The Government of Yukon has purchased a multi-unit residential property at 408 Wood Street in Whitehorse to support housing needs within the Yukon’s health system.
The seven-unit building, known as Ryann’s Place, will initially be primarily used to provide temporary housing for physicians being recruited to work in the territory. This includes physicians relocating permanently to the Yukon while they secure long-term housing, as well as visiting specialists and short-term locums in critical service areas. It will also allow more flexibility for housing other visiting health professionals.
This initiative supports the efforts under the Health Human Resources Strategy, which focuses on removing barriers to recruitment and retention of highly trained health professionals. By addressing a gap in short-term housing for visiting physicians and specialists, the government is taking action to support the Yukon’s health care system and improve access to care for all Yukoners. This builds on the recruitment focus and features of the recent agreement between the Government of Yukon and Yukon Medical Association.
While the immediate priority is supporting physician recruitment, the government will consider other potential for future use as a medical travel lodge to support Yukoners who must travel from communities for health care.
The property will be prepared for occupancy over the coming months and will be another tool to help strengthen recruitment and retention efforts.
Access to health care starts with having the professionals we need living and working in our communities. By investing in Ryann’s Place, we are removing a major barrier to physician recruitment and showing that Yukon is a place where doctors and their families are supported. This is a practical step that strengthens our health system and helps ensure Yukoners can get the care they need, closer to home.
Recruiting and retaining physicians is critical to the stability and sustainability of our health system. This investment in Ryann’s Place shows our commitment to removing barriers and ensuring physician recruitment is a priority. By providing temporary housing for visiting health care professionals, we are strengthening the Yukon’s health care system for all Yukoners.
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The seven-unit residential property at 408 Wood Street in Whitehorse was purchased for $4.6 million.
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In the near term, it will provide temporary housing for physicians being recruited to work in the Yukon. This includes those relocating permanently while they secure long-term housing, as well as visiting specialists and short-term locums in critical service areas.
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The government will assess options for long-term use of the building to support broader health system needs, including the potential for future use as a medical travel lodge.
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The property is currently being prepared for occupancy. An occupancy timeline will be confirmed once furnishing and property management are in place toward the end of 2025.
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This purchase aligns with the Health Human Resources Strategy, which focuses on removing barriers to recruiting and retaining health professionals.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8342
[email protected]