Construction on Fort McPherson, N.W.T., seniors' complex delayed

The N.W.T. Housing Corporation is investigating why construction on a new nine-unit seniors' independent living complex in Fort McPherson is still not finished.

The $3.5-million dollar seniors' complex was originally scheduled to be completed by March 30, 2016, according to the website of the company building the complex, Canadian Quest Logistics.

Tom Williams, president and CEO of the N.W.T. Housing Corporation, said CQL then committed to complete the project by December, but the company hasmissed thatdeadline.

"It should have been completed by now. There has been a number of delays," Williams said. "We are trying to work with the contractor to get a new date, a new project schedule, and try to investigate why there has been these added delays."

Williams said the initial delay was due to groundwater hampering the installation of the steel pile foundation. He also said the corporation is aware of a dispute between CQL and its subcontractors.

"We are aware of issues between the general contractorand the subcontractors. But these are something that the two parties have to fix themselves. We urgethemto work together and resolve whatever their differences may be. Hopefully that would lead to getting the project completed," Williams said.

Roger Anderson, CEO for Canadian Quest Logistics, confirmed in an emailto CBC News that his company has fired a framing subcontractor working on the project, Precision Home Builders, and is preparing to sue that company in court for $300,000 in damages related to the delays.

Terry Seinen, owner of Precision Home Builders, is preparing to sue CQL for $80,000 inwithheldpayments.

As for seniorsliving in Fort McPherson, Williams said there is a huge need for the facilityand his team is looking for ways to speed up construction.

"This project is one of our higher priorities. Senior housing is an important investment to the community of Fort McPherson. It forms part of our commitment to support elders to age in place," he said.

Williams plans to confirm a new completion date with CQL in the new year.