Boreal Commons, a new 87-unit rental development in Whistle Bend, has been completed, it was announced Monday.

It’s being described as the largest residential development built in the city in the past three decades.

Boreal Commons consists of three multi-residential rental buildings, each with four bachelor suites, four one-bedroom units and 21 two-bedroom units, for a total of 87 homes.

A total of 18 units are affordable, which means they have below-market rents.

Ten of these affordable units will be prioritized for young adults (18 to 25 years of age) and newcomers to Canada.

The project also includes 12 accessible units, which will support seniors and people with mobility challenges.

Boreal Commons was supported by the Yukon and federal governments, the City of Whitehorse, and other partners.

“The large-scale housing project will help address the need for more rental housing in the Yukon, including for more affordable and accessible units,” the participants said in a statement.

“It is an example of how collaborative efforts across governments and the private sector can make significant progress in addressing gaps in the Yukon’s housing continuum and improve the affordability and accessibility of housing for all Yukoners.”

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. provided $22 million through the Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFI) to Boreal Commons.

The city contributed development incentives of up to $500,000 over 10 years.

The Yukon Housing Corp. chipped in $500,000 through the third intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund (HIF 3) and $500,000 under the Municipal Matching Rental Construction Grant program (MMRCP).

“I am thrilled to see another housing developer complete their project with support from the Yukon Housing Corporation through the Government of Yukon’s Housing Initiatives Fund and the Municipal Matching Rental Construction Program,” said Premier Ranj Pillai, who doubles as the minister responsible for the corporation.

“Boreal Commons addresses a much-needed demand for rental housing for young adults, newcomers to Canada as well as seniors.

“Our government is committed to continuing to invest aggressively in housing, and we know we need to work together with all partners across sectors to help ease pressure in the territory,” the premier added.

“I encourage developers who have housing projects ready to take advantage of the options and apply for the Housing Initiatives Fund sixth intake.”

The sixth intake opened Nov. 14, 2022, and will close this Friday.

“Our government is making investments to create more housing options right across the country, and Boreal Commons is just one example of those investments,” said Ahmed Hussen, the federal minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.

“These 87 new homes are already making a real difference in the community and will provide more residents of Whitehorse with a home that meets their needs.

“We remain committed to working with our partners to develop and implement solutions to housing both in Whitehorse and across Canada,” Hussen added.

“This is another example of our government’s National Housing Strategy at work.”

Yukon MP Brendan Hanley also lauded the housing development.

“Our government is providing Canadians not only with safe, affordable housing, but also with the jobs and opportunities they need, so they can strengthen and contribute to our communities,” he said.

“We are proud to support the creation of these new affordable housing units, which will contribute to improving the overall well-being of Yukoners.”

Mayor Laura Cabott said housing “continues to be a key priority for our city.

“We know that rental units are a key part of the housing continuum and provide a home for so many in our community.

“Through strong partnerships and collaboration along with the city’s housing development incentive program, we have helped add another 87 units to the market, including affordable and accessible units for those in need.”

The Right On Property Group was also involved in constructing the project.

“We are very proud to be able to provide new affordable rental apartments in Whitehorse,” said Dr. Sammy Hachem, the group’s president.

“There has not been such a large residential project constructed in the community for more than 30 years.

“We realize it is only a small part of what needs to be done to meet the significant housing needs, and we hope that collaboration between different levels of government can be facilitated in the future so that we can all work together to improve housing options in northern Canada,” Hachem added.

“Building in the North presents significant challenges, and we want to thank our experienced team at Kobayashi and Zedda Architects, Blackrock Construction, and all their employees who helped make this project a reality.”

The project supports the goals of the Housing Action Plan for Yukon and the Aging in Place Action Plan to help Yukoners find housing that meets their needs, the territorial government noted.

Its Housing Initiatives Fund provides capital grants to incentivize the development of long-term, affordable rental and homeownership housing in the territory and encourages partnership solutions to address the territory’s housing pressures.