The long-discussed Whitehorse convention centre is now real

Good morning,

Earlier this week we passed 1,000 subscribers here at the Lookout! A big thank you to all of you for signing up.

To celebrate, we’re launching something fun — if you refer one person to the newsletter, we’ll give you a birthday shout-out in this intro section. Referring is easy, just forward this email to a friend or use this referral link: {{subscriber_refer_url}}

I’ll also flag that everyone should watch out for the stretch of the Alaska Highway going south near Dairy Queen. There’s a massive puddle forming that you’ll want to avoid when driving by. It’ll likely be frozen this morning, but knowing this spring weather, it’ll be melted by the afternoon.

Let’s get to today’s stories!

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

Correction: In last week’s newsletter we incorrectly stated that the federal NDP had nominated a candidate. In fact, they just announced their candidate Katherine McCallum, yesterday.

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The Yukon Weather Report

YUKON NUMBERS

📲 $803,277: The amount Yukoners lost to fraudsters last year. That’s up from $12,456 in 2020. Yes, you read that right… And it’s more than double the last two years combined. [CBC]

🚰$11.1 million: The amount the territorial and federal governments are investing in two water projects in Mayo and in Hillcrest in Whitehorse. [Yukon government]

👮 3: The number of people arrested on Main Street in Whitehorse for trafficking drugs on Mar. 21. [RCMP]

WHITEHORSE

The long-discussed convention centre is now real

What happened: The downtown core next to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre will be looking a little different in the coming years. After many years of planning and promises, the federal government has committed $56 million to build a new convention centre, according to the Globe and Mail. 

• The facility will be called the “Yukon Gathering Place” and will be a 9,500-square-foot facility with room for 1,000 people. It will be owned by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation through their development company Chu Níikwän LP. The Yukon government also announced $18.75 million towards the facility. The total cost will be around $75 million.

Timeline: The current plan according to the Premier is for it to open in three years, so around 2028.

By the numbers: Convention centres have a big economic impact. For the Yukon, it could be around $20 million a year after a few years of ramping up, according to the Yukon Star. The territory also said it would double the economic impact of the former High Country Inn.

What they’re saying: The Chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Marcos Castillo was full of praise for the new development, telling the Lookout over email, “The new convention center will be a game-changer for our tourism sector, providing a world-class venue that positions the Yukon as a premier destination for events. This investment strengthens our local economy, attracts new visitors, and creates opportunities for businesses across the territory.”

Why it matters: In a place like Whitehorse, the limiting factor for larger events isn’t the type of event or the distance. Rather, it’s the facilities and hotel space to properly host bigger events that come with more people. With this expansion, there will be more opportunities to showcase Whitehorse and the territory to people across Canada and the world, and act as an economic multiplier for local businesses.

• Yes, but: It can take time for convention centres to reap the economic benefits they tout. The Vancouver Convention Centre expansion in 2009 was for the first few years well under its target for out-of-province visitors, according to the Vancouver Sun. But since then the centre has seen strong growth.

NEW JOBS

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Director, management board secretariat, Government of Yukon in Whitehorse

• Training coordinator, Yukon Energy in Whitehorse

• University librarian, Yukon University, in Whitehorse

• Front desk clerk, Peterson Holdings Ltd operating as Alcan Motor Inn in Haines Junction

• Post office assistant, Canada Post in Dawson City

• Labourer - ferry, Government of Yukon, Dawson City

HOME OF THE WEEK

I’m always on the lookout (pun intended) for unique homes to feature. And this one fits the bill.

Located in Crestview, this has real country-living vibes but is within the city. You’ve got great views, three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a huge yard for all you gardeners. It feels cozy and looks immaculate.

This gem in Crestview will set you back this much…

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Alaska wants everyone to calm down

Is a statement from a state government enough to ratchet down tensions between our two countries? Or at least here in the North?

What happened: On Monday the Alaskan House of Representatives voted 34-4 (four, really?) on a resolution that opposes “restrictive trade measures or tolls that would harm the unique relationship between Canada and Alaska or negatively affect our integrated economies” according to the Alaskan Beacon.

