Photo by Whitehorse Star
Council endorses supportive housing plan
The bid by the Safe At Home Society to transform the Coast High Country Inn into a housing project leapt another hurdle Monday evening.
The bid by the Safe At Home Society to transform the Coast High Country Inn into a housing project leapt another hurdle Monday evening.
The proposal was endorsed unanimously by city council members at a special meeting, society executive director Kate Mechan noted Tuesday.
The city will handle the application for funding under the federal Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) program.
The offer for the Inn, she said, is less than market value. That price is somewhat less than $10 million, according to information provided by Michael Hale of Northern Vision Development. The company is the current owner of the 50-year-old building.
Mechan said the application process will take between 45 and 60 days before a decision is made.
During that time, she expects there will be “a lot of back and forth” amongst all of the parties.
Mechan said she’s “optimistic” the decision will come in favour of the application.
If it does, renovation work at the Inn will begin in the New Year as quickly as possible.
The Inn currently has approximately 80 rooms, which would be reduced to 55 permanent units.
Some rooms would be combined to enlarge them, Mechan said.
All of the rooms would need renovating and refitting to make them suitable for full-time living, Mechan said.
That includes installing kitchenettes, which most of the rooms currently lack.
Fortunately, most of the renovations are indoor work, which can be carried out over the winter.
Consultants, project designers and a contractor are tentatively ready to proceed.
The intent is to have the refurbished building ready to go by the end of August 2022.
The first tenant is slated to move in early in September, with the rest following on a staggered basis.
Mechan said the cost of the renovations is estimated to be between $4 million and $5 million.
The society said in a news release last Friday “the aim of the project is to provide unique opportunities to a mixed demographic of individuals who are currently homeless or at-risk of homelessness with urgent, stable, and secure housing along with support services.
“The project will attend to the support and safety needs of specific at-risk groups with a separate section for young adults (18-24), allocation of 75 per cent of all suites for people who are Indigenous and a minimum of 50 per cent of all units for women.”
The RHI, delivered through the City of Whitehorse, covers capital funding for new affordable housing for people and populations who are vulnerable.
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Comments (22)
Up 20 Down 5
Crunch on Sep 5, 2021 at 10:17 am
@Groucho
Totally agree. Street people on a whole are anti-establishment. They don't agree with how society operates in the realm of currency, markets, banks, insurance and the list goes on. Out of the 10,000 people who did not vote in the Yukon election many of these people are suspect of being on that list. So society bends over backwards feeling sorry for the state these folks are in and they are all too happy to accept the latest handout. We blame it on drugs and alcohol as the government pushes both for profit adding to the guilt. The politicians see nothing but votes in lip service on a problem they know they'll never fix. The feel good is to keep pouring money at it.
Up 14 Down 3
Groucho d'North on Sep 4, 2021 at 11:17 am
After reading these and similar comments related to government's attempts to get these lost souls back into a healthier lifestyle, I am seeing more comments about values and what these citizens have to contribute to our society. it made me wonder - how many of the drug and booze addled citizens actually vote?
Up 35 Down 2
Concerned Citizen on Sep 3, 2021 at 12:21 pm
In regards to NVD keeping the Conference Centre - Why is NVD keeping that space and not selling it to Safe at Home as well? Could it be they know full well they are going to make a mint off of renting that space to non-profits and/or Government supporting this endeavor. There's something not adding up here with this deal.
Up 27 Down 2
YukonMax on Sep 3, 2021 at 6:44 am
That is how it works in "The" Yukon.
I remember another government buying a hotel in another community from someone involved in government.
It never became what it was purchased for and eventually burnt down.
Ex government ( at the top) knows how to sniff the other government's money.
It's so in your face...
Up 21 Down 1
Concerned Citizen on Sep 2, 2021 at 5:00 pm
There needs to be some deep digging if this 15 million dollars that is going to be used to buy the property and remodel it truly is the best bang for your buck and if that money is truly impacting the clients the way it should. I agree with the comment below in regards the need to have many supports present on sight to ensure the safety of not only the youth and women being placed in this proposed site. Not to mention the other communities that are being supported directly in the neighborhood - families fleeing violence, individuals with intellectual disabilities, people with high mental health needs, and young children and youth. Look forward to hearing from those non-profits that support these groups what their thoughts are on this huge building being repurposed in this fashion.
Totally agree with trying to figure out this housing crisis. But I take exception to a company making big money off of people's misery and government and good intentioned people not planning things in a way that truly supports people. The road to hell is paved with good intentions - I hope the Safe at Home Society solicits feedback from all invested parties. This includes all those groups I've already cited above, along with the families and individuals who are going to soon be moving into the new Yukon Housing project being built along the river (as well as other families who live in the neighborhood). Finally, be curious if the actual individuals who will get a space in this new building will be looking forward to be living in such a huge project along with 54+ other people.
Up 30 Down 7
TMYK on Sep 2, 2021 at 12:23 pm
@ Matthew it's per capita. I think we are close to double the North American average. Our homeless and transient population is also abnormally large. We are now well known through certain groups across Canada for how well we support this kind of lifestyle and people travel all the way here from across Canada to take advantage of it. At this point the best thing for the Yukon would be for the Feds to cut back transfers. YG has far to much money to play with and spend on pet projects for departmental directors.
Up 41 Down 6
Max Mack on Sep 2, 2021 at 10:28 am
CoW has clearly indicated which way things are going to go with this facility.
By handling the "application for funding under the federal Rapid Housing Initiative" coupled with council's endorsement, I expect a massive reduction in property taxes on this property, along with significant in-kind investment (CoW's resources e.g labour, equipment), along with other gifts such as substantial grants/subsidies.
Taxpayers - get ready to be hit with more property/utility/service/penalty tax and fee increases to cover this.
