outcomes, better employment prospects and better community engagement." – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

"Housing is about more than having a place to live. It's also about dignity, stability, and opportunity. With the 64 new affordable units in Yellowknife, our government, in partnership with Housing NWT, is working to tackle the housing crisis, reduce homelessness, and support some of the most vulnerable members of our community." – The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories 

"The Government of the Northwest Territories is dedicated to delivering real housing solutions that strengthen both individual well-being and our communities. This project will add new suitable and accessible homes and provide stability through transitional housing services in a central location with expanded child care services. By working in partnership with the Government of Canada, we are creating more homes for Northerners by turning plans into action, while helping to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life, and every family has a safe, secure place to call home." – The Honourable Lucy Kuptana, Minister responsible for Housing Northwest Territories and Minister responsible for the Status of Women

"Housing solutions that integrate child care spaces into their design provide additional support for those who need it most. Creating more daycare spaces has a two-fold impact: we create new employment opportunities for northerners, while enabling parents to return to work or school knowing their children are cared for. Projects like this one are exciting for the Northwest Territories and contribute to community wellness and vibrancy in a tangible way. – The Honourable Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick Facts:

• The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provided funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This was a $16.1 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gave priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. The application portal for AHF is now closed as all funding has been committed.
  • As of September 2025, the Government of Canada has committed $13.72 billion to support the creation of over 54,100 units and the repair of over 174,600 units through the Affordable Housing Fund.
  • On September 19, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a $1.5 billion top-up in loans for the AHF's New Construction Stream to support the creation of over 5,000 new units starting in 2025-26. Additionally, the AHF's Rapid Housing Sub-Stream will be accelerated, by pulling $385 million in funding from future years. 
• Funding provided for 4900 54^th Avenue is as follows:
  • $24 million from the federal government, through the Affordable Housing Fund.
  • Additional GNWT investment to increase the development to 64 units total, along with an early learning and childcare centre. 

Additional Information:

• Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. 
• Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.
• CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. CMHC's mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.
• Follow CMHC on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.  

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Contacts: Renée LeBlanc Proctor, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]