Joint news release with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Two new homes in Porter Creek are ready for Yukon Housing Corporation tenants to move in. The duplex has accessible two-bedroom units on both sides that are 1,000 square feet each, energy-efficient and built to an EnerGuide 85 rating.
These accessible units replaced an old social housing unit that was not economically feasible to repair. Yukon Housing Corporation will own and operate these homes as part of the Rent-Geared-to-Income program.
Funding for this project came from the Northern Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy.
This energy-efficient duplex will keep two families safely and securely housed for many years to come. The new addition to our social housing rental stock also makes good use of our existing property in Whitehorse by replacing a single family home with a duplex.
Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Pauline Frost
The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. This is why our Government is glad to be involved in the creation of these brand new homes, which will provide two families in Porter Creek with high quality, energy efficient and accessible housing. I’m glad to see we are making progress in tackling housing affordability, all while supporting the local economy.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell
Construction cost just over $551,000 for the duplex. Landscaping will take place in summer 2019.
Each of the accessible units has a large, low threshold shower, an electric push button lowering kitchen cabinet, a raised washer and dryers and textured safety flooring in the bathroom and entry ways.
The Yukon Housing Corporation has over 700 social housing units in 14 Yukon communities where tenants pay Rent-Geared-to-Income or 25 per cent of their gross income for rent.
In addition to social housing units the Yukon Housing Corporation offers a rent supplement program that subsidizes rent for families and individuals who are eligible for social housing but have a home in a private market rental.
The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy — an ambitious 10-year, $40 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.
The National Housing Strategy is built on strong partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Sarah Murray
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-334-8712
sarah.murray@gov.yk.ca
Valérie Glazer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546
valerie.glazer@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Gabriel Teo
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
604-737-4137
gteo@cmhc-schl.gc.ca