Canada and Yukon launch construction phase of Whitehorse Affordable Family
Housing project

WHITEHORSE, Sept. 25 /CNW/ - The Honourable Daniel Lang , Senator (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley , Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Jim Kenyon , Minister Responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation and the Honourable Marian Horne , Yukon Minister Responsible for the Women's Directorate, launched the construction phase of a Whitehorse Affordable Family Housing project today.

The $8.5 million federal contribution to the project comes through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. Recognizing the distinctive needs of the North, Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $200 million , over two years, including $50 million for the Yukon, to support the renovation and the construction of new social housing units. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

"The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in the Yukon and across Canada for those who need it most," said Senator Lang . "We are also making an important difference in the lives of individuals and families in Whitehorse who are working towards building a stronger and better future for themselves."

"With funding from the Government of Canada , Yukon government is launching several important housing projects in the territory," said Minister Kenyon. "Construction of the Whitehorse Affordable Family Housing is creating jobs for Yukoners and will provide much-needed housing for lone-parent families."

Construction of the 32-unit apartment-style affordable housing project on Nisutlin Drive in Whitehorse will continue throughout the winter, generating employment for trades. Completion is anticipated for the fall of 2010. The two-storey wood frame construction will feature SuperGreen energy efficiency standards and Accommodating Home standards for a barrier-free living environment. The contract for the construction of the four 8-plex buildings was awarded to NGC Builders Ltd.

"In November 2007 , our government consulted with women's organizations, women's shelters and social housing tenants. Affordable housing for lone-parent families was identified as the greatest immediate need," said Minister Horne.

Another project in Whitehorse funded through Canada's Economic Action Plan is a renovation that will result in three units for adults living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The federal contribution to the project is $70,000 . Work will be completed this fall through the Options for Independence Society.

To find out more about housing support for Canadians and communities through CMHC, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

For further information: Media Contact: Michelle Bakos, Press Secretary, Office of Minister Finley, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Emily Younker, Cabinet Communications Advisor, Government of Yukon, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Nathalie Ouellet, Yukon Housing Corporation, Communications, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Arthur McComish, Communications Consultant, Prairie and Territories Business Centre, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected], Tel.: [phone]; Brenda Barnes, Women's Directorate, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]