FAQs

A Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) is a report that identifies evidence of existing gaps in housing supply and future housing needs across the housing continuum by collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative information about local demographics, household incomes, housing availability and other factors.

The objective of Whitehorse’s HNA is to serve as a comprehensive document that encompasses demographic analysis, housing indicators, unit needs estimates, and government and interest-holder engagement.

Using this baseline information, progress can be measured and tracked over time allowing community members, decision-makers, and interest-holders to better direct housing investment and planning decisions. An HNA is critical to developing a robust housing action plan and informing land use planning.

A Housing Action Plan provides recommended actions that the City should take to close the gaps between housing supply and need. 

Housing need estimates should not be viewed as targets for the quantity or type of housing required. While housing needs help inform housing targets, targets are also shaped by other factors such as municipal and partner development capacity, available funding from senior governments, and Council priorities. The City currently has an overall housing target within the Official Community Plan's Residential Growth Stategy. 

Housing need figures are estimates based on available data; they are not exhaustive and may include limitations, including potential double counting. These estimates are intended to convey the general scale and key characteristics of households requiring affordable, suitable, and adequate housing, both now and in the future.

Engagement with the community on the development of a Housing Action Plan is anticipated to occur later in 2026. Subscribe to the project in the top right corner of this page to stay updated on project developments and future engagement opportunities.