This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Government of Canada and the Right On Property Group.
A Yukon Housing Corporation Housing Initiatives Fund recipient, Right On Property Group, has completed Boreal Commons, a new 87-unit rental development in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend neighbourhood. This large-scale housing project will help address the need for more rental housing in the Yukon, including for more affordable and accessible units.
Boreal Commons consists of three multi-residential rental buildings, each with four bachelor suites, four one-bedroom units and 21 two-bedroom units for a total of 87 homes.
A total of 18 units are affordable, which means they have below market rents. Ten of these affordable units will be prioritized for young adults (18 to 25 years of age) and newcomers to Canada. The project also includes 12 accessible units, which will support seniors and people with mobility challenges.
Boreal Commons was supported by Government of Canada , the Government of Yukon, the City of Whitehorse, and other partners. It is an example of how collaborative efforts across governments and the private sector can make significant progress in addressing gaps in the Yukon’s housing continuum and improve the affordability and accessibility of housing for all Yukoners.
The Housing Initiatives Fund intake for shovel-ready funding applications is open from November 14, 2022, to February 3, 2023.
I am thrilled to see another housing developer complete their project with support from the Yukon Housing Corporation through the Government of Yukon’s Housing Initiatives Fund and the Municipal Matching Rental Construction Program. Boreal Commons addresses a much-needed demand for rental housing for young adults, newcomers to Canada as well as seniors. Our government is committed to continuing to invest aggressively in housing and we know we need to work together with all partners across sectors to help ease pressure in the territory. I encourage developers who have housing projects ready to take advantage of the options and apply for the Housing Initiatives Fund sixth intake.
Premier Ranj Pillai
Our government is making investments to create more housing options right across the country and Boreal Commons is just one example of those investments. These 87 new homes are already making a real difference in the community and will provide more residents of Whitehorse with a home that meets their needs. We remain committed to working with our partners to develop and implement solutions to housing both in Whitehorse and across Canada. This is another example of our government’s National Housing Strategy at work.
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen
Our government is providing Canadians not only with safe, affordable housing, but also with the jobs and opportunities they need, so they can strengthen and contribute to our communities. We are proud to support the creation of these new affordable housing units which will contribute to improving the overall well-being of Yukoners.
Member of Parliament for the Yukon Brendan Hanley
Housing continues to be a key priority for our City. We know that rental units are a key part of the housing continuum and provide a home for so many in our community. Through strong partnerships and collaboration along with the City’s housing development incentive program, we have helped add another 87-units to the market including affordable and accessible units for those in need.
City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott
We are very proud to be able to provide new affordable rental apartments in Whitehorse. There has not been such a large residential project constructed in the community for more than 30 years. We realize it is only a small part of what needs to be done to meet the significant housing needs and we hope that collaboration between different levels of government can be facilitated in the future so that we can all work together to improve housing options in northern Canada. Building in the North presents significant challenges, and we want to thank our experienced team at Kobayashi and Zedda Architects, Blackrock Construction, and all their employees who helped make this project a reality.
Right On Property Group President Dr. Sammy Hachem
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provided $22 million through the Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFI) to Boreal Commons.
The City of Whitehorse contributed development incentives of up to $500,000 over 10 years to the project.
The Yukon Housing Corporation provided $500,000 through the third intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund (HIF 3) and $500,000 under the Municipal Matching Rental Construction Grant program (MMRCP).
This project supports the goals of the Housing Action Plan for Yukon and the Aging in Place Action Plan to help Yukoners find housing that meets their needs.
The Housing Initiatives Fund provides capital grants to incentivize the development of long-term, affordable rental and homeownership housing in the territory and encourages partnership solutions to address the territory’s housing pressures.
The sixth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund opened November 14, 2022, and closes on February 3, 2023.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
matthew.cameron@yukon.ca
Laura Lang
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-334-7164
laura.lang@yukon.ca
Sammy Hachem
Right On Property Group
867-668-4729
graymanagementservices@gmail.com