Premier Pillai issues statement on sustainable housing

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

 

“Through a blend of partnership initiatives and in-house projects, our government continues to design, construct, tenant, fund and renovate homes across the Yukon – making a measurable difference in the housing landscape and helping Yukoners create homes.

“Our role doesn’t stop there. We are also committed to fostering environments in our buildings and in neighbourhoods that promote social connection and build community.

“This winter, Yukon Housing Corporation launched its new five-year strategic plan, called Creating Home.

“The plan aims to transform affordable housing service delivery through the adoption of a more client-centred and collaborative approach that leads to better outcomes for Yukoners and communities.

“Creating Home is about thinking beyond bricks and mortar.

“It's about working collaboratively with our partners to ensure our clients get the support and services they need to remain stably housed.

“Creating Home maps out four overarching goals that are interconnected and will work together to realize our new vision.

“The first goal is to be more Yukoner-focused  to better understand our clients’ needs.

“For example, regardless of whether you own or rent your home, we know that Yukoners across the housing continuum are facing affordability challenges.

“We’ve heard Yukoners’ feedback and are continuing to develop programs that make housing more affordable and accessible, including for homeowners.

“We recently launched a new stream of the Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit to support eligible homeowners struggling with their housing costs.

“Applications are now closed for this temporary program stream. The corporation received 353 applications and is currently processing them.

“Our Rent-Geared-to-Income program is currently supporting 662 Yukon households and is an example of how we are making housing more affordable and accessible for all Yukon households.

“In a further measure to improve the client experience, the corporation recently entered into a lease agreement with Normandy Living for 26 units that support seniors by meeting their needs and helping them age in place.

“This partnership between the private sector and the corporation puts the needs of seniors at the forefront to help them age in place.

“We also provide monthly rental subsidies to Yukoners living in the private market through the Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit rental stream.

“As of March 28, 2024, this program is supporting 177 clients.

“The corporation’s Home Repair Program continues to improve suitability, safety and accessibility of homes for Yukoners who own and are living in their principal residence. We’ve supported 39 home improvement projects since April 2023 and recently expanded the program to accept applications year-round.

“The second goal focuses on strengthening community wellbeing by improving housing stability, increasing access to affordable housing choices and promoting social connections.

“We all recognize how foundational housing stability is for health and wellbeing.

“In July 2023, the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in’s JëJë Zho Men’s Shelter opened in Dawson.

“This initiative, which received $900,000 in funding through the Housing Initiatives Fund, serves unhoused or precariously housed men with on-site care including addictions and mental health support.

“Connection and community are so important in helping us create a sense of home and place of belonging.

“Our seniors and Elders are central to all communities – they are the pillars to whom we turn for wisdom, experiences and general guidance.

“I am proud to share that the Housing Initiatives Fund also supported the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Liard First Nation for the construction of two Elders’ complexes.

“These projects help to maintain Elders’ connections with their communities, which helps maintain the connection with the community through aging in place.

“Creating Home’s third goal is improving the provider experience – providers include all partners delivering housing services, from the owners, operators to the support service providers.

“The success of the Housing Initiatives Fund program, for example, demonstrates the strength of such partnerships with providers to improve affordable housing options in the Yukon.

"Since its launch in 2018, this program has supported the completion of 382 housing units, with another 461 currently in planning or construction.

“Upcoming projects with partners in Whitehorse include the recently announced 105-unit Winter Crossing and the Council of Yukon First Nations’ 15-unit, 32-bed Family Preservation Wellness Centre.

"I was also pleased to announce the sale and upcoming development of the 5th and Rogers land parcel, which will bring new housing options to downtown Whitehorse.

"We are so grateful to our partners for the tremendous role they play in housing development.

“Finally, the fourth goal is to build a more sustainable future by seeking creative opportunities to maximize efficiencies.

“One example is expanding the Developer Build Loan program to include financing for residential land and infrastructure development. One of the first projects resulting from this change is Chu Níikwän Limited Partnership’s Copper Ridge West project.

“This first large-scale housing development on First Nation Settlement Land will bring online over 150 residential lots to support housing for Yukoners.

"The corporation has also realized success through the Municipal Matching Rental Construction program, an initiative that provides a one-time capital grant to increase the supply of rental housing in municipalities.

"Since the program launched in 2019, over 54 applications have been approved for a combined $3.1 million in funding. 

“We also know that there are times where we need to be nimble. The Flood Recovery Funding Program, launched in 2023, is an example of a purpose-built program developed by the Yukon government to respond to impacted communities.

“More than 25 households affected by the Klondike Valley flooding event in 2023 were approved for a total of nearly $590,000 in recovery aid.

“While the provision of responsive programming is one component of our approach to a sustainable future, we also recognize that the needs of communities differ.

“Last summer, our corporation completed affordable and accessible duplexes in Mayo and Carmacks, and we are nearing completion of two other affordable duplexes in Dawson and Faro.

“As we work towards a more sustainable future for the Yukon, we do need to keep in mind how the type, location, design and condition of our housing speaks to client needs.

“Alongside community partners and all levels of government, we are seeking to transform the housing landscape to achieve better housing and wellness outcomes for Yukoners.”