New federal funding to support affordable homes in two Yukon First Nations communities

The Kwanlin Dn First Nation and the Ta'an Kwch'n Council announced Monday they are to receive a combined $7.2M in federal funding to help make housing on their traditional territories more affordable.

"We have different generations within our community, from babies all the way through to elders. There's need across the board," said Chief Sean Uyenets'echa Smith of the Kwanlin Dn First Nation.

Smith said housing is vital to the wellness of his community.

"A robust and sustainable housing stock can contribute to a person's self-sufficiency, allowing them to flourish," he said in a news release.

The Kwanlin Dn First Nation's action plan commits to five local initiatives, including a new homebuyer incentive program for residents who need help with a down payment. They are also working to develop 22 new units by 2025.

Ta'an Kwch'n Council Chief Amanda Leas said the agreement will help fast-track the self-governing First Nation's development of 48 new homes in the Whistle Bend area over the next three years, including condos, duplexes and single-family dwellings.

"Many of our young families, like many across Canada, are unable to get their foot in the door of home ownershipbecause of the lack of availability and the high costs associated with owning a home. We would like to change that reality, and this is one step in that direction." said Leas.

The money comes from the federal housing accelerator fund, which launched in March 2023.

"These are changes that will tear down the barriers and stumbling blocks that slow housing down," said Yukon MP Brendan Hanley while announcing the funding at a news conference at the Kwanlin Dn Cultural Centre.

Hanley said the application-based funding, which will be dispersed incrementally over the next three years, will help build a combined total of more than 100 affordable homes.