Larga Kitikmeot’s New Medical Lodge Approved, Groundbreaking Next Week

URGENT UPDATE: The City of Yellowknife has just approved plans for a new, culturally appropriate medical travel lodge for Nunavut residents, set to break ground next week. This significant development aims to offer enhanced accommodations for those seeking healthcare outside their home territory.

The new four-storey facility, located at 346 Borden Drive, will feature 75 rooms, replacing the outdated 26-room lodge that has served the community since 2009. Casey Adlem, president of Larga Kitikmeot, confirmed that ground blasting will commence shortly, allowing the foundation to be laid before winter arrives.

“We are hoping to open in late summer 2027,” Adlem stated. The need for this new facility has been pressing, as Larga Kitikmeot operates at 140 percent capacity on some nights, often accommodating between 60 to 140 people despite having only 58 beds available.

This new lodge is essential for residents from communities including Cambridge Bay, Taloyoak, Kugaaruk, Kugluktuk, and Gjoa Haven, who must travel to Yellowknife for medical services. The facility will provide a ‘home-away-from-home’ experience for patients and their medical escorts, with double occupancy rooms equipped with private washrooms.

Adlem highlighted that the new lodge will include a dining room, a commercial kitchen, a children’s play area, and various activity and meeting rooms across its upper floors. A small outdoor play area for children will also be included, responding to community needs that were not met by the current lodge.

Concerns from nearby residents regarding increased traffic were addressed by Adlem, who assured them that the facility is designed to integrate well into the community. Unlike hotels, most guests stay longer and typically do not have vehicles. “We have staff on the premises 24 hours a day, and our guests agree to a quiet time, which is considerate of the Elders in our building,” she said.

The staffing for the new lodge will involve transferring current employees, with plans to hire an additional 20 staff members for positions such as housekeeping and patient service. This transition will not only improve services for patients but also assist in alleviating accommodation shortages in Yellowknife by freeing up existing hotel rooms for tourists and business travelers.

“This project is exciting not just for us, but for the entire community,” Adlem emphasized. The new location is strategically positioned closer to the hospital and airport, enhancing accessibility for patients.

As construction progresses, Larga Kitikmeot aims to be a good neighbor, creating a supportive environment for those who frequently visit for medical care. “We are thrilled to provide the space that individuals need to recover and feel comfortable during their medical journeys,” Adlem concluded.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Larga Kitikmeot works towards a groundbreaking that promises to significantly enhance healthcare support for Nunavut residents.