The Government of Yukon and the Safe at Home Society continue to make progress in transforming the former High Country Inn into The Hearth, a 67-unit permanent supportive housing project.
Demolition on The Hearth project is near completion and structural and exterior envelope upgrades are underway. This will allow interior construction to proceed through the winter months. The project remains on schedule, with a goal to open in late winter 2026.
The Government of Yukon’s partnership with the Safe at Home Society and corresponding support for The Hearth project shows how working together creates supportive, sustainable housing that will strengthen the community. This project, which relates to Yukon Housing Corporation’s Creating Home strategy and the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan, aims to improve lives and make the community safer and more resilient.
This past February, the Government of Yukon announced its investments and commitment totaling $12.9 million to support the Safe at Home Society’s project to help end and prevent homelessness in downtown Whitehorse.
By working together with the Government of Canada and the Safe at Home Society, we are providing safe, supportive and permanent housing that is essential for improving Yukoners' wellbeing. These efforts reflect the Government of Yukon’s commitment to innovation and partnership and strengthening opportunities to ensure that all Yukoners have access to essential supports and services.
This project is a meaningful step towards implementing the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan. Through partnerships, we are working hard to increase the availability of supportive and emergency housing. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Safe at Home and Yukon Housing Corporation to provide safe, affordable homes for the most vulnerable Yukoners.
Safe at Home is committed to continuing its work with funders and community partners to open The Hearth in 2026. Huge credit to our Design, Construction and Project Management teams for ensuring such impressive progress. This project represents a critical investment in supportive housing that will alleviate pressure on our shelter system, housing waitlists and the rental market
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The Hearth Permanent Supportive Housing Project will be at 4051 4th Avenue, the former High Country Inn.
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In February 2024, the Yukon government announced its investments and commitment totalling $12.9 million comprising:
- $1 million from the Housing Initiative fund dispersed in budgets 2023–24 and 2024–25;
- $5 million through the Rapid Housing Initiative in 2021–22;
- $6 million from Budget 2024–25; and
- $900,000 slated for 2025–26.
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Once The Hearth opens its doors in 2026, the affordable housing units will be allocated to individuals on the By Name List, a real-time list of those currently experiencing homelessness in Whitehorse.
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Yukon Housing Corporation’s five-year strategic plan, Creating Home, includes commitments to support actions that will see a reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness.
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These new housing units will improve safety and wellbeing in downtown Whitehorse by offering housing to those who need it most and spreading out services. This will help create a more vibrant, safe and inclusive downtown. It's a key part of the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Kim Sheridan
Yukon Housing Corporation Communications
867-667-8818
Kim.Sheridan@yukon.ca
Kate Mechan
Executive Director, Safe at Home Society
867-334-9310
ed@safeathomeyukon.ca
Judy Booth
Health and Social Services Communications
867-332-4423
judy.booth@yukon.ca