This is a joint release with the Government of Canada.
Everyone in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Affordable housing is a key determinant of community safety as well as pandemic recovery in the Yukon and across Canada.
Today, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen, Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai, Member of Parliament for Yukon Brendan Hanley, and Mayor of Whitehorse, Laura Cabott, announced a $15 million investment from the Government of Canada to renovate and refresh the former High Country Inn, adding a total of 55 supportive housing units to the community. These homes will support Yukoners who are in uncertain housing situations, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or living in temporary shelters because of the pandemic.
Today’s investment builds on the Government of Canada’s previous announcement in June 2021 of nearly $12.8 million to create 50 new homes in communities across the Yukon through the first phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). This is in addition to the $40 million northern carve-out funding set aside to address housing needs and challenges in the Yukon through the National Housing Co-investment Fund (NHCF). This funding is being rolled out to offset the high construction costs caused by unique building challenges in the north and is designated for initiatives that serve those most at-risk, including women and children, people with disabilities and seniors.
Located at 4051 4th Avenue, the project will receive $10 million through the northern carve-out of the NHCF and $5 million under the expanded RHI. Owned and operated by the Safe at Home Society, the project will provide stable, secure and supportive housing for women, youth and Indigenous Yukoners who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
The Yukon Housing Corporation will further support this project through $1 million in additional funding under the Housing Initiatives Fund. The Safe at Home Society can also apply for development incentives from the City of Whitehorse that could be matched by the Yukon Housing Corporation.
The Safe at Home Society is working with tenants on the goals they set for themselves, meaningfully engaging with Indigenous voices and leadership on all aspects of the project and incorporating the perspectives and experiences of residents through a resident advisory committee.
Renovations at the building are underway and the project is expected to be completed by fall 2022.
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Today's announcement of additional funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative and National Housing Co-investment Fund will go a long way to support those who need it most. Nearly 55 new supportive housing units will be created quickly for vulnerable individuals and families in Whitehorse. This is our National Housing Strategy in action. We will continue to ensure that no one is left behind.
Today’s announcement is an opportunity to support vulnerable women, youth and Indigenous members in our community who are in need of supportive housing. This is yet another example of the partnership displayed across all levels of government to address the housing pressures and reduce homelessness in the Yukon.
We have seen how COVID-19 has worsened existing housing and homelessness challenges, and without urgent action by the Government of Canada, the ongoing pandemic could lead to a dramatic increase in homelessness. Creating housing rapidly to address this housing crisis is a priority for our government. This new funding is part of our commitment to addressing severe housing needs across the country. It will provide immediate support to create safe and stable housing to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families.
Everyone, without exception, deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. Increased housing opportunities is a priority for the City of Whitehorse, and we are pleased to work with our territorial and federal government partners to make help make that happen. This funding will have a direct impact on our most vulnerable citizens, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. I would like to thank the federal government, as well as the Safe at Home Society, for supporting this important initiative.
This funding provides Safe at Home Society the opportunity to build a dynamic, safe, and affordable space for Yukoners who are otherwise marginalized through their experience of homelessness. The growing need for permanent supportive housing options in Whitehorse is real and dire and Safe at Home Society is committed to being part of the solution. Meaningful collaboration is central to this project’s success and we embrace the challenge to shift community perception and be at the heart of a vibrant downtown.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
[email protected]
Aneesha Singh
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-332-6006
[email protected]