WINTER CROSSING DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING UPDATE
Project Update:
The Winter Crossing project continues to make steady progress, with multiple scopes of work advancing toward our goal of delivering 45 housing units by Fall/Winter 2025. Below is a consolidated overview of key updates from the past months.
Prefabrication & Preliminary Construction
Initial wall panel prefabrication began shortly after preliminary plans were received in April 2024. TBL’s in-house framing crew completed panels for two buildings, while a subcontractor completed a third set. This off-site work allowed for an efficient transition into on-site construction.
On-Site Construction Progress
Financials & Funding
Funding from both Yukon Government and CMHC has been received, and draw requests are being coordinated through BTY quantity surveyors. Construction remains within budget for all scopes currently underway.
WINTER CROSSING DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING UPDATE
On-Site Construction Progress
Construction on Buildings 2, 3, and 7 are advancing well. TKC-owned subcontractors Profeit Contracting and OCA Builders are leading construction on Buildings 2 and 3, while TBL’s in-house team is managing Building 7.
·Building 3: Foundation and drainage are complete, and the roof, windows, and weather barrier have been installed. Interior framing and rainscreen strapping are currently in progress.
·Building 7: Foundation and drainage are complete, with the roof, windows, weather barrier, and main floor plumbing rough-in finished. Interior framing is ongoing. ·Building 2: Roof, windows, and weather barrier have been installed.
Interior framing, plumbing roughins, and rainscreen work are underway.
Civil Utilities & Site Preparation
Northern Construction, led by KDFN
Citizen Jerrid Hozak, is handling civil utilities and site preparation. Since June 2024, work has included all major tie-ins to city mains, excavation for three buildings, parking areas, and roads, as well as 85% completion of water mains. This season’s work is expected to reach 75% of the contracted value.
Subcontractors
Several Yukon First Nation-owned businesses have been engaged, contributing valuable expertise and local knowledge:
·CMAC’s Electrical (Colin Macdonald, TKC) – Electrical
·Profeit Contracting (Jordan Profeit, TKC) – Carpentry
·OCA Builders (Jeremiah Gatensby, C/TFN) – Carpentry
·North Yukon Plumbing and Heating (Jamie Tetllichi, VGFN) – Plumbing
·Northern Construction (Jerrid Hozak, KDFN) – Earthworks and civil
Looking Ahead
With key structures now enclosed and interior work advancing, the project remains on track for the targeted completion and occupancy of 45 units by late 2025.
STAFFING & COMMUNICATIONS SPOTLIGHT
Meet the Team Behind DDDC’s Vision
At the heart of Da Daghay Development Corporation (DDDC) lies a team of dedicated professionals committed to fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (TKC) and its citizens. Established in 1989 as the economic arm of TKC, DDDC operates with a “triple-bottom-line” approach, emphasizing social, environmental, and financial success.
Leading the organization is President & CEO Ben Asquith, who brings over a decades worth of experience in commercial banking and economic development, primarily working with First Nation governments and their development corporations. Ben is deeply committed to seeing TKC prosper through economic development.
The DDDC team is a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging leaders united by a shared passion for excellence and innovation. Their collective efforts drive the organization’s diverse portfolio, wh includes real estate development, property management, and strateg investments aimed at creating employment opportunities and enhancing the socio-economic wel being of the TKC community.
With each newsletter, we will introduce you more to each team member; for now, we are pleased to introduce you to our team:
Tiffany Eckert-Maret - Chief Operating Officer
John Laffra - Chief Financial Officer
Blake Buckle - Director of Business Development
Virginia Guidolin - Director of Property Management
Aberdeen Broeren - Office Administrator
Desiree Coad-Broeren - Business Analyst
Ethan LaVallee - Business Analyst
Dakota Eckert-Maret - Marketing/Communications Officer
Matthew Murphy - Manager, Property Management
Andy Calahizen - Lead Property Maintenance
Austin Smith - Property Maintenance Technician
Frances McGuire - Property Maintenance Technician
Regil Vergara - Finance Officer
As DDDC continues to grow and evolve, its staff remains the driving force behind its achievements, embodying the organization’s mission to generate wealth and economic opportunity while respecting cultural values and environmental stewardship.
