North

48 new lots in Dawson City will help with 'severe' housing shortage

Construction is underway on a major housing expansion in Dawson City, Yukon. The $2.5 million project will add 48 new lots to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation's existing subdivision.

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation is adding lots to its existing subdivision for cost of $2.5M

A backhoe works on the site of a 48-lot development at the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in subdivision in Dawson City on Monday. (Chris Windeyer/CBC)

Construction is underway on a major housing expansion in Dawson City, Yukon.

The $2.5 million project will add 48 new lots to the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation's existing subdivision.

Peter Marangu, the First Nation's director of housing and infrastructure, says the project will benefit the entire community, pointing to the town's housing shortage.

Peter Marangu is the director of housing and infrastructure for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation. (Chris Windeyer/CBC)

"You can see from the rental prices how much people ask for rent and for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizens it's severe in the same way," he said.

"Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in has an interest also in working with the larger community to help in some of these housing shortages by providing good quality housing at good rates."

Marangu says the First Nation is still deciding how to distribute the lots. He says the development could include a mix of social housing and market housing.

The new lots should be connected to water, sewer and power by the end of August.

Construction of the new houses could begin by next spring.