Yukon Housing notes interest in rental suite loans

Yukon Housing Corp. says dozens of people have been expressing interest in a new program that offers low-interest loans to homeowners who build detached rental suites on their properties.

The program, launched earlier this month, offers loans of up to $25,000 to Yukoners to build "garden suites" on their properties, and thus produce more available units in the territory's tight housing market.

Most of the public interest in the program so far has come from the capital city of Whitehorse, said Marc Perreault, the housing corporation's director of program delivery.

"We've received over 40 inquiries about the program, and primarily the inquiries have been about detached suites, and most of the inquiries we've had were within the city limits," Perreault told CBC News on Friday.

Perreault said each eligible homeowner can borrow up to $25,000 under the loan program.

Yukon Housing has currently budgeted $150,000 for the program, but Perreault said more money can be put in if there is enough demand.

Whitehorse zoning bylaws currently restrict the construction of detached rental suites, but city officials say they want to relax those bylaws to reflect residents' wishes.

"Basically most of the input I've been hearing, people are very favourable aside from maybe wanting a little more flexibility than what we're proposing right now. But certainly, we haven't heard much opposition," said Mike Ellis, a senior planner with the city.

Residents are invited to weigh in on the proposed zoning bylaw changes until May 9. Ellis said a public meeting will be held before council makes a final decision on May 24.

If the changes are approved, Ellis said permits could be issued right away.