The Government of Yukon and the Safe at Home Society continue to make progress in transforming the former High Country Inn into The Hearth, a 67-unit permanent supportive housing project.

Demolition on The Hearth project is near completion and structural and exterior envelope upgrades are underway. This will allow interior construction to proceed through the winter months. The project remains on schedule, with a goal to open in late winter 2026.

Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker and acting Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon strives to conserve our territory’s rich history by protecting heritage buildings and sites. It ensures that future generations can access places where history happened, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past and building stronger communities.

On August 16, 2024, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee provided an update on the Government of Yukon’s recent legal action concerning Victoria Gold Corporation. Additional technical briefing materials were provided by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Department of Environment.

Whitehorse school bus routes for the 2024–25 school year can be found online. People registering on time has made it easier to plan effective bus routes.

The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report following engagement on the proposed modernized regulation for resource roads. This report highlights feedback on resource roads regulation from Yukon First Nations, Indigenous transboundary groups, industry, the public and other stakeholders. This feedback will inform the new regulations being developed to ensure resource roads are managed in a sustainable manner reflective of Yukoners’ values.

Yukoners who participated in the public engagement opportunity told the Government of Yukon the following.

Four Yukon youths have received the Outstanding Youth Achievement Award for their contributions throughout the territory.

The 2024 recipients are Evan Howells of Whitehorse, Khushi Brar of Whitehorse, Maze Clemente of Dawson and Whitehorse, and Rachel Anderson of Watson Lake.

This award recognizes these youth for their positive impact on the Yukon. Each recipient has contributed in their own unique way, including outstanding performances in the arts, athletics, academics and community involvement.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Each year, on the third Monday of August, we commemorate the discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek through Discovery Days. It is the moment that kicked off the Klondike Gold Rush and changed the region forever.

“We honour the historical significance and adventurous spirit of the thousands of would-be prospectors who sought out the riches of the land.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon has lost confidence in the management team of Victoria Gold Corporation to take the human health and safety and environmental consequences of the June 24, 2024, heap leach facility failure seriously or to respond with the urgency the situation demands.

This news release has been edited to correct the date of the technical briefing. 

On Friday, August 9, the Department of Environment’s Senior Groundwater Scientist Brendan Mulligan, Senior Fisheries Biologist Cameron Sinclair and Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Mary VanderKop provided an update on water and fish monitoring offsite of Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine and mammal monitoring efforts. In addition, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade provided an update on human health recommendations for recreating in the area.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is an important occasion to recognize and celebrate the distinct cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the Yukon, throughout Canada and around the world. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination.