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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Minister Directs Action on Tents at Whitehorse Emergency Shelter
Yukon Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers has stated that his department is undertaking a 'crackdown' on tents pitched outside the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter, located at 405 Alexander Street in downtown Whitehorse. However, Cathers has not provided details about what measures this crackdown will entail or how it will be implemented.
Response Comes After Concerns Raised in Legislature
The announcement followed a question posed by Debra-Leigh Reti, Leader of the Liberal Party and MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, during a session of the Yukon Legislative Assembly. Reti questioned the government’s plan to address what she described as an increasing trend of camping outside the shelter, highlighting the growing visibility of homelessness in Whitehorse.
Minister Acknowledges Collaboration with Other Departments
In his response, Cathers indicated that he had instructed his department to coordinate efforts with the Department of Justice, the Department of Highways and Public Works, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and City of Whitehorse bylaw officials. He noted that some actions had already been taken to remove tents, though he emphasized that more work remains to be done. Specifics about these actions or the results achieved so far were not provided.
Lack of Clarity on Details and Approach
Despite requests for further clarification, Cathers declined to grant an interview or elaborate on how the 'crackdown' would unfold. This has led to questions from Reti and others about the transparency and effectiveness of the government’s approach. Reti called the response the most concrete information she has received so far but stressed that it falls short of what is needed.
Community Involvement and Alternative Proposals
Reti argued that addressing the presence of tents and related homelessness concerns requires a community-wide approach, not just a government initiative. She suggested that the Yukon government consider forming its own task force to engage directly with those camping outside the shelter to determine their needs and offer support.
Context: Legislative Debate and Housing Advocates’ Concerns
The issue has arisen amid ongoing debates in the Yukon Legislative Assembly regarding proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act. Housing advocates have expressed apprehension about the potential effects of removing rent control, fearing that it could worsen homelessness in the city. The government has yet to outline how its current enforcement plans align with broader housing and homelessness strategies.
Source: cbc.ca.
