YELLOWKNIFE (March 29) -- The Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC), Roger Allen today announced the completion of a deal to sell a made-in-the-NWT seniors' complex to Stebbins, Alaska.

The five-unit complex valued at roughly $1 million will be built as a pilot project between the NWT Housing Corporation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Under the terms of the deal, NWT contractors will build the complex with local labour while NWT suppliers and manufacturers will provide the materials.

"In addition to the participation of NWT contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, Aurora College will conduct a three week pre-employment training program for the Alaskans who will work on the project," Mr. Allen said. "By working together in this manner, Northerners can help build a viable economy for the NWT."

The complex will use existing NWTHC designs modified to meet the needs of the Alaskans. The pilot project is a continuation of NWTHC efforts to market NWT goods and services to other parts of the circumpolar world. Last year the NWTHC sold seven housing materials packages to the Inupiat of the Alaskan North Slope. The NWTHC is confident that there is the potential for increased business with the Alaskans.

As part of the NWT Trade Delegation to Alaska, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Jim Antoine, will be in Stebbins today to inaugurate the pilot project.

Stebbins is an Yup'ik Inuit village located roughly 190 kilometres southeast of Nome, Alaska.