End-of-summer construction ongoing at Iqaluit’s Northmart
Store undergoing roof infrastructure renovation shortly after having million-litre water tank installed
New steel girders are in place on the roof of Iqaluit’s Northmart store as a result of construction work that took place in August. This picture shows the work that has been done as of Wednesday. (Photo by Corey Larocque)
This story was updated on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET.
The Northmart store in Iqaluit is seeing lots of renovations this summer.
A new one-million-litre water tank was installed close to the building in July as part of “an upgraded fire suppression system,” Darryl G. Martin, a spokesperson for The North West Company, said in an email to Nunatsiaq News.
Iqaluit’s Northmart was one of six targets of overnight arson in 2018, after which two youth were charged. While the store itself suffered minimal damage, a warehouse was completely destroyed.
The Iqaluit store is also undergoing a renovation of its roof infrastructure. Temporary construction offices are being built to support these efforts, Martin said. He did not provide the planned timeline for the project.
The construction work has been visible for about two weeks, with new steel girders in place on the roof.
The work on the roof is not governed by a zoning bylaw and does not require the City of Iqaluit’s approval, said Rod Mugford, the city’s senior executive director of operations, in an email.
The North West Company owns Northmart as well as Northern, Quickstop and Giant Tiger outlets along with pharmacies and wellness stores across the Canadian Arctic. It also operates a retail chain in rural Alaska.
Clarification: This story has been changed from its originally published version to clarify that the roof work taking place at NorthMart did not require a city permit, but the installation of a one-million-litre water tank did require City of Iqaluit approval.
What exactly is the goal here? Will it be like a tent on top of the existing roof to install a bunch of solar panels? Will they be removing the old roof and making the building taller? Curious what the planned end result will be.
Is it so that snow & ice can slide off during the winter? I believe a level roof (as it is currently) holds a lot of weight because of a buildup of snow and ice?
Can’t think of any other reason
There goes my money again going the roof 😁
Now that should lower food prices, a drone screen. Adding a second floor cause JM told them they can’t have a basement!
In other news, the geese are flying south.
Same here , there are going , summer is over all ready .
So why can’t you just celebrate a business expanding. Everytime any business, construction or otherwise, does something it gets critiqued. Business employ people, why not support success
It’s great to see the progress on the Northmart construction as summer wraps up in Iqaluit. The logistical challenges of building in such a remote and climate-impacted area are certainly significant, and your article does a good job of highlighting the importance of timing and preparation in these projects.
I’m curious about the retaining walls mentioned in the construction. Given the unique soil conditions and permafrost in Iqaluit, what specific considerations are being taken to ensure the retaining walls’ stability and longevity? Are there particular materials or techniques being used to address these challenges?
Building another floor to house the hangarounders😆
What happens , when they chew through the floor and start shop lifting after hours.
I would like to thank the Nutrition North subsidy for making this possible and for the people buying our overpriced products.