Government of Yukon supporting Northern Community Land Trust Society to build permanently affordable housing in Whitehorse

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Government of Canada, Northern Community Land Trust Society and the City of Whitehorse.

Supported by a donation of land and up to $5 million in construction loans and contributions, the Government of Yukon is investing in the Northern Community Land Trust Society’s Project 1096 to build 32 permanently affordable homes in the Whistle Bend neighbourhood of Whitehorse.

Project 1096 is a multi-family condominium development consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. These homes will be sold only to eligible individuals and families who earn less than 80 per cent of median household income. Qualified buyers are screened based on having total household assets and incomes below set levels, with a lottery system used to select initial buyers of the 32 homes.

Under the Northern Community Land Trust Society model, homes in the development will on average be sold for more than 30 per cent below appraised market value, providing low-to-moderate income families new opportunities to move into affordable homeownership and begin building equity.

With permanent restrictions on resale prices, owners’ homes can be resold for no more than the original purchase price plus increases based on inflation and other approved owner improvements. This ensures homes are resold to successive buyers at continuously affordable prices. The project is the first of its kind in the Yukon.

This investment is part of Yukon Housing Corporation’s commitment in its five-year strategic plan, Creating Home, to invest in projects and innovative partnerships that help to create more affordable housing choices in the territory for Yukoners.

After much anticipation, our government is pleased to announce this exciting new partnership with the Northern Community Land Trust Society. We are proud to support this vision for developing permanently affordable homes at a time when ownership is feeling more and more out of reach for hard-working families and individuals. This pricing model is an innovative way to ensure lasting affordability, address gaps in the housing continuum and increase homeownership opportunities in the Yukon.

Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai

I appreciate the opportunity to work with our partners to offer this land to the Northern Community Land Trust Society, which will provide 32 affordable homes in Whistle Bend for limited income, working class people and families. We applaud the vision of the Northern Community Land Trust Society to develop affordable homeownership for Yukoners.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

Land development is driven by creating spaces for families to live, work and play. The Department of Community Services was pleased to develop the land that will eventually create the space for 32 families with limited income to have homes. These homes will always be accessible to those who need them most, ensuring that the intention behind this project always remains.

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

Through this innovative housing solution, 32 families in Whitehorse will now have the opportunity to own their homes. As the first of its kind, this project focuses on selling to low- to medium-income families, providing new opportunities for affordable home ownership and equity building. This initiative exemplifies the forward-thinking strategies supported by the federal government under the National Housing Strategy.

Member of Parliament for Yukon Brendan Hanley, on behalf of Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser 

The Community Land Trust model is driven by the belief that homes should be for living, and not financial assets traded for profit. It allows us to build high-quality, thoughtfully designed homes at lower construction costs than typical for-profit developers; and creates lasting access to home ownership, stability and autonomy for households that cannot otherwise afford a home. We are grateful to the Government of Yukon, CMHC and the City of Whitehorse for their support of our first project. Planning has already started for our next permanently affordable housing development which we hope to be in another Yukon community, so stay tuned for what comes next.

Director Northern Community Land Trust Society Laird Herbert

Whitehorse is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. The City of Whitehorse continues to take steps to increase housing options and support innovative housing solutions. Project 1096 is a brand-new model for our community that will help residents access affordable housing options that were previously unavailable. We are pleased to be supporting this project and thank the Northern Community Land Trust for their work to bring it to fruition.

Mayor of Whitehorse Kirk Cameron

Quick facts
  • Northern Community Land Trust Society is a non-profit organization established in November 2020 to create permanently affordable housing opportunities for low-to-moderate income Yukoners.

  • Northern Community Land Trust Society was awarded a $1 million Housing Initiatives Fund contribution and is eligible to access up to $4 million through Yukon Housing Corporation’s Developer Build Loan Program.

  • The City of Whitehorse provided $60,000 through the Development Incentive Grant.

  • The project is located at 84 Rampart Avenue in Whistle Bend and will incorporate community spaces such as a fire circle, gardens and a picnic area. All homes are highly energy efficient and meet universal design standards for accessibility and inclusion.

  • Construction is underway, with completion expected in December 2025.

  • The donation or sale of government land for a nominal fee to not-for-profit-led housing developments is a recognized best practice for cost-effectively supporting increased delivery of affordable stock.

  • The quadruple aim of Yukon Housing Corporation’s five-year strategic plan, Creating Home, seeks to improve client experience; strengthen community wellbeing; improve the provider experience; and build a sustainable future. This project aligns with the second, third and fourth objectives.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]

 

Kim Sheridan
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-667-8818
[email protected]

 

Sofia Ouslis
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
[email protected]

 

Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
[email protected]

 

Mark Wickham
Northern Community Land Trust Society
867-669-3672
[email protected]

 

Matthew Cameron
City of Whitehorse
867-689-0515
[email protected]

News release #:
24-544
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