The Challenge Disability Resource Group is advancing the preparation of design and construction documents for its Cornerstone Project.

The venture is a new 53-unit affordable housing project on Main Street near the escarpment.

Project funding is now largely secured, Challenge said last month.

With 45 one-bedroom, affordable rental apartments and eight market housing units, the project is meant to address the city’s shortage of affordable housing.

Together with ground-floor commercial spaces, office areas, and market housing, the six-storey project proposes a mixed use building for downtown Whitehorse.

The preparation of engineering and architectural drawings continues, with tender documents planned for issue in November.

The tender period will be open to all general contractors and extend for a month.

It’s anticipated that the construction contract award will take place sometime before Christmas, with construction to start in April, 2020.

Construction is forecast to take 16 months, with the first tenants scheduled to move in July 2021.

Jillian Hardie, Challenge’s executive director, said she is excited about the progress of work to date.

She is also looking forward to the completion of construction documents and the selection of a general contractor.

“This project is going to make a positive impact on those having difficulty finding affordable, supported housing, in downtown Whitehorse,” Hardie said.

“Challenge is grateful for the support received from CMHC (the Canada Mortage and Housing Corp.), Yukon government, City of Whitehorse, and the wider community to help make this project a reality.”