$1.4 million in unpaid taxes delay public housing project
Work stopped indefinitely on Sydney Apartments after
NWT court orders contractor's assets seized
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, February 4, 2016
INUVIK
The construction of Sydney Apartments, intended to be public housing units for single people on the corner of Bonnetplume Road and Reliance Street, has been indefinitely delayed after a judge ordered the builder's assets seized.
The construction site for the new Sydney Apartments on the corner of Bonnetplume Road and Reliance Street remains inactive after an NWT sheriff was instructed to seize all assets owned by builder Millennium Construction in October. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo
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Millennium Construction Ltd., the contractor hired by the NWT Housing Corporation for the project, appears to be no longer in business after an NWT court sheriff was instructed to seize and sell the company's assets to repay $1.4 million owed in federal income taxes.
Millennium owes more than $1.44 million to the Canada Revenue Agency, as well as just over $12,000 to the Western Arctic Business Development Corporation, according to court documents obtained by the Inuvik Drum.
"You are directed to seize and sell the real property or immoveables and the personal property or moveables within the jurisdiction of Millennium Construction Ltd.," the writ, ordered on Oct. 19, reads. "And to realize from the seizure the following sums: $1,443,882.69 and interest, compounded daily, at the rate prescribed under the Income Tax Act . to the day of payment."
The documents show only $6,527 has been recouped as of Oct. 5.
As for the eagerly anticipated Sydney Apartments, a spokesperson for the NWT Housing Corp. could only say that there has been a delay in the project.
Cara Bryant, communications advisor for the housing corporation, stated in an e-mail the building is partially complete and the housing corporation is working on a plan to move forward.
She stated the plan would involve consultation with Millennium Construction.
"The building was planned for completion this winter," she said. "However, we will announce a new targeted completion date once the plan is finalized. The NWTHC understands that there are unique circumstances and challenges for construction in the North. We are looking forward to the completion of this project."
The building was to include solar panels and have one-bedroom apartments that would mean more options for single people and couples.
The Drum tried to contact Millennium Construction for comment, but all associated phone lines had been disconnected and the company's offices on Willow Street appear to be abandoned.
