Statement from Premier Pillai on housing investments in Watson Lake

Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Building safe, affordable and inclusive communities is a priority for the Government of Yukon. As Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation, I am proud to share updates on the significant progress that has been made on important housing projects in Watson Lake, including the opening of a new Elders complex and multiple housing developments that will benefit the community.

“These projects in Watson Lake include:

• a nine-home Elders complex;
• a 15-home development for Liard First Nation Citizens;
• three tiny homes; and
• a Yukon Housing Corporation-led supportive housing 10-plex.

“I am pleased that through Yukon Housing Corporation, and with funding from Indigenous Services Canada, the Yukon government was able to provide $810,000 through the Housing Initiatives Fund to support the construction of a nine-home Elders complex in Watson Lake.

“We all want to help Seniors and Elders remain in their community, where they have valuable connections to family, friends and culture. Today’s celebration of opening of the new Elders complex, led by Liard First Nation, honours the invaluable wisdom and strength of Elders within the community. I send my congratulations to the community and wish Liard First Nation and the Town of Watson Lake all the best on this opening day.

“The Government of Yukon is providing an additional $1 million through the Housing Initiatives Fund for a 15-home development to house Liard First Nation citizens. This project will include five four-bedroom homes, seven three-bedroom homes and three two-bedroom homes. These homes are nearing completion and I look forward to the day when they are ready to welcome their first residents.

“In addition, our government invested $210,000 towards the completion of three tiny homes in the community. This Liard First Nation-led housing initiative offers an innovative solution to meet Citizens’ unique needs, providing opportunities for independent living and active participation in the community.

“Construction is also nearly complete on a Yukon Housing Corporation-led supportive housing 10-plex in Watson Lake. Designed to provide safe and stable housing for vulnerable residents, this development is set to welcome tenants early in the new year.

“I would like to thank our partners, including Liard First Nation, the Town of Watson Lake and the Government of Canada, for their collective support in making these projects possible. These partnerships are key to advancing our government's new five-year strategic housing plan, Creating Home. This plan, along with the Aging in Place Action Plan, underscores our government’s efforts to ensure all Yukoners have access to housing.

“By working together, we are addressing housing challenges across the territory, strengthening community wellbeing and building a sustainable future for all Yukoners.”