WHITEHORSE – Chu Níikwän LP, the business arm of Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and Northwestel announced today they are partnering to build a Yukon headquarters for the telecommunications company.
“The headquarters will be located on Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) settlement land on Quartz Road in Whitehorse, with the architecture inspired by Kwanlin Dün artistic and cultural traditions,” a press release says.
Chu Níikwän will build and own the new three-storey building while Northwestel will lease the top two floors for at least twenty years.
“The ground floor will be developed on spec in anticipation of a growing need for modern office space in Whitehorse,” the release explains. “The commercial development is the latest addition to Chu Níikwän’s strategic portfolio of businesses, investments, and partnerships to service growth opportunities in the Yukon.”
The 41,250 square foot office building will be energy-efficient and “equipped with electric car charging ports, secure bicycle lockups, and open collaborative spaces to support Northwestel’s high-tech workforce,” the release says.
“Over half of Northwestel’s approximately 300 Yukon employees will work from the headquarters, located a short distance from the Yukon River with access to walking and bike trails as well as local commercial services.”
Wildstone Construction Group is the design-builder for the project and CIBC is the financing partner. The building is expected to be completed in 2024.
“This project represents the single biggest development Chu Níikwän LP has undertaken since incorporation in 2015,” said Rick O’Brien, CEO of Chu Níikwän LP, in the release.
“I’m very pleased to be a part of the incredible team at Chu Níikwän LP that has proven time and time again that they can deliver large and complex projects like this for our valued utilities & telecommunications partners.”
“This modern, energy efficient headquarters speaks to our long-term commitment to investing in the Yukon, to growing First Nations partnerships, and to supporting our high-tech northern workforce,” said Curtis Shaw, president of Northwestel.
“We are honoured that our employees will be working in a modern space built by a First Nation partner on First Nation land for decades to come.”
For more, please click here.
Image borrowed from Northwestel’s website.
