The Ta’an Kwach’an Council’s business arm has unveiled designs for its new housing development in the Whistle Bend subdivision.
The Da Daghay Development Corporation, in partnership with the Yukon government, is planning the construction of a 42-unit complex that will feature one- to three-bedroom apartments built to Super Green standards.
“This is a proud moment for all Ta’an Kwach’an citizens,” said Ta’an chief Kristina Kane in a news release.
“This is a significant project which will create new jobs and provide clean, new, affordable housing for Ta’an Kwach’an citizens.”
The complex, called River Bend, will consist of three buildings facing each other and a park area in the centre.
The design calls for 27 one-bedroom units, 12 two-bedroom units and three three-bedroom units.
Each unit will have its own laundry and storage area, as well as its own balcony or terrace, said Ben Asquith, CEO of the development corporation.
“We’re looking to create an affordable and safe residential community,” he said.
Thirty of the units have been set aside for Yukon Housing clients, he added, while the remaining 12 are for Ta’an Kwach’an citizens.
To qualify for Yukon Housing’s rent supplement program, a family’s total household income must fall under $48,500 in Whitehorse.
Under the program, clients pay 25 per cent of their monthly income to the housing corporation, with the corporation topping up that amount to ensure the landlord received the median rental rate - currently $950.
The program helps about 40 households a year in Whitehorse.
The development corporation plans on applying for a tax break from the City of Whitehorse.
The City’s development incentive policy offers a maximum of $500,000 in tax incentives over 10 years if a building has at least 25 rental units.
If the proponent qualifies, it’s also eligible to receive a one-time capital grant up to $500,000 from the Yukon government under its Municipal Matching Rental Construction Program.
Asquith said a request for proposal for design assist and construction management was recently awarded to Evergreen Homes & Construction.
The company will work with Kobayashi & Zedda Architects Ltd., which designed the housing development, until a certain point when the development corporation can start negotiating a fixed price contract, Asquith said.
Construction is scheduled to begin in late June and the complex should be completed by September 2017. The price tag for the project has been estimated at $6.5 million, not including the cost of the land.
The Ta’an Kwach’an Council is the second-largest landowner in Whitehorse, after the Kwanlin Dun First Nation.
Contact Myles Dolphin at
myles@yukon-news.com