Hay River updates timelines for residential expansion

The Town of Hay River has outlined how four residential developments are expected to drive an expansion over the next four years.

Aspen Heights, Fraser Place, Sundog, and Vale Island are the projects proposed to handle an anticipated population spike as jobs are created at a fish plant, a pellet farm, in long-term healthcare, and potentially in mining.

They are part of a community plan approved last year that is now being advanced.

This week, councillors passed motions to dispose of nine lots on Vale Island – meaning the town can now sell the land. The lots are expected to be made available in February for the likes of modular homes.

At Fraser Place, senior administrator Glenn Smith told councillors 29 lots will be constructed this year and sold beginning in 2023.

Sundog, a mixed-use residential and commercial development, is expected to be complete by 2026 if approved. At least $15 million is needed to develop that project, which would offer space for apartments, condos, and townhouses.

Aspen Heights is planned in phases, the first being a mobile home park where a developer sale could be held in 2023. Three more phases would include space for larger homes but aren’t currently contemplated in the plan for the next decade.

The NWT Housing Corporation is working with the town to determine Hay River’s housing needs and develop a community housing plan.

All 33 of the territory’s communities are supposed to have those plans. So far, only Whatì and Paulatuk have plans complete.

The town is seeking input from residents for that plan.

Habitat for Humanity NWT has also paired with the community to build an affordable home for a family in the coming year.