The Whitehorse Emergency Shelter has been a point of contention for nearby businesses, with concerns over safety and security.
The Yukon government has purchased 407 Alexander Street, the longtime home of Duffy's Pets, for $650,000, amid concerns over downtown insecurity.
The property is located next to the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, which has negatively impacted nearby businesses.
At the 35th legislature spring sitting on Monday April 7, Economic Development Critic Geraldine Van Bibber questioned the government's decision, asking if other affected businesses would be eligible for buyouts. She also questioned the logic behind buying out businesses instead of addressing the shelter's operating model.
Minister of health and social services Tracey Ann McPhee confirmed the sale but did not provide further clarification on the government's plans or policies regarding business buyouts.
The Whitehorse Emergency Shelter has been a point of contention for nearby businesses, with concerns over safety and security. In 2020, the Government of Yukon developed a Community Safety Plan to address these concerns.
Despite these efforts, local businesses continue to struggle. Other affected businesses in the area include Alpine Bakery: Located at 411 Alexander Street, its closure is another example of the challenges faced by local businesses.
The Yukon Housing Corporation's decision has raised more questions than answers, leaving local businesses wondering about the future of downtown Whitehorse.

The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future
The Village of Haines Junction has announced the launch of a new grant program
Yukon's air ambulance program gets upgrade
Yukon Government seeks to pause health authority implementation with legislative changes
Kwanlin Dün First Nation swears in new leadership team led by Chief Sean Smith
KDFN re-elect's Chief Sean Smith
Teslin RCMP arrest two following search warrant
CYFN's Moccasin Mobile Outreach Program receives national recognition for harm reduction efforts
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 25th February (Audio)
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon Government partner on Dawson land planning initiative
Yukon University strike averted as union reaches tentative agreement
Yukon Government seeks input on new École Whitehorse Elementary School location
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games schedule unveiled
Jeremy Harper elected as Chief of Selkirk First Nation
Yukon government pauses implementation of Health Authority, considering repealing Health Authority Act
Yukon University withdraws from AWG
$300,000 fund boosts student attendance initiatives in Yukon schools
Whitehorse to host 2026 Broomball World Championships