Residential development feasibility studies underway for Whitehorse North and South Growth Areas

This is a joint news release between Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, the Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse.

The Government of Yukon, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the City of Whitehorse are conducting feasibility work to evaluate the potential for residential development in the North and South Growth Areas. These areas, identified in the City of Whitehorse’s Official Community Plan include Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Settlement Lands and vacant Government of Yukon land.

This work follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in December 2023 between Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon. This MOU outlines collaboration between the parties to study the physical, cultural and economic feasibility of new residential neighbourhoods in Whitehorse.

The studies being conducted in these areas include, but are not limited to:

• A Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Land Use Study to capture tangible and non-tangible heritage values in both areas. This work would occur in partnership with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nations’ Citizens.
• A geophysical survey to identify shallow bedrock. Bedrock can have implications on how and where roads, services and homes are built.
• Wildlife camera and track surveys for the North Growth Area to understand how wildlife use the area, especially woodland caribou.
• A rare plant and fish habitat survey.
• Servicing and transportation assessments to see how areas could be connected and serviced with the rest of the city.

Both areas will be studied, but the South Growth Area is identified in the Official Community Plan as the priority for development. It is located south of the Copper Ridge neighbourhood towards McLean Lake.

These assessments benefit Yukoners by exploring options for lot development to support Whitehorse’s growth.