BOARD AND LEADERSHIP UPDATE
Craig Quote
A Message from the Chair of the Da Daghay Development Corporation
Building a New Path Together
Dear Citizens of the Ta’an Kwäch'än Council, It is with great optimism and gratitude that I share this message with you as the Chair of the Da Daghay Development Corporation. Our board has embarked on a new direction, guided by a renewed commitment to the well-being and prosperity of you, our beneficiaries, who are at the heart of everything we do.
As a board, we recognize that trust and respect must be the foundation of our journey forward—not only between ourselves but also with the Council, the members, and the entire community. We are dedicated to fostering open communication and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Together, we aim to create opportunities that reflect your aspirations and address your priorities.
To this end, I am excited to announce our first annual information meeting will take place on July 31st, 2025. This gathering is an important step in strengthening the connection between the board and the community. During this meeting, we will share the activities we are currently undertaking and, more importantly, invite you to provide your input on the areas where you believe our efforts should be focused. Your insights are essential to shaping the path ahead and ensuring that our initiatives align with the needs and desires of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
We are committed to building a transparent and mutually respectful relationship with all citizens, one that is rooted in partnership and shared purpose. Together, let us continue to build a future that enriches and empowers our community.
DDDC Chair, Craig Tuton
BOARD AND LEADERSHIP UPDATE
I look forward to seeing many of you at the meeting on July 31st, and I encourage you to come ready to share your ideas and engage in shaping our vision for the future. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Kwänächish/Shäw Níthän/Thank You
Craig Tuton
Chair, Da Daghay Development Corporation
DDDC Vice Chair, Kynan McIntyre
DDDC Director, Bengie Clethero
DDDC Director, Shawna Tizya
DDDC Director, Greg Charlie
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Business Development at DDDC
Business Development helps grow DDDC’s b ships, and projects to create jobs, build new opportunities, and generate profits that support TKC citizens today and into the future. We lead work like expanding our property management company, building new housing projects, and developing opportunities in telecommunications and energy. Every project we take on — whether it’s building homes, maintaining properties, improving internet access, or supporting energy solutions — helps grow the value of DDDC and ensures long-term benefits for future generations.
Marketing at DDDC
Marketing helps share DDDC’s story, promote our businesses, and build relationships that support long-term growth. We showcase projects like our rental properties, new housing developments, and work in telecommunications and energy to attract partners, tenants, and new opportunities. By telling our story, we help ensure that more and more people know about DDDC and what we offer. This matters because the more awareness and partnerships we build, the more revenues we can generate — creating jobs, opportunities, and longterm financial benefits for TKC citizens and future generations.
Property Management at DDDC
More than jus perty, our team of 4 are invested in keeping the current 5 buil pe, free from need for major repairs; achieved by steady maintenance protocols of record keeping, integral checks, and service requests. The management piece also reflects the day-to-day needs of keeping all the tenants safe and content in a dwelling they call home. This involves dedication, motivation, empathy, research, productivity, mindfulness for cost effectiveness and endurance strategies for tenant retention and physical building and grounds. Our days are filled with tasks of seasonal considerations to remove snow ice or gravel from sidewalks and complex road, lawn care, ant intakes and move-outs that require, painting, cleaning.
SUPPORTING YOUTH THROUGH SPORT:
DDDC KEETS & DDDC GIANTS
In 2023, we proudly expanded our support for youth athletics by becoming the title sponsor of a Yukon Little League team, now known as the DDDC Giants. This new partnership reflects our ongoing investment in the health, development, and well-being of Yukon youth. Just like with the Keets, our goal with the DDDC Giants is to empower young athletes and strengthen community bonds through sport. Whether it’s hockey rinks or baseball diamonds, we’re proud to be part of building brighter futures for our youth—one game at a time
A few years ago, Da Daghay Development Corporation (DDDC) proudly became the founding sponsor of the DDDC Keets hockey team. We believe that sports play a vital role in shaping the next generation. From building teamwork and leadership skills to encouraging discipline, confidence, and healthy lifestyles, athletic programs like the Keets provide young people with a foundation for success both on and off the ice. The Keets team offers a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where young players can grow, challenge themselves, and forge lifelong friendships.
