Sixteen more units, for a total of 26 inclusive rental suites, have become available at the Normandy Living Independent Seniors Living Community on Range Road in Whitehorse.

The Yukon government is continuing to increase access to supportive housing options for low-income seniors and elders by signing a second lease to provide for the 16 additional units.

These suites are available for low-income seniors and elders through the Yukon Housing Corp. (YHC).

Eligible clients will pay 25 per cent of their income toward rent and 40 per cent of their income toward services, which include meals, housekeeping and laundry.

Normandy Living provides supportive housing for seniors and elders who would benefit from additional support who but are not in need of long-term care.

“This helps support Yukon seniors to live safe and independent lives for longer, while reducing pressures on long-term care,” the government said last Tuesday.

“The addition of 16 additional Yukon Housing Corporation suites at Normandy Living offers increased access to more affordable and high-quality housing to meet the growing and diverse needs of Yukon seniors and elders,” said Premier Ranj Pillai, who doubles as the minister responsible for the YHC.

“This investment reflects our government’s commitment to increase the supply of available housing stock with a focus on supporting the most vulnerable and improving affordability.”

Normandy Living is a seniors’ supportive living community with 84 suites. It officially opened on Dec. 1, 2022 and is operated by KBC Developments Inc.

“Our capacity to provide additional housing opportunities to low-income seniors and elders at Normandy Living reflects important progress towards supporting the health and well-being of our aging population,” said Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.

“As outlined in our Aging in Place Action Plan, our government remains committed to supporting safe, independent and comfortable living for seniors and elders to support them in living easier, healthier and happier lives.”

Residents will have access to recreational programming, heated parking, community meeting areas, 24-hour security, customized menu options, laundry services and housekeeping.

Tenants can also receive government home care services, which are fully subsidized through the Department of Health and Social Services.

“We are thrilled to see an additional 16 subsidized suites become available at Normandy Living,” said Natal Samuelson, Normandy Living’s executive director.

“Through this partnership with Yukon Housing Corporation, we can continue to ensure Yukon seniors have access to safe, affordable and comfortable retirement living.

“We look forward to welcoming and supporting our new residents that join us at Normandy through this program,” Samuelson added.

Interested Yukoners, including those who are already living in a YHC unit or are on the waitlist, can learn more about the supported-living units by the YHC at ykhouse@yukon.ca or by calling 1-800-661-0408 followed by zero and asking for extension 5712.

Applications can be made in-person without an appointment at the YHC main offices, located at 410 Jarvis St., every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.

In Canada, housing is considered “affordable” if it costs less than 30 per cent of a household’s before-tax income.