The design for a new 42-unit affordable housing complex was unveiled Monday.

The complex, to be located in Whistle Bend, will be built and owned by the Da Daghay Development Corp., the business arm of the Ta’an Kwach’an Council.

Under an arrangement with the Yukon Housing Corp., the corporation is committed to rent 30 units. Twelve units will be dedicated to the needs of the Ta’an Kwach’an Council.

Ta’an Chief Kristina Kane was on hand for the unveiling along with Premier Darrell Pasloski, Housing Minister Stacey Hassard, NDP Leader Liz Hanson and Liberal Leader Sandy Silver.

“This is a proud moment for all Ta’an citizens,” Kane told those gathered for the announcement and dinner at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.

“This is our largest development to date which will provide new jobs and create affordable housing for Ta’an citizens.”

Kane said the project, to be known as River Bend, is a successful example of how three levels of government – the Yukon, Ta’an and the City of Whitehorse – can work together to benefit the community at large.

The city, she said, played a key role.

CEO Ben Asquith of the development corporation explained the complex will involve three, two-storey buildings with 14 units each, situated on a lot just under one hectare in size, off Tarahne Way.

The project will provide 27 one-bedroom apartments, 12 two-bedroom and three, three-bedroom units.

The buildings will surround a park area, and walkways will lead to the nearby network of hiking trails.

Construction is expected to begin this summer. Completion and occupation of the housing units are scheduled for the end of 2017, Asquith explained in a separate interview.

He said the development corporation has been working on the initiative for 1 1/2 years.

The corporation estimates the total cost will be in the neighbourhood of $6.5 million to $7 million, not including the value of land, Asquith said.

He said Da Daghay secured the property in a land swap with the Yukon government involving a parcel of titled, non-settlement land in Copper Ridge owned by the development corporation.

Evergreen Homes and Construction will be working with Kobayashi & Zedda Architects to finalize the design over the next month, Asquith said.

The project was announced initially last fall.

As part of Monday’s unveiling of the design, a small job fair was held at the cultural centre, with a number of display booths set up, including a booth by Evergreen Homes advertising employment opportunities that will be available.

The premier said the project not only provides essential housing but will also create jobs and provide apprenticeship opportunities.

“This project will benefit the community in many, many ways,” Pasloski said.

Fred Koe, a member of the board of directors for Da Daghay, said the housing development is an example of the business opportunities the development corporation is interested in pursuing.

The Ta’an Kwach’an Council is the second-largest land owner in Whitehorse. The Da Daghay business portfolio includes 80,000 square feet of commercial and residential rental properties, he said.

“For business people here in the Yukon or wherever, we are always interested in looking at business opportunities, just like the partnership here today,” Koe told the audience. “Our door is always open.

“Young people will benefit from these opportunities and jobs.”

As part of the arrangement with Yukon Housing, Asquith said, the corporation will be providing a Ta’an citizen with three years of training in the area of managing affordable housing projects.

Yukon Housing spokesman Doug Caldwell said this morning the corporation has has an inventory of 706 affordable housing units across the Yukon, with 110 individuals on the waiting list as of March 31.