Development opportunity at 5th Avenue and Rogers Street in Whitehorse

09/03/2023

Keeping with the Government of Yukon’s commitment to increase the housing supply in the territory so that all Yukoners have a place to call home, the government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the 2.12-hectare lot on the corner of 5th Avenue and Rogers Street in downtown Whitehorse.

The site offers a unique opportunity for private sector land developers to revitalize this area and create much-needed housing in the downtown Whitehorse area.

The RFP will consider positive social benefits such as the creation of affordable housing, unit accessibility and First Nations participation in different phases of the project.

This development aligns with the City of Whitehorse Official Community Plan which identifies a vision for mixed-use, residential/commercial uses in the area to ensure ongoing activity and increase the vitality of downtown.

The RFP will be open for eight weeks.

The 5th Avenue and Rogers Street lot in Whitehorse presents an opportunity for the Yukon’s development community to bring vision and much-needed housing solutions to the downtown core. I look forward to the creation of new homes for Yukoners, the related capacity building in our construction industry, and economic and employment opportunities, including for First Nations.

Premier and Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, Ranj Pillai

A large piece of land like this in the core of Whitehorse, coupled with flexible financing, is a significant opportunity for developers. Steps away from a variety of services and close to city transit, it also represents an opportunity to strengthen the downtown area and increase housing for Yukoners.

Minister responsible for the Department of Energy Mines and Resources, John Streicker

Quick facts

• The 5th Avenue and Rogers Street lot development will require preliminary work including safe demolition of existing buildings on the site, the relocation of power lines and the construction of a berm to mitigate the risk of landslides from the adjacent escarpment.
• After the landslides of spring 2022, further geotechnical work along the escarpment was completed, which led to a delay in issuing this application process.
• The assessment of the escarpment behind 5th and Rogers is now complete and confirms that the site can be developed following mitigation measures to address future landslide risks.
• The current appraised market value of the lot is $3,930,000. This value assumes the purchaser will cover the cost of a berm, removal of buildings and relocation of power lines (among other conditions).
• Substantial remediation has been conducted at the site. The developer will be required to adhere to conditions under the Permit to Apply Risk-Based Restoration Standards issued by the Department of Environment for the property.
• The parcel is zoned Mixed Use Commercial which supports a range of commercial and residential uses. Multiple housing, residential care homes, supportive housing and temporary shelter services are allowed.
• Current maximum building height allowances range from 15m to 25m throughout the site. The City of Whitehorse is currently reviewing its Official Community Plan. While there is no assurance that the maximum height allowance will increase as a result of this review, the draft Official Community Plan is currently proposing up to 30m building heights in Downtown – including on this parcel.
• The opportunity for a flexible payment schedule with the successful bidder will be available based on their commitment to ensure community social benefits result from the development.

Contact

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Jesse Devost
Communications, Department of Energy Mines and Resources
867-332-1177
jesse.devost@yukon.ca

Josh Long
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-446-3354
joshua.long@yukon.ca

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