The Squatters of Whitehorse: A Study of the Problems of New Northern Settlements

Abstract

Identifies two types of settlement in the Canadian North, the older centers of transportation, fur-trading and mining, and the post-1950 planned mining communities. Some of the former, such as Whitehorse,have an uncertain resource base and the problems arising are discussed. A social survey in 1960 of its ten squatter communities, 310 dwellings, is summarized (cf No 73605), and factors fostering them identified. Casual and uncertain employment, lack of capital and skills, and difficulties of adjustment to changing conditions, shared alike by Indians (12% of total) and others, initiate and maintain squatting. The analysis includes size of household, dwelling types (tabulated), ethnic composition, employment characteristics, etc. 31.7% of the households consisted of single men, 128 individuals. Attempts to evict and resettle the squatters are described in a conclusion and the uncertain future of such subarctic urban centers as Whitehorse discussed.