Derelict homes in downtown Iqaluit could be replaced with new housing
Plan would allow for development of 99 new units
City planners have identified 10 abandoned properties in breach of their land lease, enabling them seek a court order to reclaim the properties should they wish to do so. Seen here, an example of an abandoned property in Iqaluit. (File photo by Jeff Pelletier)
A row of derelict homes in Iqaluit’s core could be replaced with new housing after city councillors voted in favour of a development plan for the area.
The six boarded-up homes sit along Queen Elizabeth Way between Northmart and Arctic Ventures.
City planner Michelle Armstrong laid out about two options Tuesday evening to the city’s planning and development committee to consolidate 10 lots in the area, partly occupied by these homes, into three lots.
“It’s going to be weird not looking at those derelict boarded-up buildings,” said Deputy Mayor Kim Smith, who chairs the planning committee.
The plan would allow TBG Construction Ltd. to develop a four-storey housing complex on the northwest corner of the block of lots. The proposed complex would include 24 units.
This map shows how 10 lots in Iqaluit’s core could be transformed into three lots, where new housing developments would go. (Image courtesy of the City of Iqaluit)
A non-profit development would take the northeast corner of the block and a 75-unit housing development proposed by Eric Caouette and NCC Development Ltd. is proposed for the south side of the block.
Councillors preferred the three-lot plan over a four-lot consolidation, which would have eaten into Caouette’s 75-unit development proposal. The fourth plot would have been offered for non-profit development.
The Arctic Survival Store and Qulliq Energy Corp. offices, both of which are also on that block, are outside of the lot consolidation area.
In response to a question from Coun. Romeyn Stevenson, Armstrong said city staff recommended the three-lot proposal because it allows for construction of more housing units.
“It would allow a more efficient design and development of [Caouette’s] parcel,” she said.
Mayor Solomon Awa expressed hope that units that get built there will offer bigger options than just one-bedroom units.
The plan will go to council Dec. 12 for final approval after Tuesday’s unanimous vote.
“I think we’re all tired of looking at those homes,” Smith said after the meeting.
“The goal really is, eventually, to have a walkable, accessible downtown and this is a good start to that.”
I am excited about recent announcements on multiple housing projects. This is very much needed, and exciting for the direction we are going in.
Perhaps part of the plan, and and ask for the developers could include the installation of a proper concrete sidewalk along the front of this development.
I agree with Kim, creating an accessible and walkable downtown core should be a priority. Installing sidewalks that can be properly maintained year round would help us go in that direction.
Perhaps council could include this as part of the development approval process.
Nakurmiik / Thanks!
It’s about time.
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Wondering about that house on lot 210 that’s privately leased. That house will end up pinned by two developments totaling 99 units. Was that leaseholder given an option to sell his house/lease?
Some of those homes are still occupied.
Others have been boarded up for years.
Some people have declined to repair / renovate / replace the boarded up houses. Now we know what they’ve been waiting for.
How come this new construction is not going to tender, TBG Construction is Nunavut excavating
These projects aren’t government projects, and therefore do not require public tender. Private developers deal with contracting with or without tendering the work.
Where they all gonna park? Underground parking?
Take a taxi. Or walk.
Who can afford taxis at 9 bucks
Yeah I heard there was 1 hold out that will not sell and their derelict home will stay and be an eye sore, amongst the new buildings. “eye roll” There’s always one in the crowd.
Perhaps someone just wants a place to live, near stores, near Elders, near the grade school, near where they work. How much money do you need, in order to buy all that? Maybe they are ederly and don’t want the inconvenience of moving? Maybe the want to remain close to friends and relatives? Maybe the house has sentimental value. Not everone is only interested in money. Why go through the hastle of moving?
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Or not. I don’t know the owners or the occupants.
“A non-profit development would take the northeast corner of the block and a 75-unit housing development…”: What is the non profit organization in question? Nunavut Housing Corporation again, i.e. NOT a non-government non profit but a government institution? An individual? Other? Unknown?
Wow 99 new units in that location thats great but in such a small space it is going to be crowded there with all the other big buildings. I think that money the city gets from this should go to making more areas accessible to build single family home. Iqaluit is the land of the high rise and I hope i never have to live there.
It’s called prime realastate. Everyone has a price. Big development spells big money. They want it make them pay for it💲💲💲
We apply work as carpenter