Watson Lake, Yukon, has awarded $120,000 in federal grants to help build a new single-family home, create a secondary suite, and redevelop an abandoned house. The Town announced the three successful applications on July 20, 2026, tapping into its Housing Accelerator Fund allocation.
Town of Watson Lake Mayor Lauren Hanchar called the grants a meaningful step for the community. “These grants are a significant investment in Watson Lake’s housing future,” she said. “We are pleased to have offered multiple rounds of these programs, allowing all interested property owners and developers to apply.”
The money comes from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. Watson Lake received a total of $2,060,000 from the program in April 2024, aiming to encourage 42 new housing units over three years and 105 homes over the next decade.
The latest round supports one single-family home and one secondary suite under the Housing Development Grant. The abandoned home will be redone under the Residential Conversion Grant. Up to $40,000 is available per new dwelling, and applicants who get building permits by September 30, 2026, can receive an extra $4,000.
MP Brendan Hanley, speaking for Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, said the fund helps communities like Watson Lake clear hurdles to meeting local housing needs. “Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, our government is supporting communities like Watson Lake in removing barriers that will support their local housing goals and increase housing supply,” Hanley said.
