Yukon Party Calls for Action to Support Housing Construction

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition is calling for the Yukon Government to take action to support the City of Whitehorse in processing the backlog of housing construction permits that is threatening Yukon’s housing construction season. This call echoes the concerns that have been raised publicly by representatives of the home building and construction industry over the past several weeks.

“Last week I met with and heard from several contractors and construction companies that are expressing serious concern about the impact of the permitting backlog they are facing,” said Energy, Mines and Resources critic Scott Kent. “The red tape and permitting issues that are facing home builders could not come at a worse time, as we continue to face a massive housing shortage.”

At a recent meeting with home builders, Kent heard several tangible actions that could be taken by the Yukon Government to help limit the damage of the permitting backlog on the local housing market. Specifically, the Yukon Party Official Opposition is calling for the Liberal-NDP government to:

  • Provide an extension for any build-time requirements imposed by the Yukon Government on housing construction that is impacted by the current situation.
  • Waive the interest charged on housing lots that are unable to move ahead with construction because of the permitting backlog.

In addition, the Yukon Party is also reiterating its call for the Yukon Government to provide direct support to the City of Whitehorse to assist with reducing the backlog. This could include the secondment of Yukon Government staff who are experienced with permitting or providing direct financial support for the City to hire additional resources.

“Our construction season is already short – it should not be shortened even further by red tape and permitting,” added Kent. “The Liberal-NDP government have been reluctant to support the City of Whitehorse while they are struggling, but if they really prioritized housing they would be stepping up and helping.”

Last week, when the Yukon Party Official Opposition called for the Liberal-NDP government to act, their spokesperson dismissed the issue as unimportant and said that there was only one City Councillor that was concerned about this issue.

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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Media Director
(867) 689-7874

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