The Yukon government will transfer two duplex sites in Whistle Bend to Habitat for Humanity Yukon for a nominal fee of $1 each.

The purpose is to assist the group in its ongoing efforts to build affordable housing for Yukoners.

Development of the two duplex sites will provide affordable housing for four families, the government said Tuesday.

The locations are lots 574/575 and lots 582/583 on Gleaner Avenue in Whistle Bend.

The government committed to provide one duplex site for each of the first five stages of the Whistle Bend development. This will be the final transfer of lots and will conclude the government’s commitment.

“The Government of Yukon is pleased to provide lots to support Habitat for Humanity Yukon,” said Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai.

“This continues our public commitment to support the organization and assist in creating low-income housing options for Yukoners.

“The hard work of Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer members is much appreciated in the ongoing effort to meet the need for quality affordable housing in Yukon.”

The not-for-profit Habitat for Humanity Yukon was officially established in September 2004 to provide affordable housing through home ownership.

Since that time, Habitat has constructed 22 new homes for low-income families.

Much of its success has been through the efforts of its volunteer base, some of whom dedicate many weeks each year on building sites.

“The transfer of these two duplex sites in Whistle Bend by the Government of Yukon helps Habitat for Humanity Yukon continue its important work in removing barriers to affordable home ownership in Yukon,” said Marney Paradis, Habitat’s executive director.

Since 2005, Habitat and the government have worked together to make home ownership possible for low-income families who would not qualify for a regular mortgage and for whom home ownership would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Since 2004, Habitat has completed homes at the following locations and dates:

• Kodiak Place, one unit, completed November 2006;

• Keewenaw Drive, two units, completed July 2010;

• Wheeler Street, three units, completed February 2011;

• Pintail Place, three units, completed February 2013;

• Bailey Place, two units, completed September 2014;

• Takhini River Road, three units, completed November 2014;

• Eldorado Road, two units, completed January 2016;

• Iskoot Crescent, two units, completed May 2017; and

• Bailey Place, four units, completed March 2019.