New Whitehorse mixed-use building with affordable rental units opens - Action News
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New Whitehorse mixed-use building with affordable rental units opens

A new building with 45 rental units, meant to provide vulnerable people and people with disabilities a safe and affordable living space, was officially opened Wednesday in Whitehorse.

Units in Cornerstone building meet needs of vulnerable people and people with disabilities

Some people gather in front of a new building.
The Cornerstone Community was officially opened Wednesday in downtown Whitehorse. The six-story multi-use building include 45 rental units for vulnerable people and people with disabilities. (Mike Rudyk/CBC)

A new mixed-use building with 45rental units, meant to provide vulnerable people and people with disabilities a safe and affordable living space,was officially opened Wednesday in Whitehorse.

The rental units at the Cornerstone Community Building, on the corner of 7 Avenue and Main Street, are already filled.

Opportunities Yukon, a not-for-profit organization that assists people with disabilities in becoming active and independent, is behind the project, which has been in the works since 2016.

Jillian Hardie, the executive director of the organization, said the official opening of the building is a dream come true.

"You know, there was always the dream and a lot of prayers put into this, and yeah, did I ever think this wasn't going to happen? There were times when I didn't," said Hardie.

She said it was made possible with support from the community.

A woman cuts a ceremonial red ribbon in front of a new building with giant scissors.
Opportunities Yukon executive director Jillian Hardie cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the Cornerstone building in downtown Whitehorse. With her are Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott, MP Brendan Hanley and Yukon Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee. (Kiyoshi Maguire/CBC)

Affordable housing remains a problem

Despite the 45 new rental units, affordable housing remains a real problem in Whitehorse, she said.

"The need is incredible. We already have 150 people on the waiting list. Yukon Housing has a huge waiting list as well, and we see the need within our community," said Hardie.

Tamara Perzan is a tenant in the new building and has been involved with the housing project from the beginning.

"Cornerstone has the capacity to achieve phenomenal things through personal experience with mobility issues and barriers through employment. I can say this will be a turning point for many people here in the Yukon," she said.

She added there will be a lot of different supports for people who call the new building their home.

The Government of Canada contributed over $15.1 million to the project while Yukon contributed approximately $7.6 million, and the City of Whitehorse contributed $1 million.

One of the 45 rental units inside the Cornerstone building in downtown Whitehorse, aimed at being affordable and accessible. (Mike Rudyk/CBC)

The new building has accessibility features to allow residents with disabilities to live in comfort and includes employment and training support, and a medical room.

The mixed-use six-story building also includes eight market-rate condominiums, a caf, retail space, office spaceand a common space for people to gather and hold workshops.