Expressions of Interest are being accepted for a modular structure for an early learning and child care facility

Press Release

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is accepting Expressions of Interest to take possession of a four-unit modular building for use as an early learning and child care facility.

The modular, used during the construction of École Įtłʼǫ̀ in Yellowknife, is four years old and has an approximate lifespan of 25 years. It has the capacity for 48 to 56 spaces for children from birth to five years of age, and currently includes four rooms, two washrooms, a mechanical room, a janitor’s closet, a ramp and stairs, and an interior corridor.

Transforming the modular into an early learning and child care facility would mark a positive step forward in creating 300 net new child care spaces by March 31, 2026 under the Canada-NWT Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and Action Plan.

The successful applicant and the GNWT will collaborate to convert the building as required. Funding for the renovations to the existing modular and the cost of transporting it to the early learning and child care site will be provided through the Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund, which consists of funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories to support the creation of licensed child care spaces for children from birth to under six years old.

The applicant should be able to provide land for the early learning and child care site. Indigenous governments, non-profit organizations, education bodies, and public organizations with experience providing early learning and child care programs are eligible to submit an expression of interest.

Due to the size and weight of the units, limited access road and bridge restrictions will apply to certain areas of the territory, meaning the units may not be transportable to all communities. There are also restrictions based on municipal infrastructure requirements (water and sewer), population size, and child care demand.

Once the facility is open, the operator will be eligible to receive start-up and operational funding. Learn more about the funding available to start and operate a licensed centre-based facility here.

The deadline to respond to the Request for Expressions of Interest is January 8, 2025.

For more information, read the Request for Expressions of Interest here or receive an information package by contacting elcc_operations@gov.nt.ca.

For media requests, please contact:

Briony Grabke
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9352 ext. 71073

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