The Yukon government made a public announcement on October 8 regarding its support for a plan aimed at addressing homelessness in the territory. Community Services Minister Cory Bellmore introduced a bill in the Legislative Assembly on the same day to eliminate rent caps and allow evictions without cause, a move criticized by a housing advocate.
The plan, named A Place to Be, consists of a 112-page document released by the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition in June, outlining 29 recommendations. A letter dated October 7 from three cabinet ministers confirmed the government’s backing of the plan, emphasizing its alignment with ongoing initiatives such as housing stability and shared data access.
Kristina Craig, the executive director of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, expressed concerns that the government’s decision to remove rent control could impede the plan’s success by putting renters at risk of losing their homes. She emphasized the importance of ensuring housing affordability to fulfill the goals outlined in A Place to Be.
The government’s endorsement of the plan entails collaborative efforts to implement it, including using its framework to guide policy decisions and participating in an advisory board responsible for plan execution. Over 100 entities, including individuals, businesses, and organizations like MP Brendan Hanley and the City of Whitehorse, have also endorsed the plan.
Despite endorsing the homelessness plan, Minister Scott Kent, responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, clarified that not all recommendations within the plan will be approved. While supporting the plan’s vision, Kent stopped short of committing to the coalition’s target of reducing homelessness by 50% in two years, citing challenges with setting specific targets.
Kent emphasized the government’s alignment with the plan’s objectives to address homelessness and provide affordable housing options. He highlighted upcoming initiatives, such as the introduction of new rental units to eliminate waitlists for housing programs, including the rent-geared-to-income housing program in Dawson City.
For instance, the redevelopment of the former Korbo apartment site in Dawson will bring 34 affordable housing units to the market within the next six to nine months. Additionally, a partnership between the territory and Da Daghay Development Corporation aims to deliver 184 new housing units across the territory this year, all falling under the rent-geared-to-income housing program.
Kent reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring all Yukoners have access to safe and stable housing options.