Whitehorse mayor supports $13M affordable housing program

The mayor of Whitehorse is weighing in on a proposed Yukon government affordable housing program.

Under the $13-million program, apartments and homes must be rented below the market average for 10 years.

Mayor Dan Curtis says he agrees with the territorial plan to subsidize developers.

"We're doing quite well when it comes to having available homes," he says. "You can buy a lot that's to your liking. But when it comes to apartments and affordable housing, it's been something that's been lacking for many years and we're very excited that we're going to have an opportunity for our citizens to have a bit of a break."

Curtis says affordable housing is one of the most important issues in the city.

Yukon landlords and realtors oppose the program, saying the Whitehorse housing market is already over supplied, and predict a crash in the market if the program goes through. 

In December 2013, the median rent in Whitehorse reached a record high of $900.