A 50-unit mass-timber housing project topped out in Yellowknife this July, a notable milestone this far north, where a short building season and long supply lines make every project harder. The build mixes barrier-free suites for seniors and singles with two-bedroom units for small families.
Project Scope
Half the 50 units are barrier-free bachelor suites; the other half are two-bedroom family apartments. PCL built it using prefabricated mass-timber components and panelized wall systems, an approach that speeds erection when the weather window is narrow. Biomass heating handles the load through subarctic winters, trimming long-term operating cost. Completion is set for 2027.
Why It Matters
Mass timber and prefabrication are a natural fit for remote northern builds: factory-made panels cut the days crews spend exposed on site, and wood is lighter to ship than steel or precast. Pairing that with biomass heat is a bet on lower running costs where energy is expensive. If the numbers hold, this is a template for housing across Canada’s north.
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Project Team & Details
| General Contractor | PCL Construction |
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| Status | Topped Out |
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| Delivery Method | Design-Build |
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| Funding Source | Public (State) |
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