Long-awaited Aven Pavilion celebrates grand opening

Yellowknife’s new housing complex for seniors officially opened its doors on Thursday.

The Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and wildfire-related delays had contributed to pushing back the opening of the Aven Pavilion, which features 102 accessible units for people aged 55 and over.

Seniors’ group Avens, which owns and operates Aven Pavilion, broke ground on the facility in 2022.

While it was meant to open in 2023, cost escalations, evacuations and a lengthly consultation process meant residents didn’t start moving in until the end of 2024.

Avens describes the units as affordable housing. The cost to rent a single-bedroom unit is $1,260 per month while two-bedroom units are available for $1,830 monthly.

Daryl Dolynny, president and CEO of Avens, said those figures amount to 80 percent of Yellowknife’s median market rate as calculated by the Canada Mortage and Housing Corporation.

Prospective tenants must be at least 55 years old, pet-free and able to provide a doctor’s note that says they can live independently.

Dolynny said the Pavilion is currently at a 75-percent occupancy rate with more of the “regular” units occupied. The Pavilion’s barrier-free units have greater availability.

The wing of barrier-free accommodation offers more supports in washrooms and kitchens specifically designed for people using a wheelchair or walker.

Dolynny said these units are the only ones of their kind in the Northwest Territories.

The new Pavilion includes communal facilities such as a games room, large dining room, gym, yoga and dance studio, beauty salon, sewing room and soon a library, bar and theatre.

Greater freedom

Carol Norwegian moved into the complex with her husband in November. For her, it was an easy decision.

“One of the biggest things for us ageing, it’s perfect to be able to turn the key and go. We don’t have to worry about the furnace, we don’t have to worry about the roof, we don’t have to worry about the water freezing,” said Norwegian.

Norwegian and her husband are interested in travelling. Having housing they wouldn’t have to worry about leaving unoccupied makes planning easier.

She thought she might miss having more space and stuff after downsizing from a four-bedroom house to a two-bedroom apartment, but said the Pavilion’s amenities and common areas have helped make up the difference.

For instance, she doesn’t need to worry about having an extra bedroom for her sewing because there is an equipped sewing studio available.

“I absolutely love it,” said Norwegian.

Finding community

Juanita Walsh lived at Yellowknife’s Anderson Thomson Tower before moving into the Aven Pavilion in November.

“Rent kept going up and going up where I lived before,” said Walsh – who, like Norwegian, is now an employee of Avens as well as a resident.

She initially thought the Pavilion units might be a bit small but, after sizing things up and taking measurements, decided the move would be feasible.

She said she’s saving for retirement, which will be easier now that her rent is more affordable.

Walsh described the complex as “lovely” and “quiet.”

“It’s like a community because you have everything here like your hairdresser, spa, yoga, sewing – there’s lots of things to do,” said Walsh, adding that the only thing they need now is a bank.

‘Milestone’ for the NWT

Dolynny says the Pavilion is the only affordable seniors’ facility in the NWT.

He believes it to be a milestone and a “crowning jewel” for the territory, as well as a success story for Yellowknife and seniors.

Dolynny said smaller community governments and representatives from Nunavut have visited the new facilities to see what might be possible in their own communities.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see smaller-scale versions of what we have starting to pop up across both the NWT and Nunavut over the next couple years, which is incredible,” said Dolynny.