Special Report

Gimme Shelter

A special report on the housing crisis

For several years, the territory has seen the effects of the latest commodity-fueled mining rush and stimulus spending. It's also seen a remarkable shortage of housing lots.

So, alongside the money, Whitehorse has near-zero vacancy rates sparking high rents and crazy housing prices.

The effects have rippled throughout society, with the poor and professionals alike trying to cope, in their own way, with the inflation and homelessness.

For eight weeks, Yukon News reporters and photographers fanned out to chronicle the crisis - the problems people are having, why it happened and some possible solutions.

Here is what we found...

A roof to call their own

At least two homeless people, featured in a special News housing supplement earlier this year, are happy to report they’ll be celebrating Christmas under their own roof. Dec 23 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)
Gimme shelter: A Yukon News special report on the territory’s housing crisis

Landlords, tenants, homeowners and buyers, executives, business leaders, politicians, addicts, single mothers, the working poor ... you name it, they’re affected by the economic boom and housing bust. Aug 27 » by Richard Mostyn (0 Comments)
No homeless hotels here

Whitehorse’s hardest-to-house lost a champion this week. The Northern City Supportive Housing Coalition is withdrawing its proposal to build a 20-room supported apartment complex in downtown Whitehorse. Aug 26 » by Genesee Keevil (0 Comments)
No silver bullet, just steel rivets

Housing is one of those issues that does poorly in our system of government. It’s complex, immune to quick fixes and requires both big investment and long-term planning. Aug 26 » by Keith Halliday (0 Comments)
The Challenge of supportive housing

If it’s difficult to find housing in Whitehorse, it’s almost impossible for those with special needs. “I’ve moved so much it ain’t even funny,” said Marsha McCormick. “It’s hell on Earth. Aug 26 » by Josh Kerr (0 Comments)
Affordable housing ideas from Outside

Whitehorse isn’t the only Canadian city to struggle through a housing crunch. Airdrie, Alberta, faced a similar crisis a few years ago. The Alberta town is about the same size as Whitehorse. Aug 26 » by Josh Kerr (0 Comments)
A landlord’s view

Mike Tribes has a unique perspective on how tough it is to find housing in Whitehorse. But it’s one that isn’t heard very often. Tribes is a landlord - though one without the top hat, monocle and waxed moustache. Aug 26 » by Josh Kerr (0 Comments)
The making of a lot shortage

It’s common to blame Whitehorse’s housing crisis on the lack of foresight by city planners. In 2006, the land development protocol was signed, giving the city full control over planning. Shortly after this, lots began to run out. Aug 26 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)
Finding dignity in a dingy hotel room

Liz Evans houses drug addicts, alcoholics and the mentally ill. “Sometimes they die,” said the executive director of Vancouver’s Portland Hotel Society. But more often, they thrive. Aug 26 » by Genesee Keevil (0 Comments)
Money, job, but still homeless

When Chris Webb and his girlfriend moved to Whitehorse 16 months ago, they didn’t have much trouble finding a place to live. Everyone told them it would be tough, but it wasn’t too bad. Aug 26 » by Josh Kerr (0 Comments)

From working at WCB to living in an RV

Kim Tucker was 36 years old when she had a massive stroke. She had a good government job, working as an accountant at the Yukon Workers’ Compensation, Health and Safety Board. She has three teenage children. Aug 26 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)
A perfect storm of housing demand

So why is there such an increase in demand for housing, and therefore a housing shortage in Whitehorse? Many blame the city for a lack of planning. But according to city planners - and laid out in Whitehorse’s Official Community Plan - there are several factors. Aug 26 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)
No homeless hotels here

Whitehorse’s hardest-to-house lost a champion this week. The Northern City Supportive Housing Coalition is withdrawing its proposal to build a 20-room supported apartment complex in downtown Whitehorse. Aug 26 » by Genesee Keevil (6 Comments)
What’s the plan? Planners consider the future

Another 500 people are expected to fill up the Ingram development near Copper Ridge within the next two years, but Elijah Smith Elementary School is already at capacity. It has been for more than three years, actually. Aug 26 » by Roxanne Stasyszyn (0 Comments)
No room at the inn

Whitehorse’s housing crisis means different things to different people. No surprise, then, that the solution depends on how you define the problem. For realtors and developers, it’s a simple question of supply and demand. Aug 26 » by John Thompson (0 Comments)
Renting takes its toll

Homeless, Amanda McDonald called more than 32 rental listings in one day. Only six landlords did not hang up on her. With one, she got as far as scheduling a viewing. Aug 26 » by Roxanne Stasyszyn (0 Comments)
Kwanlin Dun’s new lease on land

Land leasing is rare in the territory, but not unheard of. There have been at least two lease agreements signed in the Yukon, and by the end of the year there could be a lot more. Aug 26 » by Roxanne Stasyszyn (0 Comments)
Middle class moving out

After one year in Whitehorse, John Jones is considering quitting his high-paying job, packing up his young family and heading south. Aug 26 » by Genesee Keevil (6 Comments)
Bankrupted by illness

Less than two years ago, Robert (not his real name) was healthy, had a middle-class job and owned his own home. But then he got sick. In June, when he spoke to the News, Robert was on disability. Aug 26 » by Chris Oke (0 Comments)