Although some Government of Nunavut construction projects are being postponed due to soaring costs, Qulliq Energy Corporation’s new headquarters in Baker Lake will proceed this summer with a $16-million price tag.
The two-storey, 14,550-square-foot office building was originally proposed in 2019 at a cost of $13 million.
Preparatory ground and piling work will be underway this month and construction is targetted to begin in July, QEC Minister Jeannie Ehaloak said in the legislative assembly on June 7. The project was delayed a year due to issues relating to tendering and COVID-19 public health restrictions.
The construction contract has been awarded to Kivalliq-based Sanaqatiit Construction Ltd.
The building will feature a boardroom, multipurpose rooms for training and meetings and a staff common area and kitchenette on each level.
“QEC currently does not have a dedicated head office in Baker Lake. The construction of this building will provide adequate space to accommodate all administration staff in one location. Presently, there are approximately 45 employees working in three different offices in the community,” Ehaloak said. “With the anticipated completion in August 2022, all staff will be under one roof with upgraded boardroom and training spaces.”
The building was designed to enable it to meet Energy Star efficiency levels and it’s also compatible with a district heating system.