The Government of Yukon has officially welcomed the community to Whistle Bend Elementary School, Whitehorse’s first new elementary school to be built in over 20 years.
Whistle Bend Elementary School will enhance education for Whitehorse’s growing Whistle Bend and Takhini North neighbourhoods, providing students in the area the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality learning environment closer to home.
Events at the community open house began with a traditional smudging ceremony led by Elder Betsy Jackson of the Ta’an Kwächän Council, followed by remarks from Premier Pillai, Minister McLean and Minister Clarke. Community members were invited to enjoy a barbecue and participate in tours for parents, students and neighbours to explore the new school’s modern amenities.
Designed collaboratively with the community, Whistle Bend Elementary School offers a modern and collaborative learning environment with culturally enriched spaces, specialized education facilities, administrative hubs and large classrooms. The building is designed to be energy-efficient, with a rooftop solar array to provide a renewable power source for the school. It also provides convenient transportation and parking solutions along with outdoor learning spaces.
The school’s sports field and playgrounds will be completed over the summer.
Opening this coming school year, Whistle Bend Elementary School educators, support and administrative staff eagerly await the opportunity to nurture, inspire and unlock the potential of up to 425 students in these new, modern learning facilities.
Today marks a significant milestone for the Yukon as we unveil Whistle Bend Elementary School. This state-of-the-art facility embodies the Yukon government’s commitment to providing a high-quality education for our youngest Yukoners. With modern amenities, culturally enriched spaces and innovative learning environments, we are excited to see this school become a cornerstone of learning and inspiration for students. The completion of this project represents not just our investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of Yukoners.
Today the air was filled with excitement as we welcomed the community and our future students and their families to their new school. It is an honour to showcase the Whistle Bend Elementary School, which will offer our students a world-class education right in their neighborhood. I look forward to the school team shaping this space into a vibrant hub of learning, fostering a strong community for years to come.
This building is a testament to community collaboration, and I am honoured to be part of its unveiling. A cutting-edge, 21st-century learning environment, this energy-efficient school features natural light, renewable energy sources and effective acoustic treatments to ensure noise reduction. As the first new elementary school to be built in Whitehorse in decades, it will offer students in Whistle Bend and the surrounding areas a high-quality learning environment close to home. This school represents a significant investment in our children's future and I am excited to see the doors open this fall.
Ketza Construction is incredibly proud to deliver the first new elementary school to be built in Whitehorse in more than 20 years. A sincere thank you to our project team and trade partners for their endless efforts in accomplishing substantial completion for this modern learning facility. The Whistle Bend Elementary School is another great example of what local Yukon trades and talent can do when given the opportunity.
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Whistle Bend Elementary School is located at 33 Olive May Way in Whitehorse.
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The school council plans to work with the student body, families and staff to choose a new name for Whistle Bend Elementary School that reflects the values of the school community.
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The school can accommodate up to 425 students from kindergarten to Grade 7 from Whistle Bend and other nearby neighbourhoods. Approximately 200 students are registered to date.
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New residents of Whistle Bend can register their children by contacting the Department of Education by email at publicschools@yukon.ca or by phone at 867-471-0899.
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École Émilie-Tremblay was the last elementary school built in Whitehorse; it opened in 1996.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Julie Ménard
Communications, Education
867-336-0453
Julie.menard@yukon.ca
Brittany Cross
Communications, Highway and Public Works
867-336-4601
Brittany.cross@yukon.ca