YG Begins Buying Out Businesses Impacted by Whitehorse Emergency Shelter

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition sought answers in the Yukon Legislative Assembly on Monday from Premier Pillai about his decision to direct the Yukon Housing Corporation to buy out 407 Alexander Street, the longtime home of Duffy’s Pets. The lot is located next door to the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, and the business owners have publicly shared that they have been negatively impacted by the shelter’s operations for the past several years.

Land title documents reveal the Housing Corporation purchased the land and building for $650,000. Economic Development Critic Geraldine Van Bibber asked the government to confirm the sale, which the Premier did when speaking to the media.

Van Bibber asked if other businesses in the downtown core that have been negatively impacted by the activity surrounding the shelter will be eligible for government buyouts. She also asked the Premier if it makes sense to buy out businesses rather than make changes to the shelter’s operating model. Clarifications on these details were not provided.

“We’ve heard from a lot of businesses and residents in the surrounding area that have also been negatively impacted by the emergency shelter and the ongoing issues it causes in the neighbourhood,” said Van Bibber. “Businesses will be anxiously awaiting answers from the Premier if buyouts are a new government policy, and the details about how they can apply.”

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