Groups call on Yukon to salvage affordable housing program

A builder and an advocacy group in Whitehorse are asking the Yukon government to reverse its decision on an affordable housing program in the city.

Last month, the government pulled the plug on the $13 million plan to build 75 affordable rental units. The decision to cancel it was made after some landlords and real estate agents complained it would hurt their business.

Maxavier Construction was supposed to build 28 apartments in the Copper Ridge neighbourhood.

Owner Patrick McLarnon said he had planned to charge $800 a month for one-bedroom units, and $1,000 a month for three-bedroom units.

"After putting in hundreds of hours to prepare this project, to see it dissipate as if it wasn't even there, it wasn't even real," he said. "I don't think it was given a proper chance, I don't think the government gave it a proper negotiation."

Builders and developers aren't the only ones hoping the government changes its decision.

The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition is also backing the request for the government to revisit the housing plan.

"I'm hoping that the whole thing is not just completely dead in the water, and that something can be salvaged from it," says Charlotte Hrenchuk, co-chair of the coalition. 

Yukon Housing Minister Brad Cather declined to be speak with CBC News, saying he has already explained his decision to cancel the plan.