Sakku Innovative Building Solutions embarked on a project in Arviat several years ago to construct a facility aimed at providing housing solutions for Nunavut communities. Due to post-pandemic inflation, the project’s completion was delayed, leading to a 40% increase in costs to $70 million. Dino Bruce, chairperson of Sakku Investment Corporation, emphasized the team’s commitment to improving people’s lives amidst challenges.
During the factory’s opening ceremony on September 29, Bruce expressed confidence that the facility would benefit not only the Arviat community but also the broader region and Nunavut as a whole. The modular home factory, operational year-round, is designed to address housing needs in northern climates by producing 40 homes annually, employing 40 full-time workers, and offering training in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr. hailed the factory as a significant development, highlighting the critical housing shortages and overcrowding issues prevalent across Nunavut. With over 60% of Nunavummiut relying on public housing, and 45% of these homes being overcrowded, the need for expanded housing stock is urgent.
Savikataaq Jr. expressed hope that increased housing availability would not only alleviate overcrowding but also contribute to improvements in health and education outcomes in the territory. He emphasized the interconnectedness of housing with various societal aspects.
Currently, the factory employs 15 individuals, with plans to reach a full staff of 40 employees. Kono Tattuinee, KIA president, highlighted the positive impact of the factory on the community, providing career opportunities for youth, stable employment for families, and economic benefits for Nunavut.
The factory’s initial project involves constructing nine three-bedroom homes for Arviat residents, slated for completion by spring. Tattuinee viewed the factory as a catalyst for regional transformation, coinciding with Arviat’s future role as the main campus for Canada’s first Inuit-led university in 2030.
Amid trade war challenges, Nunavut Premier John Main underscored the importance of supporting local industries like the modular housing factory to enhance national security and economic resilience. Rebecca Chartrand, Canada’s minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, emphasized the concept of human security, linking it to essential needs like housing, food security, clean water, and employment opportunities for youth.
As the inaugural Inuit-owned modular housing factory in Nunavut, the facility serves as a beacon of possibility and a model for sustainable economic growth and community development.