Lack of housing in Dawson City, Yukon putting some long-term residents in a tough spot
CBC
People who live in Dawson City, Yukon say it's the best place to live.
Residents are friendly. Business opportunities are endless. And the landscape is top-notch.
That's what drew Lydia Soulliere to the North seven years ago.
Since moving to Dawson, she met her love Ross Cockburn, and the two have started numerous businesses. One of those is the former, and very popular Annabelle's Noodle House, which offered an alternative option to pizza and pub food in town.
But now, she and her partner are in a tough spot.
Soulliere said her rental lease is up in July because the family they were renting from is coming back. As of right now, it looks like there isn't much available for housing in Dawson.
"We definitely need to find something by then," said Soulliere.
Adding to the pressure on the couple to find another place to live is the fact that Soulliere is starting a new job next month.
"Luckily we do have a trailer so we're able to stay in there as long as it's warm enough. So probably July and August and part of September."
But any time past September is a different story, according to Soulliere.
"We either have to buy a house we don't particularly want," she said. " [Or] If we can't find anything then we'll definitely have to move which is really unfortunate."
Soulliere said the seasonal influx of people coming to Dawson City makes it extremely hard to find and secure housing.
"It's very competitive to find housing," she said. "It's frustrating to see people from out of town post, looking for housing. There's so many names right now looking for housing."
Soulliere appreciates the need for seasonal workers and what they contribute to the local economy. She said more needs to be done to accommodate them, but also the longtime local contributors as well.
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