CYFN to build Indigenous-led women and children's shelter in Whitehorse

A new women and children's shelter is set to be built in the Yukon.

On Wednesday, the territorial government and the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) announced that a chunk of land in Whitehorse will be transferred to the council to build the territory's first Indigenous-led shelter.

"This land transfer signifies the ability for CYFN to create a safe and accessible shelter for Indigenous women and children experiencing violence," said Ranj Pillai, minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation.

He said the lot, located in Whistle Bend, was specifically picked because it's zoned and ready for development, which Pillai said "will help ensure a timely opening for this much needed facility."

"I'm convinced that this project will have a positive impact throughout the community and will contribute to our territorial vision of supporting healthy, thriving communities," he said.

John Streicker, minister responsible for Energy, Mines and Resources, said the lot is on Eldorado Drive in Whistle Bend, at the corner of Casca Boulevard.

"It's really close to amenities like playgrounds, like walking trails, like the town hall and the upcoming Whistle Bend school," Streicker said. "It's a great location."

Streicker said the lot is about the size of the 10 lots across the street, or about two-thirds of a hectare. The shelter is set to have 15 apartments, with 32 beds and a total floor space of 15,069 square feet.

The Whistle Bend Community Garden Coalition had a lease for that land, but offered it up when they heard the territory and CYFN were looking for a lot for the project, Streicker said. The land was transferred from the territory for $1 to CYFN.

Grand Chief Peter Johnston said the shelter is a project that CYFN has been working on for over a year now.

"It's a pleasure now to see it come into fruition," Johnston said, adding the need for this shelter is high.

"We're facing an extreme reality when it comes to violence and a lot of it unfortunately goes unreported."

He said the shelter will have a low barrier aspect, where women will have the opportunity to be admitted even if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"I think it's important that we can take people in regardless of what situation they're in."