Permit backlog leaves Whitehorse builders worrying about layoffs, decline in business [Video]

Local builders in Whitehorse say it’s taking too long to get permits from the city, and if the backlog isn’t resolved soon it could seriously impact the number of houses built in the Yukon’s capital this year.

“We’re nearing on everyone getting worried for winter and getting prepared for the fall and still the majority of people don’t have permits and we’re at a huge backlog,” said Jake Schneider, the owner-operator of Kodiak Construction.

In late April, a group of four builders met with city officials to discuss concerns related to the backlog. The meeting included the city’s chief building inspector and manager of the building department, said John Vogt, owner-operator of Vogt Homes.

Since then, Schneider says the issue has only gotten worse.

Builders say that the backlog became an issue this spring, after the city put in place new requirements for building permit applications.