Other NGOs - get ready to see a reduction in the amount of money available for your cause.
Up 35 Down 4
Considerations on Sep 2, 2021 at 8:28 am
Considerations: the surrounding residents and businesses. But I guess they don't matter--they live, work and have invested in that area, only to have a second 'Former Salvation Army' building in that area with even more problems. Ask businesses by the shelter how they've been affected and do some pre-planning to ensure the same thing doesn't happen here.
I'd hire a few social workers/security personnel/medic/mental health people to be permanently there rotating, so that the 50% women population and youth feel safe.
Up 37 Down 6
Wilf Carter on Sep 2, 2021 at 8:08 am
This is $182,000 per unit plus how much for reno's? There should have been a independent cost benefit analysis done of this project before purchase because Ranj former employer owned it and he is heading up the sale.
Yukoners we have been taken again by sound of this. No arms length sale just pure politics.
I'd like to see the cost of reno on Rivedale lodge compared to buying this building. I bet it would be a lot less than this cost.
Does Ranj get a bonus for selling behind the scenes?
How much upgrading does that building need because of its age, roof, windows, doors, flooring, etc.?
What about the convention center does Vision still own it? How do the two work together?
Up 39 Down 8
Matthew on Sep 2, 2021 at 7:38 am
Why are we focusing on the people that DON'T contribute to society!? Why not focus on bringing young talent to the city. Wait, they won't come cause they have NOWHERE to live!
Up 25 Down 7
Matthew on Sep 2, 2021 at 7:32 am
@TMYK is this true or satire? I can believe it per capita for sure, it's become a wasteland in Yukon. Good luck attracting young talent to make this place prosper.. it will become Canada's Northern ghetto with many folks fleeing.
Up 27 Down 5
Olav on Sep 1, 2021 at 10:36 pm
Watch where the out going Mayor ends up.
Up 37 Down 6
WTIS on Sep 1, 2021 at 10:02 pm
The High Country was sold to NVD for a couple million. Northern not so Vision says selling for below value from several years ago. News flash, several years ago there was a tourism market. Now the former Vice President of NVD/ now the Minister of Yukon Housing and he is agreeing to buy the building for 10mil. With no tourism, this end of life building is worth less than half that. This is a great deal for NVD by their former Vice President.
City of Whitehorse Mayor and Council, do your homework. This neighbourhood has others you need to consider, programming for seniors next door, a victims of violence transition home next door and other services that no one is even mentioning when they talk about adding this “solution” to the neighborhood. Get ready Grandma and women escaping violence, the same people that crap in back ally’s by the Alpine Bakery, terrorize everyone walking by and demand a constant police presence to address their violence are coming to your friendly neighbourhood.
Up 31 Down 3
Joe on Sep 1, 2021 at 8:52 pm
It takes months to get a development permit when an actual builder applies for a real project that requires real money and actual work yet these projects get rubber stamped overnight...
Up 28 Down 8
bonanzajoe on Sep 1, 2021 at 8:27 pm
Frank, what do these people have to offer and to contribute? I can name a few things. Liquor bottles, used needles, unconscious bodies lying in the grass near the day care, bad language, fighting. The list is too long to print. Now tell us of your ideas of what they can offer and contribute. Give us a list. By the way, do you live in that area?
Up 27 Down 7
bonanzajoe on Sep 1, 2021 at 8:21 pm
So, again the government is telling the people in the vicinity to go eff themselves. I suggest all those within a 5 block radius of the CHCI do up some signs and do a long noisy protest in front of City Hall until these councilors shelve the plan. That's the only way the "people" will prevail. They can build this project in the old Native village off Industrial Rd.
Up 7 Down 14
we'll see how this turns out on Sep 1, 2021 at 7:08 pm
Ten million bucks for NVD. I wonder why they are selling?
Whatever though, it's nice to see that this project will be owned by a non-profit instead of the giveaways that have gone to a handful of local developers. I wish them the best in this project, and hope it does not turn into another sink hole of operations and maintainance (and issues with the neighbours) like the Center of Hope.
Up 31 Down 5
Bud McGee on Sep 1, 2021 at 5:13 pm
First the direct award no competition contract to house the COVID respiratory clinic and now this! I got to hand to the boys at NVD. They really know how to play government in the Yukon.
Up 30 Down 4
Tim Schroeder on Sep 1, 2021 at 4:57 pm
Renovation costs only 4 to 5 millions? Ask Kate Mechan about the renovation costs for the Porter Creek facility for youth (former B&B) and we're talking there about 10 apartments as far I know. It went into the millions as well and this new money in construction will at least cost double the estimate.
Up 26 Down 55
Frank H. on Sep 1, 2021 at 3:49 pm
What a terrific project! This will have a positive impact on our city - getting a roof over the heads of many vulnerable members of our community. The only way to make progress with the deep, social issues in this community is: collaboration, compassion and commitment. It is very easy and convenient to look down or past these people - but they have something to offer, something to contribute. Safe housing is a first step for them.
Up 25 Down 4
NVD getting a nice chunk! on Sep 1, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Is NVD covering the costs for the water damage from the broken pipes through the kitchen/restaurant?
I understand that the price is below market value but without using an expert appraiser, how do you know what it's worth?
Basically, I'm guessing, NVD gave a number based on sq ft. I wish I could do that with my buildings. "I have x amount of square feet... doesn't matter about the condition!" The City is about to give a ton of money to the old boys club while buying a derelict building.
Meanwhile 50 year old buildings aren't good enough for the City and they have to move to all new buildings. Greasy.
Up 63 Down 17
TMYK on Sep 1, 2021 at 2:23 pm
The Yukon has the highest number of social housing units in North America. The poverty business in the Yukon is booming and some people are making good money.