Statement from Premier Pillai on housing initiatives underway

Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:

"Today, I want to update Yukoners on the ongoing work to support housing across the territory. Providing every Yukoner with a place to call home has always been a central priority for me and our government is committed to making sure that continues to be a reality for all.

“Under Creating Home, Yukon Housing Corporation’s five-year strategic plan, the Government of Yukon is advancing a new support program, capital builds and a range of other initiatives. I would like to provide a few specific examples of how some of these relate to our efforts to help Yukoners create homes across the territory.

“To better support and respond to Yukoners’ needs, our government is replacing the Home Ownership Loan Program with the new Yukoner First Home Program, launching later this spring, subject to legislative approval. This loan program will make homeownership more attainable. We look forward to sharing more details soon.

“Expanding our portfolio of housing stock is critical to creating more homes for Yukoners. Last year saw the completion of several capital builds, some led by Yukon Housing Corporation and others led by our housing partners.

“We also broke ground at two sites which will be home to many Yukoners over the coming years.

“The Ryder replacement building in downtown Whitehorse is the first of these projects and anyone walking past the site can see the building taking shape. Once completed, the building will provide 45 units – that’s almost double the number of units previously at this site. The unit configuration will comprise studios and units ranging from one to three bedrooms, with 12 designated accessible units and we anticipate that the building will be completed in summer 2026.

“The second site is in Dawson, where we broke ground on a 34-unit residence last summer. The site is the location of the former Korbo apartment building that was demolished in 2011 after a significant heating oil spill. The lot was fully remediated and backfilled at the time. However, during last year’s initial groundworks, an isolated patch of additional contamination was found onsite. Efforts to address the contamination were suspended last fall due to the advancing winter weather conditions, which means the project is delayed. We are committed to proceeding in an environmentally responsible manner and expect a Remedial Action Plan from the environmental consultant that will guide the remediation work scheduled to resume later this spring once site conditions permit it.

“These two builds are responding directly to housing needs in those communities and will help reduce the housing waitlist while supporting the long-term wellbeing of clients and the communities.

“Last year, we announced the supportive housing 10-plex in Watson Lake was nearing completion. Construction is nearly complete, with only a few remaining items to address. The contractor is working to finalize these details and ensure everything is finished to the highest standard so that Watson Lake residents can soon call this building home.

“Finally, the Yukon Housing Corporation’s Housing Initiatives Fund (HIF). Up to $4 million is being made available through HIF to support the development of new affordable housing units across the territory and applications for the current eighth intake closed on March 15, with $3 million included in Budget 2025–26, subject to legislative approval.

“As these real-time initiatives demonstrate, we are supporting Yukoners along the housing continuum. This work is guided by Yukon Housing Corporation’s strategic plan, Creating Home, which creates a path for creating stable, affordable, quality housing for Yukoners while building community. I look forward to sharing further updates and details in the coming months .”