The Ka Ni Kanichihk Capital Expansion will expand Ka Ni Kanichihk’s existing building from 8,700 sq. ft. to a two-storey, 23,000 sq. ft. building located at 455 McDermot Ave. The project will attach the new build portion to the existing building with some demolition required to the front end of the current building.
This new purpose-built facility is dedicated to healing, education, and training through the addition of a new cultural space, a demonstration kitchen, a wellness space, two new classrooms, a clinical space and an expanded daycare. The community has been asking for dedicated space and additional resources for years to ensure the health, wellness and inclusion of urban Indigenous people in our city.
We are happy to report that construction began in the summer of 2023.
We held a ground blessing ceremony in September 2022 to prepare for the expansion before the ground froze, and tobacco was put down by Laverne Gervais on the first ground breaking in June 2023 (as pictured).
We are very excited to see all the activity on-site and look forward to the building structure, framing and envelope going up in early 2024. The expansion project remains a 14-month build, with building occupancy scheduled for March 2025.
Thank you!
We are so grateful for all the community support and donations received, in making this 20-year dream a reality for our community. Once completed, the beautiful two-storey, 23,000 sq. ft. building and outdoor gathering space will be the heart of the neighbourhood. With the additional space and the programs, it makes it possible for thousands more in our community to access tools and supports to transform their lives.
We look forward to welcoming you into the new Ka Ni Kanichihk Campus.