CommunityHousing

New 10-plex in Old Crow is filling up

Seven units of the recently completed Old Crow 10-plex are now occupied by Yukon government staff to support essential services in the village, the government said Monday.

“Built by the Yukon government in collaboration with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, the community of Old Crow determined that maintaining government services is essential, and that these units should be used to house the staff who deliver these services,” the government said in a statement. 

“This aligns with one of four objectives under Yukon Housing Corporation’s five-year strategic plan, Creating Home, which is to strengthen community well-being and build a sustainable future.”

The $55.1-million design-build contract for the 10-plex and the adjacent health and wellness centre was awarded by the Department of Highways and Public Works to Ketza TSL Construction in March 2021.

The 10-plex contains four one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. One unit has been allocated to the Department of Highways and Public Works staff to support staff who operate the Old Crow airport.

Six units have been allocated to the Department of Health and Social Services for personnel who will support the health and wellness centre, scheduled to officially open later this summer. The remaining three units have been leased by Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to house staff and citizens.

The government said it will continue to work with  communities and Yukon First Nations to deliver on ministerial mandate letter commitments to explore and support new approaches to address the territory’s housing shortage.

Premier Ranj Pillai visited Old Crow last weekend after attending the Moosehide Gathering downriver from Dawson City. He toured the new 10-plex.

“This brand-new facility will make it easier for the Vuntut Gwitchin government and the Government of Yukon to bring staff to the community and ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality services in the community,” Pillai said.

“This investment reaffirms our ongoing commitment to work in partnership with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, and I want to thank Chief (Pauline) Frost for her leadership.”

In the spring of 2021, a 60-year land lease was signed with the Vuntut Gwitchin government. It enables the Yukon government to use the Vuntut Gwitchin land for the 10-plex and the health and wellness centre projects.

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