The Yukon government is budgeting to pay the same price to renovate a one-time bed and breakfast into a group home for youth as it spent on purchasing the building itself last year.

The renovations, which began last month at the 22 Wann Rd. site, are expected to wrap up to allow YG to welcome youth into the home by the summer.

Renovations include a new fire alarm, sprinkler and back-up power systems, barrier-free accessibility features, and other safety upgrades like fire separations between floors.

That was confirmed by Oshea Jephson, a Department of Highways and Public Works (HPW) spokesperson, who also noted last week that “occupancy can take place in May.”

But while that may be when it’s possible, it’s unclear at this stage when it will actually happen.

Noting that renovations were “initially delayed,” Clarissa Wall, a Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) spokesperson, confirmed last week there is no hard deadline set beyond the summer.

“Timing will depend on the completion of the renovations and the transition plan for youth moving into Wann Road,” she wrote.

The transition will be based on when it’s best for the youth to begin moving in, the details of which are still being determined.

It’s expected that the site will lead to the closures of two other downtown group homes that do not meet standards and are no longer effective.

HSS Minister Pauline Frost assured last year that the two group homes will not close until the new site opens its doors, so as not to create a gap in services.

The Porter Creek property was purchased last May for $1.1 million by YG, which hopes it will help in particular those who are transitioning out of government care into early adulthood (meaning they are 19-plus).

The 10-bed home has rooms with ensuite bathrooms and small apartments.

The initial plan to construct two buildings to replace the two older downtown Whitehorse homes was scrapped in favour of the time and cost-saving alternative by HSS.

“Costs for renovations will be higher than originally quoted, but are still expected to be significantly less expensive than a new build,” Wall added, noting the planned budget for renovations sat at $1.1 million.

According to the five-year capital plan tabled March 7 along with the 2019-20 budget, YG is projecting to spend between $1 million and $5 million for the upcoming year and the year after (2020-21).

The government’s online tender management system, due for a replacement, shows that Whitehorse-based PCR Construction Ltd. was awarded the work for $989,770.

The two other local companies that submitted bids are Southpaw Construction for just over $1.4 million, and Thomas Contracting Yukon Inc. for $954,000.