Excavators were seen tearing down the Hilltop Apartments in downtown Yellowknife last week, but Housing NWT says its plans for the site are still being worked out.
The agency says the 24 housing units that previously stood at the 47 Street site were built in the 1960s and had exceeded their service life.
“Due to their age, construction type and layout, the buildings are not easily adaptable to current accessibility requirements, community safety expectations or energy efficiency standards,” said Daniel Korver, director of infrastructure projects, through a spokesperson.
“Replacing the buildings provides an opportunity to reimagine the site and better align future development with contemporary needs, ensuring safer, more inclusive housing.”
He said the agency considers replacing a building instead of renovating it when the cost of repairs is estimated to be more than 70 percent of the replacement value.
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Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and take into account things like safety of the buildings, functionality and future need, Korver said.
While the agency is looking to use the site for more housing in the future, he said, those plans are still in their infancy.
“Completing this demolition work now addresses health and safety considerations and will ensure the site is ready for future development once plans are finalized and funding is secured,” said Korver.
Some of the units lost at the Hilltop site are being replaced through a 64-unit housing project on the site of the former Rockhill apartments, he said.
Once complete, that project will be made up of a mix of social and transitional housing.
