Adult group home opens in Whitehorse

The Yukon government officially opened a brand new group home forYukoners with developmentaldisabilities, on Thursday.

The $4.2 millionSt. Elias adult group home,on HogeSt. in Whitehorse, will accommodate upto 10 people and will be staffed 24 hours a day.

Yukon Health MinisterMike Nixon called the new facility "much needed."

"What we have is what we see today a fantastic, bright facility with lots of room for programing,whether it be cultural programming or working on independent living skills, working on healthy eating and meal preparation, there is a beautiful kitchen facility."

Five residents will move into their new home next week.

Staff at the facility will provide individual care for the residents who need support and a safe home.