Government of Yukon
Government
FOR RELEASE #07-178
August 28, 2007
Canada Winter Games Legacy - Athletes' Village Residences Now Home to Seniors, Students
WHITEHORSE – Minister of Community Services Glenn Hart officially transferred the two athletes’ village residences to Rudy Couture, chair of Yukon Housing Corporation’s board of directors, and Yukon College President Terry Weninger, in a ceremony today at Yukon College.
“These residences provided lodging for young athletes from all over the country during the 2007 Canada Winter Games,” Hart said. “Now, the long-term benefits are kicking into effect: we can provide safe, comfortable and affordable homes to seniors, and to student families. That’s a legacy we are proud of.”
The project received $3.5 million toward the construction of the seniors’ residence through the Canada-Yukon Affordable Housing Program Agreement
“Canada's new government is committed to providing real housing solutions for seniors, so that they can continue to live in their communities and be close to family and friends,” Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development said, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “We’re proud to have contributed to this project, which will now give seniors in Whitehorse more access to quality, affordable housing to meet their specific needs.”
“The addition of this seniors’ residence to the Yukon Housing Corporation’s inventory of affordable housing is helping us to improve the lives of seniors,” Rudy Couture said. “The new building will provide tenants with a great living environment for years to come, and reduces the number of seniors waiting for a housing unit.”
Education Minister Patrick Rouble said the support for adult students through the provision of the student family units is an example of effective delivery of government programs and services through interdepartmental collaboration. “The addition of these student residences makes it possible for families of all ages to live and learn together,” Rouble said. “It also provides housing opportunities for rural students with families when they seek to further their education.”
The two three-storey buildings were completed in 2006 to temporarily accommodate athletes, coaches and artists during the 2007 Games. Both buildings meet the Yukon Housing Green Home design guidelines for energy efficiency, and are built to withstand local seismic activity. They are equipped with elevators and are designed to be barrier-free throughout, including such details as flooring choices for mobility needs and grab bars in the bathrooms.
The 48-suite Yukon Housing Corporation building has one and two bedroom units for seniors aged 65 and over, or 55 years of age or over, if with a disability or mobility challenge. The Yukon College residence offers 12 two-bedroom apartments and 12 three-bedroom apartments for students and their families.
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Contact:
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Roxanne Vallevand
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Nathalie Harwood
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Kimberlee Jones
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