This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada.
Today, Member of Parliament for the Yukon Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen, Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai, Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee, City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott, and Wildstone Construction and Engineering Ltd. announced the opening of 47 new affordable homes at 401 Jeckell Street in Whitehorse.
This is the first residential complex of this size to open in the territory for Yukoners in need of community housing. It was created from a combined $21 million investment and will help serve families, seniors and individuals currently on Yukon Housing Corporation’s waitlist.
The new community housing development features 14 bachelor units; 16 one-bedroom units; 12 two-bedroom units; and 5 three-bedroom units for low-income and vulnerable families, seniors, and individuals in need of stable, affordable housing. Nine of these units will be low barrier and accessible. The residence will be operated by Yukon Housing Corporation.
Funding provided for this project includes $5.2 million from the federal government, through the Canada-Yukon Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy, and $15.8 million from the territorial government, through the Yukon Housing Corporation.
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. To help create jobs and enhance the quality of life for those who need it most, we are investing in affordable housing here in Whitehorse and across the country. Through our combined efforts, we are creating 47 new affordable homes to give a helping hand to Yukoners in need, and in doing so, we are improving the community’s economic and social well-being. This is our government’s National Housing Strategy at work.
Through investments in affordable housing, our government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in the Yukon. This project is a true testament of working together to strengthen our communities. While we have lots of work ahead, I’m pleased to see another piece of meaningful, tangible progress in creating housing stock for Yukon seniors, families and individuals, while generating new jobs and stimulating the local economy.
It is truly remarkable to see such a substantial addition to Whitehorse’s affordable housing with the completion of the residential complex at 401 Jeckell. These 47 new homes in Whitehorse will provide low-income Yukoners with stable and affordable housing. This project also marks progress towards our efforts to address the recommendations in the most recent Auditor General report on housing. Furthermore, it helps realize the housing goals set out in the Housing Action Plan and the National Housing Strategy. Above all else, this new complex provides welcoming homes that strengthen the foundation for a flourishing and safe community.
The modern and efficient mixed-use housing development addresses the pressing need for safe and affordable housing, and also prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity for our most vulnerable Yukoners. This is a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together to build healthier, more vibrant communities. I look forward to continuing our collaborative work to address the full spectrum of housing needs across the territory.
Every one of these new multi-unit developments means more homes for Yukoners. These 47 new units are another step to ensuring we have appropriate and adequate housing for people across the housing continuum. By working together with our partners, we can bring more of these projects to life.
We are grateful to be in the business of building crucial infrastructure and are thrilled to provide affordable housing for Yukon families. We’d like to thank the Yukon Government, the Yukon Housing Corporation and all the design, trade and supplier partners for their contributions and efforts on this project.
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Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $72-plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.
- NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need.
- All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities.
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The Government of Yukon undertook public engagement during the design phase of this building and consulted with the local community and stakeholders to gather feedback. These stakeholders included:
- the Whitehorse Downtown Residents' Association;
- the Housing Action Plan Implementation Committee;
- Yukon Housing Corporation’s Accessibility Advisory Committee; and
- Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and City of Whitehorse.
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The building has been designed to exceed National Energy Board of Canada minimum requirements for energy efficiency, contributing to the success of the Yukon’s Our Clean Future Strategy.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Shannon Ryan
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-335-7404
shannon.ryan@yukon.ca