2015 study found 88 underutilized lots
Whitehorse will be looking at what to do about “underutilized” residential properties in the downtown core, says Mike Gau, the city’s director of development services.
Whitehorse will be looking at what to do about “underutilized” residential properties in the downtown core, says Mike Gau, the city’s director of development services.
City council has approved $50,000 in its 2023 capital budget for a study of underutilized residential lots.
Gau explained to city council at its meeting Monday the study will look at incentives and disincentives to spur on development of vacant residential properties as well as residential properties where structures have been built but are not being used.
It is, ultimately, a housing issue in a market that is very tight, it was said.
The project will involve engagement, research, analysis and consultation, he told council.
Gau said they will be looking at what other jurisdictions are doing, then possibly bring forward amendments to the city’s existing housing policy.
The work will also look at the taxation policy and how it could be used to spur on development of the underutilized lots, he said.
Gau explained in an interview this morning the study will include an inventory of underutilized lots.
It will include residential properties that are not only underutilized but also detract from the neighbourhood because of their vacant, underutilized status, he said.
There is much to examine in the study, Gau added, including talking to the property owners to find out why a property is not developed.
There could be a number of reasons, including the financial status of the property owner, he acknowledged.
Gau said the project will involve exploring the tools being used across Canada to address the issue.
An inventory conducted in 2015 identified 88 underutilized lots, he said.
Gau said there’s been plenty of development in the downtown in recent years, and he suspects some of those 88 properties have since been developed or are back in use.
The city, he pointed out, already provides a tax incentive to encourage housing development, as does the Yukon Housing Corp.
Dawson City is in the midst of developing a taxation policy to encourage development.
Comments (16)
Up 9 Down 1
Charlie's Aunt on Dec 17, 2022 at 1:42 pm
And Mike Gau's point is???? Save your breath Mike until you have recent figures instead of spouting 7 year old information.
Up 15 Down 0
Groucho d'North on Dec 17, 2022 at 11:17 am
Underutilized is an ambiguous word. In this context does it mean the lot could support a house but doesn't have one presently or could it mean the lot size does not conform to the meets and bounds regulations? Why is the lot underutilized? Is there an expensive clean up of toxins required? Does the land flood each spring? Is there adequate access to the lot and is it serviceable? Its not all about land investments for profit.
Up 9 Down 3
BIG DADDY on Dec 16, 2022 at 10:12 pm
So it seems that some "property owners" think that just because they managed in spite of multiple layers of taxation, and all the hurdles of the building code and city ordinances and the general sand in the gears of life, to gain ownership of a property, they think they can just do whatever they want with it?
Woah there pony!! Woahhh there I say!
It doesn't work that way, my peasants! The only thing that matters to those of us who man the levers of power is the public good and we get to define what that is! It's just one of the several (hehehe) perks of being the king of the castle, you might say.
And as the king of this castle, why should I share my own commodious accommodations with some bum on the street. No waay.
So sadly for you 'owners', when we brandish the old rulebook we find that all you really own is a bundle of rights, or perhaps we should say "privileges" pertaining to the property in question, so if we at the top decide that "your" property can be better utilized, we are well within our rights to make such a decision as we deem necessary "in the general interests of the public"
Don't like it? Move to China, comrades!
Up 28 Down 0
iBrian on Dec 15, 2022 at 1:28 pm
Low hanging fruit tax.
If no condition of sale states a building has to be erected, no contravention of contract. All terms met.
Up 18 Down 4
Landowners, unburden yourselves! on Dec 15, 2022 at 11:44 am
C of W is in lockstep with Vancouver, which has just decided to put up a bunch of “modular” homes for its homeless. This is another nail in the coffin for the downtown.
Up 22 Down 5
Nathan Living on Dec 15, 2022 at 10:50 am
There are many reasons why these lots are undeveloped.
If you think about they have good value within the current market conditions.
This is a city overreach situation and not wise use of taxpayer dollars . There are many other ways to create more housing.
Up 36 Down 2
Groucho d'North on Dec 15, 2022 at 9:33 am
A 2015 study? This is a great example why there is a housing problem- working at the speed of government.
Up 38 Down 2
SH on Dec 15, 2022 at 7:48 am
The City wants a tax incentive to encourage development? I have a better incentive: make it easier (and cheaper) for people to build by removing all unnecessary red tape.
Up 32 Down 2
Pick a lane on Dec 14, 2022 at 8:39 pm
Maybe we could rape the public purse and fill them up with more social housing to kill the downtown once and for all, or maybe the city could look in the mirror and see why no one is keen to invest in the downtown.
Up 33 Down 0
Thomas Brewer on Dec 14, 2022 at 6:36 pm
If you want density and affordable housing, you're going to have to do something about the overzealous building codes - nobody is building affordable housing when it's $400/sq foot construction costs.
Up 24 Down 4
Josey Wales on Dec 14, 2022 at 6:22 pm
Geezuz H...today I am with BnR!
These civic twits just will not stop.
My yard, my choice!
Up 9 Down 1
Politico on Dec 14, 2022 at 5:57 pm
@ Too expensive And what do you propose to do about that?
Up 26 Down 5
Tax payer on Dec 14, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Mayor and city council should keep their nose outa peoples business or it could hurt when it’s poked, the only thing they need to be concerned about is whether the taxes are paid….I can’t believe this friggin liberal mayor would stoop that low what is wrong with people!
Up 21 Down 7
Juniper Jackson on Dec 14, 2022 at 4:30 pm
Totally agree BnR...They are always yapping away 'what other jurisdictions' do. It really comes down to opinion. Just say..: a scenario.. A. Is utilizing his/her property just the way they want to. B. comes along and says to his pals on Council, I'd really like that lot, I can cut you in for a few bucks after the council gives me $500,000 to build some apartments on it for Welfare and low incomes folks. C. City Council comes along and says to A: you are under utilizing your property, either build something useful on it or 'we' are seizing it. No..no funding for you, you don't meet any qualifications.
Think that wouldn't happen? The Liberals are not noted for their dignity, or ethics. Of course this would happen.. and these are the dudes that are going to give themselves 4 years in which to do as much damage as possible. I voted for these gelatinous blots on the escutcheon of mankind.
Up 59 Down 8
Too expensive on Dec 14, 2022 at 3:49 pm
The number 1 disincentive is the cost of building.
Up 85 Down 20
BnR on Dec 14, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Too should be able to do whatever you want with your own property as long as it follows the zoning regulations and bylaws.
Take a hike CofW