On Air Now CHON Overnight Midnight - 7:00am

Now Playing Overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

The Government of Canada and the City of Whitehorse announced $11 million accelerator fund agreement

Friday, 1 March 2024 10:38

By Panebi Wilson @panebiwilson

Brendan Hanley - Member of Parliament for Yukon (Photo by Panebi Wilson for Chon- FM)

The City of Whitehorse will receive $11 million to effect changes that will take away housing development barriers.

The Government of Canada and the City of Whitehorse has announced the Housing Accelerator Fund agreement to help spur the construction of more affordable houses.
As the number of residents in the City of Whitehorse increase, so does the need for affordable housing. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon while speaking to the press Wednesday morning, said this fund will help municipalities change how house are been built in other to overcome the housing crisis faced in the territory’s capital.
According to Hanley, the City of Whitehorse will receive $11 million to effect changes that will take away housing development barriers.

Through the Accelerator Fund, actions of eliminating barriers will be taken to help build over 190 new homes which will boost the construction of more than 3,900 homes over the next decade, and 650,000 new homes over the next ten years, Hanley Said.

The Accelerator Fund action plan will improve the permitting process and encourage the construction of medium-density and multi-family homes such as townhouses and multiplexes. They will also develop a long-term climate change risk policy. The city will also incentivize developing homes on underutilized, residential, commercial, and vacant lands.

Laura Cabott, Mayor for the City of Whitehorse, said it is exciting to hear that the federal government is interested in housing as it is not typically what they get involved in. The Accelerator Fund is an exciting initiative which has not been seen before. It will help shape new housing development, create more affordable, diverse, and climate resilient housing in the City of Whitehorse.

According Mayor Cabott, with the fund, vacant and underutilized lots in the city will be focused on by completing studies and researches in other to present bylaw for the consideration of Council to create opportunities for the quick development of either commercial or multi-residential buildings.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Yukon NDP calls on Yukon government to investigate electricity billing concerns

“Yukoners deserve affordable, accurate, and fair electricity bills, an investigation is needed to make sure that billing is exactly that.” -Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
Youth investment fund supports 13 community projects across Yukon

Initiatives include youth leadership training, substance use prevention, peer mentoring, and recreation programs.
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election
Selkirk First Nation announces election results

Jeremy Harper was acclaimed as Chief and Rena Simon as Youth Councillor, effective February 10, 2026.