The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) intervened to halt consulting firm Deloitte’s attempt to sell 19 subsidized housing units designated for Indigenous occupants in Watson Lake, Yukon, and to prevent tenant evictions. In late September, residents in various public housing units in Watson Lake were initially notified of potential evictions as soon as January, which later turned out to be untrue.
Colleen Dennis, a long-time resident of one of the Tintina Housing units, expressed the anxiety caused by the uncertainty surrounding the situation, questioning the possibility of eviction and demolition of the houses. Agnes Reid, another tenant, received a letter from Deloitte on September 23 indicating the intent to sell the units and the likelihood of eviction if no buyers were found by January 1, 2026.
Subsequently, CMHC issued a statement on October 7 explicitly opposing Deloitte’s sales process and eviction notices, asserting active measures to challenge and halt the proceedings promptly. On October 17, Reid received a follow-up letter from Deloitte, confirming the termination of the sale and ensuring the continuity of the tenancy agreements.
These 19 homes, initially listed for sale by Deloitte, were temporarily removed from the market following CMHC’s intervention. Watson Lake Mayor Lauren Hanchar estimated around 40 tenants residing in these homes out of the town’s population of just over 1,400.
Tintina Housing comprises 19 homes scattered across Watson Lake, formerly owned by the Tintina Housing Society, a non-profit organization utilizing federal funds to accommodate Indigenous individuals living off-reserve. The transfer of these homes to Deloitte as the receiver occurred in 1998 under CMHC’s directive to maintain their original purpose.
CMHC successfully opposed the recent proposed sale of the units, citing the necessity of court approval for any transaction to proceed. CMHC is actively working towards a resolution that prioritizes tenant stability in collaboration with stakeholders.
Angela Miller, a former housing coordinator in Watson Lake, emphasized the adverse impact of evicting tenants from these homes, particularly affecting the First Nation demographics and community cohesion. Past eviction instances, such as that of Darcy Laverdure, highlight the distressing consequences for tenants forced to relocate due to property management decisions.
The community’s concern over potential evictions prompted initiatives like the Daylu Dena Council’s exploration of purchasing the homes to ensure ongoing housing availability for affected tenants. The uncertainties faced by tenants underscore the critical importance of securing stable housing options for vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, CMHC’s intervention and ongoing efforts aim to safeguard tenant rights and uphold housing stability in Watson Lake, underscoring the significance of preserving affordable housing options for Indigenous communities.