The Yukon Party continued to roll out its election promises today with a plan to address housing issues.

“A Yukon Party government will be a government for all Yukoners to foster success across the entire territory,” said party leader Currie Dixon.

“Unlike some places in Canada, our lack of land availability is not due to a lack of raw land or space. It is the lack of political will; the Yukon Party team is ready to take action for a change to make life more affordable for Yukoners.”

Dixon said the shortage of affordable housing has caused a strain on young families.

Seniors on fixed incomes are struggling with rising monthly costs, and businesses are suffering, as it is difficult to recruit and retain employees if there are no affordable housing options.

“For years, the housing market and lack of affordable housing has kept the dream of homeownership out of reach for many Yukoners, and this reality has been holding back our economy,” he said.

“A Yukon Party government will work with its partners to focus on land development and availability across the territory to address this issue, unlock the territory’s potential, and make life more affordable,” Dixon added.

“Addressing this issue cannot be done alone. It needs to be done in concert and collaboration with First Nations, municipalities, and the private sector.”

To increase land availability for development, a Yukon Party government would work in partnership to address what the party calls an important issue by:

• Working with First Nations to create mutually beneficial agreements to make more land accessible for residential, commercial and industrial development.

• Working with Yukon to promote confidence and clarity in leased settlement lands as a viable development option.

• Releasing land to allow for private sector development.

• Working with the City of Whitehorse to plan for residential land development in Whitehorse beyond Whistle Bend.

• Working with the City of Whitehorse to provide a better variety of lot types, including country or rural residential lots.

• Working with the city to improve the accountability and transparency around the lot lottery process.

• Making more land available in all Yukon communities by working with municipalities and Yukon First Nations.

• Increasing the supply of recreational land available to Yukoners.

• Creating a “First Time Land Buyer” program to increase access to land for the next generation of Yukoners.

As noted by the 2017 Financial Advisory Panel: “A well-functioning housing market is an essential element of any successful economy.”

To implement measures to help address the territory’s housing crisis, a Yukon Party government would:

• Re-introduce housing programs that were cancelled by the current government, such as the First Time Home Buyer Program and the Down Payment Assistance Program.

• Review the size and purpose of the Yukon government’s involvement in the housing sector.

• Examine existing rent support programs to ensure they are meeting the needs of Yukoners and make necessary adjustments.

• Explore tax incentives to incentivize the construction of affordable housing.

• Work with Yukon First Nations development corporations to develop affordable housing based upon the successful model that has been used in Whistle Bend.

“The strained housing market is not confined to Whitehorse as it also negatively affects our rural citizens,” added Dixon. “In order for our communities to grow and succeed, we need to work with our partners to ensure there are accessible lots and houses throughout the territory.”

To achieve this, a Yukon Party government would:

• Increase private housing options in Yukon communities.

• Review the Yukon Housing Corp.’s role in rural communities.

• Explore tax incentives and grant programs to incentivize the construction and ownership of private housing in rural communities.

• Work with communities and financial institutions to review the availability of mortgages to Yukoners living in rural communities.