Canadian Mortgage News

April 2005 National News Archive

Affordable Housing Funds Allocated by Yukon Housing Corporation

WHITEHORSE, Yukon, April 25, 2005 — The Government of Canada and the Yukon Territory today announced that 89 new units of affordable housing will receive over $1.4 million in funding under the Canada/Yukon Affordable Housing Agreement. The two projects, in Whitehorse, will provide housing for seniors and low- to moderate-income Yukoners.

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting affordable housing for those Canadians most in need," Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing announced today. "We are pleased to be making this investment in affordable housing for seniors and families in Whitehorse. Together with our partners, not only are we are helping more people access new homes, but we are finding effective solutions to address the unique needs of the northern community."

"It is great to see the efforts of the Government of Canada and the YHC being realized," said James Kenyon, Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation. "The Canada/Yukon Affordable Housing Program Agreement has provided the means for the Yukon to greatly improve upon its housing situation. Affordability, accessibility and energy-efficiency are important factors for seniors who may suffer from mobility-challenges but would like to continue to live independently and comfortably."

The projects were selected, and given conditional approval, by the Yukon Housing Corporation Board following a proposal call. The chair of the YHC Board of Directors, Rudy Couture, believes the selections made by the YHC Board correspond to the original program objectives.

"The Board chose proposals that responded to the Yukon's growing demand for affordable, senior-friendly housing, while maintaining energy-efficient criteria," said Mr. Couture. "I would like to thank the Yukon Council on Aging and the Yukon Council on Disabilities for their ongoing support and for providing sound advice throughout the selection process."

Normandy Manor will offer a variety of services to residents including meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry services. Borud Enterprises Inc. will convert and expand the Range Road Powerplant into 25 assisted-care homes.

The Falcon Ridge Development Corp. will build 64 homes in the Copper Ridge subdivision. Residents of this development will have access to an exercise room, a theater, dry cleaning, shuttle bus/emergency service and walking trails. This site is close to amenities, on a bus-line and surrounded by a green-belt.

Combined, the two housing developments will create 89 barrier-free homes for Yukoners. All homes will be required to meet YHC Green and Accomodating home standards. Both projects are slated for completion before the end of next year.

For further information, please contact:

Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications Advisor
(867) 667-8688
peter.carr@gov.yk.ca

Matt King
Policy & Communications Analyst
(867) 667-8437
matt.king@gov.yk.ca

Christina Wensley
Events CoordinatorCMHC
(604) 737-4032

Backgrounder — Falcon Ridge and Normandy Manor

Falcon Ridge

Proponent: 37724 Yukon Inc.
Location: Falcon Drive at Raven Place, Whitehorse; currently an empty lot beside École Emile Tremblay School in Copper Ridge subdivision with greenbelt buffer
Units: 63 home-ownership units and 30 rental units

Project Description: construction of new single-detached, two-bedroom units with a total of 1280 square feet on two levels

Amenities: meeting room, hobby room, theatre, doctor's office, exercise room, shuttle bus/emergency service, on-site emergency call and first aid, picnic area, public greenhouse, walking trails, dry cleaning pick up, horseshoe pits, storage units, personal fenced yard space

Anticipated project schedule: construction start — May 2005; project completion expected in September 2006

Project Participants: Shadow Creek Construction; Wayne Wilkinson — Energy Efficiency Advisor; Quest Engineering; Inukshuk Planning; Val Killian — Architect; Summerset Corporation

Funding: $830,000 total under the Canada-Yukon Affordable Housing Agreement for 44 home-ownership units and 20 rental units

Normandy Manor

Proponent: Borud Enterprises Inc.
Location: 468 Range Road, Whitehorse; next to daycare and close to Takhini Elementary School with greenbelt and walking trails behind the proposed building
Units: 25 "congregate care" units

Project Description: conversion of existing vacant building and construction of two-storey multi-residential congregate living complex; one bedroom units with total of 650 – 700 square feet

Congregate Living Services: meal preparation and serving, housekeeping and coordination of recreational activities

Amenities: entertainment/games area, storage area, outside greenhouse, some units have small balconies

Anticipated project schedule: construction start — June 2005; project completion expected in January 2006

Project Participants: Cardinal Construction — General Contractor

Funding: $625,000 under the Canada-Yukon Affordable Housing Agreement for all 25 units

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)