Government of Yukon
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FOR RELEASE #08-024
February 5, 2008
Government Announces New Project to Address Housing Needs of Women and Children
WHITEHORSE – Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Elaine Taylor, announced today the government’s intention to design and build a new housing project of up to 30 dwelling units in Whitehorse to address the housing needs of women and children.
"Access to secure and affordable housing helps to reduce the incidence of violence against women which is a key priority for me as minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate," Taylor added. "Housing security is strongly linked to advancing women's equality in the North, which is also a priority of our government. With this initiative, we will be working to meet the largest gap in housing that currently exists – that being secure and affordable housing for lone parent families headed by women and children in need and victims of violence."
Targeted consultations with women's groups, transition homes, social housing clients and others were conducted by the Women's Directorate during November and December 2007. These consultations helped identify desired aspects concerning a housing development for women. Amongst identified priorities were affordability of housing, finding a safe location and housing situated close to schools and transportation.
"This government's housing initiative is a good first step in providing safe and secure housing for women and children in need," Yukon Status of Women Council Coordinator Charlotte Hrenchuk said. "I look forward to government’s further collaboration with women on the design concepts for the housing development."
With the Women's Directorate working in close collaboration with the Yukon Housing Corporation, next steps include determining an appropriate location for the development and taking the necessary steps to acquire the land. Once that is done, conceptual design work can begin and the schedule for the calling of tenders and awarding of construction contracts can be set.
The complete findings from the consultation are available at the Women’s Directorate, Unit 1, 404 Hanson Street, Whitehorse or online at www.womensdirectorate.gov.yk.ca.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Brenda Barnes Communications, Women’s Directorate (867) 667-8269 brenda.barnes@gov.yk.ca |