In the heart of Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, a transformative project is taking shape that promises to address two of the community’s most pressing issues: the acute need for affordable housing and the desire to boost local employment. The forthcoming Modular Home Construction Centre, developed by Ne’Rahten Developments Ltd in partnership with K’asho Got’ı̨nę Housing Society and Yellowknife’s Taylor Architecture Group, aims to create a sustainable model for housing construction and community empowerment.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Arthur Tobac, the business manager for Ne’Rahten Developments, outlined an ambitious vision for the new centre. “If it’s made in the North, the money stays here in the North,” he emphasized, highlighting how local production will keep economic resources within the community. The initiative received a significant boost with approximately $6 million in funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, enabling the community to take actionable steps toward creating a better future.
With the site already cleared and gravel laid for construction, the foundation for this promising venture is set. The plan is to import as many necessary supplies as possible via the winter road, aiming to break ground as soon as the spring thaw arrives. However, Tobac notes the anticipated high volume of transport trucks could pose operational challenges.
Designed for Community Needs
The new centre is envisioned as more than just a building—it will be a space for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Kristel Derkowski from Taylor Architecture Group, who was involved in the center’s design, painted a picture of a functional and spacious two-storey facility encompassing around 6,800 square feet. This will include a large building area designed to accommodate semi-trucks, a ground-floor wood shop, a staff room, and a dedicated classroom that overlooks the main workspace where pre-trades instruction will occur.
“We’re trying really hard to deliver something that’s going to be meaningful and sustainable,” Derkowski stated, underlining the commitment to create a centre that resonates with the community’s needs.
Training as a Cornerstone
The educational component of the project stands out as one of its most compelling aspects. For many community members, the prospect of gaining accredited work hours for trades certification within Fort Good Hope is a groundbreaking opportunity. Currently, residents must travel to Fort Smith for trade training, often resulting in lengthy absences from their homes and families. The new centre will aim to dismantle these barriers, allowing for training and certification directly within the community.
Tobac expressed palpable excitement about this aspect of the project. “If community members can get those hours here, it will change everything for them,” he remarked. This initiative reflects a longstanding effort by Ne’Rahten and the K’asho Got’ı̨nę Housing Society to uplift community capacity in skilled trades.
Tailoring Homes to Northern Living
One of the unique advantages of establishing a local construction centre is the ability to create modular housing that meets the specific needs of northern residents. Early in the project, Taylor Architecture organized a workshop to engage community members in discussions about their housing preferences. The attending audience was diverse—comprising students, elders, and tradespeople—and overwhelmingly positive feedback came from this inclusive process.
A significant insight gleaned from the workshop was the community’s desire for homes designed to facilitate food processing, an essential practice in a land-rich culture. “They had never been asked… what kind of house would work best,” Tobac noted, underscoring the importance of community input. The designs now incorporate features like cold porches for food storage and preparation areas integrated with kitchens, providing a functionally designed space that respects traditional practices.
A Path to Wellness and Housing Stability
Ultimately, the Modular Home Construction Centre will play a pivotal role in Fort Good Hope’s overarching vision for housing, wellness, and economic growth. By harnessing local resources and labor, the community can ensure that both their specific housing needs and employment aspirations are met effectively.
“We’re excited to be part of this journey,” said Tobac, reflecting the pride and anticipation level within the community. As construction progresses, Fort Good Hope not only steps towards solving its housing challenges but does so in a way that fosters local identity, culture, and resilience.
In a time where sustainable practices and community-led development are increasingly vital, Fort Good Hope is setting an inspiring example for other Northern communities. By integrating local knowledge, skilled labor, and culturally relevant design, they are not just building homes; they are constructing a brighter, self-sustaining future.
