SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Quite possibly Canada's most famous contractor is making his way to Yellowknife.

Mike Holmes, host of the reality TV show Holmes on Homes, is going to be one of the speakers at the Construction North of 60 Conference on Feb. 3.

Mike Holmes, who has been branded Canada's most trusted contractor, and star of the popular TV show Holmes on Homes, is coming to Yellowknife as a speaker for the Construction North of 60 Conference on Feb. 3. - photo courtesy of www.celebrityeventsnetwork.ca

At the conference Holmes' speech will be titled "Make it Right: finding solutions to building challenges, sustainable building and product information."

Because of his upcoming arrival, Yellowknifer wanted to know what challenges Holmes would face if he were working in this environment.

"I think one of the biggest things he would find is that when he's operating in the bigger centres a lot of trades and materials are readily available," said Niels Konge of Konge Construction and vice-president of the Northwest Territories Construction Association.

"It's a bit more of a challenge to get materials and stuff like that on site and on time when you're in Yellowknife."

Allan Shortt, superintendent for Clark Builders, thinks the popular contractor would face another challenge.

"Our extreme weather," he said. "Some of the construction practises that you do down south at minus 40 are impossible."

Shortt also stated the cost of materials is higher and agreed with Konge an available workforce is another difficulty in the city.

Aside from the temperatures, Rod Stirling, co-owner, broker and sales associate at Coldwell Banker, said Yellowknife's terrain poses challenges when it comes to building.

"Just the rugged environment that developers have to deal with," said Stirling

"A lot of it is the function of the rock and trying to work with the land you're given."

As part of the construction conference there will be a "Meet the Contractors" Home Improvement Night where the public will be invited to attend on Feb. 2.

City residents had some ideas if they had Holmes' services available to them.

"Build me a house," was Yudelkis Bringas' first suggestion for the contractor, adding if that wasn't possible she had another suggestion.

"Offer a course on tips on what to look for when you're buying a house."

Melanie Teichroeb would enlist the contractor to knock down some walls to make some rooms in her home bigger.

"My mom has always wanted to renovate our kitchen," said Teichroeb, who seemed excited to learn about Holmes' visit to the city.

"He's the leading authority."

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