Town of Watson Lake Awards Three Housing Accelerator Fund Grants

Watson Lake, Yukon – July 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Town of Watson Lake is pleased to announce the awarding of $120,000 for three Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) grants. This funding is aimed at increasing housing availability and supporting residential development in the community.

Anticipated projects include:

• One single family home and one secondary suite supported by the Housing Development Grant.
• One redevelopment of a previously abandoned home supported by the Residential Conversion Grant.

These grants are part of Watson Lake’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing needs and encouraging the development and improvement of safe, accessible, and affordable housing options. Funding for the Housing Accelerator Fund Grant Program is provided by the Government of Canada’s Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“These grants are a significant investment in Watson Lake's housing future. We are pleased to have offered multiple rounds of these programs, allowing all interested property owners and developers to apply.”

– Mayor of Watson Lake Lauren Hanchar

“Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, our government is supporting communities like Watson Lake in removing barriers that will support their local housing goals and increase housing supply,”

– Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development

The Housing Development Grant supports property owners in Watson Lake to build new dwellings by providing grant funding to build single family homes, secondary suites, and multi-family units.

The Residential Conversion Grant supports property owners with industrial or commercial properties who are adding dwelling units, as well as owners of vacant residential properties who are building new dwellings.

Through both the Housing Development Grant and the Residential Conversion Grant programs, up to $40,000 is available per new dwelling, with a maximum of $120,000 available per applicant for multi-family housing projects.

Applicants undertaking eligible Housing Accelerator Fund projects may also qualify for up to $4,000 in additional funding if building permits are obtained by September 30, 2026.

More information:

• Successful applicants for the Housing Development Grant or Residential Conversion Grant will receive up to $40,000 per new dwelling.
• Applicants could apply for funding for up to three dwellings.
• The approved projects include one new single-family home, one secondary suite and one conversion of a previously abandoned home.

For further information about this or other Town of Watson Lake bylaws or policies please visit our website at watsonlake.ca or contact the Town Office:

Town of Watson Lake Municipal Office

Telephone: 867-536-8000
Email: info@watsonlake.ca