Chu Níikwän LP and Northwestel are coming together to build a new Yukon headquarters for the northern Canadian telecommunications company, which is expected to be completed in 2024.
The headquarters will be located on Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) settlement land on Quartz Road in Whitehorse, with architecture inspired by Kwanlin Dün artistic and cultural traditions.
The First Nation-owned, energy-efficient building will be 41,250 ft², equipped with electric car charging ports, secure bicycle lockups, and collaborative spaces to support Northwestel’s high-tech workforce. More than half of Northwestel’s 300 Yukon employees will work from the headquarters.
Chu Níikwän, the business arm of Kwanlin Dün First Nation, will build and own the three-storey office building, with Northwestel leasing the top two floors for a minimum of twenty years.
Wildstone Construction Group has been chosen as the Design-Builder for the project and CIBC will be the financing partner. This development is the latest addition to Chu Níikwän’s portfolio of businesses, investments, and partnerships to help grow opportunities in the Yukon.
“Through this partnership, Chu Níikwän LP is exercising the powers in Chapter 22 of KDFN’s Final Agreement to grow equity and resources for our First Nation. This parcel of Settlement Land has been designated for revenue generation through our agreements. This development is another step forward in building for the future of KDFN and providing much-needed services to the Yukon.” said Chief Doris Bill, Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