• The resolution also noted the close relationship between Alaska and Canada.

What’s going on: The move comes as tensions ratchet up on the West Coast. The BC government has approved legislation allowing the province to toll vehicle traffic coming from America to Alaska.

• Reading between the lines: You’ll notice the resolution mentioned tolls, a clear indication they’re concerned about BC’s potential action.

A few weeks ago one of Alaska’s Senator Dan Sullivan called the plan by BC to bring in levies on vehicles a “dangerous game” according to CBC, and wants to change the Passenger Vessel Service Act which would allow cruise ships to skip Canadian ports, which would be a big economic blow to BC and Vancouver. To be clear, the province has not yet brought in the tolls.

• The numbers are stark. Alaska exports more than $600 million in goods to Canada, with about 20,300 jobs that rely on ties between the two countries. 

Yes, but: To be clear, this statement approved by the House is not a done deal, as it still has to pass the Alaskan Senate

Sound off: A few people took to Reddit to share their opinion. Thought these two responses sum up what I’ve heard from Lookout readers.

“Don't travel to the US it is just NOT the right thing to do. Why would you spend money in a country that is actively trying to destroy and take over your home country? Please try not to be selfish and think about the greater good.”

“Because I have good friends in Skagway, the town votes majority Democrat, they’ve sent council members to the state legislature lobbying against the tariffs, and they continue to visit Whitehorse and spend money on basic necessities. They are pissed off with their federal and state governments but are too small to override the Republicans in Anchorage and Fairbanks. I’m not going to further punish my neighbours for something that is out of their control.”

THE AGENDA

🌲 There could be a new national park in the Teetł'it Gwinjik (Peel River) Watershed. The Gwich'in Tribal Council, Na-Cho Nyӓk Dun First Nation, Parks Canada and the Yukon government are working together on a feasibility study, which could eventially lead to co-managing the park. For both First Nations, it’s an important area for hunting and fishing. In 2022 the Yukon government stuck a deal for companies to give back 5,031 claims in the area. [CBC]

🗑️ If you take a lot of garbage to the Waste Management Facility in Whitehorse, you should be aware pricing is changing to weight on Apr. 1. The prices vary, but you can expect around $0.06/lb for household waste and recyclables, $0.03/lb for organics and wood, and for things like fridges and freezers there is a $50 surcharge and a weight fee. The minimum fee will be $6. You’ll enter the facility as you normally did, but exit back the way you came to have your vehicle measured. 

🗳️ As mentioned in the correction, the NDP have selected Katherine McCallum as their candidate. She’s served on the board of the Yukon Arts Centre and is the founder and executive director of the Whitehorse theatre company, Larrikin Entertainment. She joins Conservative candidate and former MP Ryan Leef, and Liberal MP Brendan Hanley.

🛣️ The Dempster Highway may soon become more reliable year-round, which hopefully means fewer washboards and tire-destroing potholes! It’s a bit complicated, but the highway is now under the Yukon Resource Gateway Project which is meant to upgrade and maintain roads to access mineral-rich areas. 

👮 The Yukon Premier, along with other Canadian Premiers, sent a letter to Prime Minster Mark Carney back on Mar. 18 and released this week, calling on bail reform, including fixing the bail system, enhancing data monitoring and calling on the federal government to lead on related issues like homelessness, addiction and housing. 

🎼 Congrats to the Dawson City Music Festival Association for opening up a recording studio in Dawson! [CBC]

👮 The RCMP is asking for help to find 32-year-old Reuben Huebschwerlen who was last seen on Mar. 21 at 1 pm. He was last seen wearing a Chicago Blackhawks or Bulls jersey. [RCMp}

💵 The Yukon government signed a deal with the federal government for $9.5 million over five years to provide universal access to contraceptive and diabetes medication in the territory. [Canadian Government]

📰 For those living in Haines Junction, the St. Elias Echo has a very comprehensive online PDF of everything you need for living in the community next month — events, updates and more (plus at the Lookout, we love featuring other community news publications!). 

