New Whitehorse mixed-use building with reasonable rental units available

Key takeaways: 

• Units in the Cornerstone facility meet the requirements of vulnerable individuals and people with disabilities.
• The Cornerstone Community was officially unlocked Wednesday in downtown Whitehorse.
• The six-story multi-use building has 45 rental units for vulnerable individuals and people with disabilities. 

A new mixed-use facility with 45 rental units meant to provide vulnerable individuals and people with disabilities a secure and reasonable living space was officially opened Wednesday in Whitehorse.

The rental departments at the Cornerstone Community Building are already filled at the crossroad of 7 Avenue and Main Street.

Opportunities Yukon, a not-for-profit association that helps people with disabilities become involved and independent, is behind the project, which has been in the outcomes since 2016.

Jillian Hardie, the association’s executive director, said the structure’s official opening is a dream come true.

“You know, there was forever the dream and many blessings put into this, and yeah, did I ever think this wasn’t going to happen? There were moments when I didn’t,” said Hardie.

She said it was made achievable with help from the community. 

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Inexpensive housing stays a problem

Despite the 45 new rental units, she said that reasonable housing stays a real pain in Whitehorse.

“The demand is incredible. We already have 150 people on the waiting list. Yukon Housing also has a massive waiting list, and we see the demand within our community,” said Hardie.

Tamara Perzan is a renter in the new structure and has been concerned with the housing project from the start.

“Cornerstone can accomplish remarkable things through personal experience with mobility problems and obstacles through employment. I can say this will be a turning point for many people here in the Yukon,” she said.

She added there would be a lot of additional help for people who call the new structure their home.

Source – CBC News