48 new lots in Dawson City will help with 'severe' housing shortage

Construction is underway on a major housing expansion in Dawson City, Yukon.

The $2.5 million project will add 48 new lots to the Tr'ondk Hwch'in First Nation's existing subdivision.

Peter Marangu, the First Nation's director of housing and infrastructure, says the project will benefit the entire community, pointing to the town's housing shortage.

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"You can see from the rental prices how much people ask for rent and for Tr'ondk Hwch'in citizens it's severe in the same way," he said.

"Tr'ondk Hwch'in has an interest also in working with the larger community to help in some of these housing shortages by providing good quality housing at good rates."

Marangu says the First Nation is still deciding how to distribute the lots. He says the development could include a mix of social housing and market housing.

The new lots should be connected to water, sewer and power by the end of August.

Construction of the new houses could begin by next spring.