Outside the Yukon

🛰️ Look, let’s be honest, StarLink has proven to be a real benefit for rural residents. But with the US threats against Canada, many are looking for alternatives. The Government of the Northwest Territories is investigating whether to switch to Eutelsat OneWeb, after spending $400,000 with Elon Musk’s company. But while some residents already have it, they noted that the reliability is far worse. [CBC]

Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, please note that my partner works for the Yukon government.

EVENTS

Whitehorse

Snowshoe Strolls with Thay K'i Anint'i | Upper Grey Mountain Parking Lot Trail | Mar. 29, 12:00 pm | Free

Multiple exhibits | Arts Underground | Shows end Mar. 29 | The final showcase of the March exhibits ends soon, featuring Synaptic Chemistry' by Jesse Devost and the Emerging Artists from the Teegatha’Oh Zheh Studio exhibition

Foxtail Market | 33 Olive Way | Mar. 29, 10 am-4 pm | Come see and support local artisans

2025 Paddling Film Festival World Tour | Yukon Beringo Interpretive Centre | Apr. 3, 6 pm | The best in paddling films | Tickets $20

Paddling Film Festival World Tour | Beringia Interpretive Centre | Apr. 3, 7:00 pm | The best paddling films! Tickets $20

Tom Cochrane Live | Takhini Arena | Apr. 5, 6:30 pm | Klondike Chev and Yukon Nissan present the one and only Tom Cochrane, with Bria Rose N the Thorns and Cows Go Moo, in support of Ride for Dad | Tickets $106

King of the Fools Party | Yukon Transportation Museum | Apr. 5, 7 pm | 19+ event to embrace your inner goofball, costume contest, presented by Yukon Circus Society | Tickets $40

Opening Reception: Martha Richie — Drawn Together | The Yukon Arts Centre | Apr. 5, 11 am-1 pm | Mixed art show from the 2024 Celebration of Swans

Yukon Fish & Game Association Wild Game Banquet & Fundraiser | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | Apr. 19, 5:30 pm | Live music with Justin Sutton & North of 49, along with local celebrity chef Chris Irving | Tickets $160

An Evening of Geopolitics with Chris Kilford | Yukonstruct | Apr. 23, 5 pm-7 pm | Hear from expert Dr. Chris Kilford as he discusses international relations and security challenges | Tickets $17Dawson City

Yukon Brewing Ball Hockey Tournament | Takhini Broomball Area | May 10, 9 am | 3×3 plus goalie games, coed tournament with many games! | $250 for team

Haines Junction

Community Day at Kathleen Lake | Kathleen Lake Day Use Area | Apr. 5, 1 pm-5 pm | Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and fun for the whole family

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Carcross

Yukon A Welcoming Place Celebration of Culture | Carcross Cultural Centre | Mar. 29, 9 am-5 pm | A cross-cultural exchange between newcomers to Canada and Yukon First Nations (and everyone in between!), transportation available | Register to attend

Compass 2025: TIA Yukon’s Tourism Spring Conference | Haa Shagóon Hídi | Apr. 24-25 | Workshops and events on sustainable tourism practices | Tickets $350+

Augusto! Children’s Festival | Aug. 8-10 | Learn more

Atlin

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Congrats to the Selkirk Bears who won the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament last weekend, beating the LJ’s Sabres 3-0!

• Cosmopolitan wrote about a trip to the Yukon. What do you think about their coverage? 

• Local residents Sophia and Constance placed 2nd and 3rd at the U20 Classic in the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals. 

• New adult swim lessons will begin Mar. 30 at the Canada Games Centre, with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced lessons available. Register here.

• Calling all artists — the deadline to submit applications for exhibitions at Arts Underground is March 31. 

• For those of you in Haines Junction, the Health Centre’s hours are changing to 8 am - 4:30 pm. 

• The Yukon River Quest is in need of volunteers. The event takes place June 25-28.

THE YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Wordle? Play it here.