Learn about the Housing Action Plan

What is a Housing Action Plan?

A Housing Action Plan is a roadmap that outlines the steps the City can take to support more housing options in Whitehorse. It is informed by local housing needs, community feedback, and research and analysis.

Why is a Housing Action Plan needed?

Whitehorse is growing and residents need a range of affordable housing options, including rentals, accessible and supportive housing, and entry-level home ownership opportunities. The Housing Action Plan will identify actions the City can take to help close the gap between housing supply and need.

What is the City’s role in the housing system?

The City focuses on areas where it can influence most directly, including land use planning, development approvals, municipal policies, incentives, advocacy, education, and partnerships. Addressing housing needs is a shared responsibility. While the City has an important role, support from other levels of government, the private sector, non-profit organizations, and community partners is also needed.

Through the Whitehorse 2040 Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw, the City helps guide growth and determines what types of housing can be built and where. The Housing Development Incentives Policy encourages the development of rental and supportive housing, as well as projects led by non-profit and non-governmental organizations.

The Housing Action Plan will identify actions the City can take to help address housing needs, whether by leading initiatives, supporting partners, advocating for change, or working collaboratively with others.

How is a Housing Action Plan developed?

The City’s Housing Action Plan will be informed by community feedback and research, including what tools have been effective in other parts of Canada. It will also reflect the City’s high-level planning documents and up-to-date studies, including:

1. Whitehorse 2040 Official Community Plan: This plan guides how Whitehorse will grow up to 2040. Through the residential growth strategy, it directs where new homes can be built and what forms of development can take place. It also encourages new housing in areas that already have municipal services, such as water and sewer.
2. Housing Needs Assessment: This assessment identifies existing gaps in housing supply and future housing needs across a range of housing types, including rental, supportive, accessible, and ownership options.
3. Jurisdictional Scan: This study looks at approaches used in other communities and identifies tools that could help address housing shortages in Whitehorse.