"Improving the quality of the housing stock and ensuring there are a range of housing types available in Watson Lake is very important to residents. Appropriate and safe housing is vital to community growth and high-quality housing will help to attract and retain individuals and families."
- Town of Watson Lake Official Community Plan, September 2021
In December 2023, Watson Lake applied to the Government of Canada and was awarded over $2 million to address housing supply issues in our community.
The funding is from the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). HAF is a new program from the Government of Canada's Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Funding is provided directly to municipal governments to help build more housing.
Watson Lake had to propose five initiatives to qualify for funding. The initiatives have to address the gap in missing middle housing.
Learn more about our five initiatives below:
1. Grant program to build new dwellings
Status: In Progress
Budget: $400,000
What is the goal of this initiative?
We understand that access to both land and capital to build dwellings presents a major challenge in Watson Lake. This initiative aims to make use of the existing residential properties within our community and avoid delays in building new dwellings due to a lack of available land.
It also works to address capital challenges by providing direct funding to property owners to build.
How will we achieve our goal?
We have developed a grant program that will provide private property owners with access to grants to develop housing on property that they own or are in the process of purchasing.
Funding can be used to build single family homes, suites, and multi-family units. $40,000 is available per new dwelling, up to a maximum of $120,000 per applicant for multi-family housing.
How do I apply? When will this be happening?
Applications for the program are due by 4:30pm on August 16, 2024, by email to housing@watsonlake.ca. Applications can be downloaded from watsonlake.ca/housing.
How many homes do you expect this program to create?
We are expecting that at least 10 new dwellings will be built as a result of this initiative.
How do I qualify for the grant?
You are eligible to apply for this program if you meet the following criteria:
- Your property is located within the municipal boundary of the Town of Watson Lake.
- Applicants own the property on which the dwelling is to be constructed; or,
- You have an Agreement for Sale with the Yukon Government for a vacant lot;
- The property and proposed development(s) comply with the Town’s Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw and the National Building Code; and
- Property taxes for the property are paid and the property owner is in good standing with the Town of Watson Lake.
If you have questions about this initiative contact housing@watsonlake.ca
2. Funding to create homes from underutilized buildings
Status: Coming soon
Budget: $400,000
What is the goal of this initiative?
This initiative aims to support both the community goals of housing development and community beautification, as noted in the 2021 Official Community Plan, by providing funding and support to convert underutilized properties and buildings into space for housing.
How will we achieve this goal?
We hope to incentivize the rehabilitation of underutilized, abandoned and non-conforming privately owned properties in Watson Lake by providing financial incentives.
Within our community, there are a number of properties that are either underutilized or non-compliant with current zoning. We all benefit when properties are used to their maximum potential, especially when facing housing and land shortages that we have experience in the last several years.
How many homes do you expect this program to create?
We are expecting 10 new dwellings will be built as a result of this initiative
How do I apply? When will this be happening?
If you are interested in learning more about this initiative, visit watsonlake.ca/housing or contact the program administrator at housing@watsonlake.ca. Check back here for information coming soon.
3. Zoning bylaw amendments
Status: In progress
Budget: $100,000
More information coming soon
4. Action plan for home lending
Status: Coming soon
Budget: $75,000
More information coming soon
5. Municipal/private sector collaboration on municipal services
Status: Coming soon
Budget: $125,000
More information coming soon