Feds, Yukon First Nation sign housing deal

KWANLIN DUN FIRST NATION, YUKON — The federal government and Kwanlin Dun First Nation of the Yukon territory have announced they have reached agreements to fast-track 107 housing units over the next three years.

The projects are part of a plan to build a total of 1,518 homes over the next decade, stated a release. Ta’an Kwach’an Council is also a partner.

Kwanlin Dun First Nation’s housing action plan will be supported by $7.2 million in funding from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The plan features local initiatives including a new homebuyer incentive program for residents who need help with a down payment, a new data management system to improve tracking of infrastructure development, taxes and life cycle costs and agreements with both the Whitehorse and Yukon governments to connect more infrastructure for future developments.

“This agreement will help empower Kwanlin Dun First Nation Citizens to reach home ownership,” stated Kwanlin Dun Chief Sean Uyenets’echia Smith in a statement. “Housing is so important when it comes to the wellness of our people. A robust and sustainable housing stock can contribute to a person’s self-sufficiency, allowing them to flourish.”