The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) intervened to prevent Deloitte, a consulting giant, from selling 19 subsidized housing units designated for Indigenous occupants in Watson Lake, Yukon, and from evicting the tenants. In late September, residents of several public housing units in Watson Lake received notices indicating potential evictions starting in January, creating uncertainty and distress among the tenants. Colleen Dennis, a long-term resident of one of the Tintina Housing units, expressed concern about the situation, questioning their future and where they would go if evicted. Agnes Reid, another Tintina Housing tenant, received a letter from Deloitte on September 23, informing her of the units’ sale and the possibility of eviction by January 1, 2026, if no buyers were found.
On October 7, Reid received a communication from CMHC, stating their opposition to Deloitte’s sales process and eviction notices. CMHC emphasized their efforts to challenge and halt the process promptly. Subsequently, on October 17, Reid received confirmation from Deloitte that the sale had been terminated, and existing tenancy agreements would remain valid. The 19 homes were briefly listed for sale, with bids accepted by Deloitte before the listings were removed.
Lauren Hanchar, the mayor of Watson Lake, estimated that approximately 40 tenants reside in the 19 homes, situated in a town with a population of just over 1,400. Tintina Housing comprises 19 homes distributed across Watson Lake, originally owned by a non-profit organization, the Tintina Housing Society, which utilized federal funds to house Indigenous individuals living off-reserve. The CMHC intervened in 1998, appointing Deloitte as the receiver to manage the properties as originally intended following legal proceedings against the Tintina Housing Society.
CMHC successfully halted the recent proposed sale, citing the necessity for court approval for any sales by Deloitte. Leonard Catling, a CMHC spokesperson, emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure tenant stability without disclosing specific details at this time. Angela Miller, a former housing coordinator, highlighted the potential devastating impact of evicting tenants, particularly on the First Nation community. Darcy Laverdure’s eviction due to renovations in March underscored the challenges faced by tenants in finding alternative housing.
The intervention by CMHC to prevent the sale of subsidized homes in Watson Lake has brought relief to the affected tenants, averting potential evictions and uncertainty about their housing security. The ongoing efforts by CMHC to address the situation signify a commitment to safeguarding tenant stability and preserving affordable housing options for Indigenous residents in the community.