March 22, 2025 – Whitehorse, Yukon – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.

Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, who oversees the Regional Development Agencies, including CanNor, announced a funding commitment of $56.25 million for the construction of the Yukon Gathering Place, a new convention centre in Whitehorse. Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai also announced a contribution to the project.

The Centre will be built adjacent to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on the Whitehorse waterfront in the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. It will be owned by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and operated by Chu Níikwän Limited Partnership and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.

This investment will help drive economic growth and job creation by strengthening Yukon’s tourism industry and attracting meetings, conferences and events to the territory. It also increases opportunities for northern Indigenous communities and businesses to participate in the economy.