WHITEHORSE, Yukon – Yukon Energy has identified two final proposed sites for the Whitehorse Power Centres Project, a key initiative that is needed to meet winter demand for power, as well as support growth and the integration of more community renewables in the Yukon. The project will be assessed through the Yukon Environmental Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) for up to 150 MW, essentially doubling the size of the Yukon’s electricity system.
North: Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (TKC) Deep Creek
South: Copper Haul Road
Located on TKC Settlement Land, the Deep Creek site reflects years of collaboration between Yukon Energy and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council to identify a suitable location that balances reliable electricity with environmental, community and cultural considerations.
As the project advances, Yukon Energy will continue working with both the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation. This includes ongoing collaboration on project planning and development, as well as exploring opportunities for investment, procurement, contracting and broader economic participation across the Whitehorse Power Centres Project.
The final proposed site selections were informed by extensive technical studies and community engagement with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Yukon government, the City of Whitehorse, other stakeholders and the public Ta’an Kwäch’än Council also conducted its own engagement with Citizens before the final site selection.
Along with community feedback, project cost, technical feasibility, operational requirements and permitting considerations were key factors in selecting the final locations.
With the sites now confirmed, Yukon Energy will continue advancing project planning and engineering. This work includes refining site layouts and power centre design, as well as completing the environmental and technical studies required to support a regulatory review.
Yukon Energy will also be evaluating both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel as potential fuel options for the project. The decision to include both fuel types in the upcoming project proposal to the YESAB reflects additional information and feedback received during the YESAB Pre-Submission Engagement process, such as concerns regarding emissions, noise and fuel security.
Planning is also continuing for the transmission lines needed to connect both sites to the Yukon grid. Where practical, new powerlines will follow existing transmission corridors or road rights-of-way to reduce environmental and community impacts. Yukon Energy will continue engaging directly with property owners along the proposed routes as this work progresses. A map of the transmission line routes is available here.
Yukon Energy plans to submit the full Whitehorse Power Centres project proposal to YESAB this fall. The submission will include additional information on project design, environmental mitigation measures and the assessment of both fuel options.
At the same time, Yukon Energy will continue working through City of Whitehorse planning processes related to the Copper Haul Road site.
“Building the electricity system that Yukoners can rely on today and into the future takes strong partnerships. It requires utilities, First Nations and other governments, and businesses working together toward a common goal. We look forward to continuing our work with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Government of Yukon as we advance the Whitehorse Power Centres Project and create meaningful opportunities that support a reliable and resilient energy future for all Yukoners."
Yukon Energy President and CEO Joe MacGillivray
"Ta’an Kwäch’än Council has carefully reviewed the proposed Deep Creek site through community engagement, our Elders Council and our General Assembly. Having reached community approval allows this site to be considered as a potential location. We are pleased to move forward with Yukon Energy into the next stages of environmental, technical and regulatory assessment.
As landowners in an urban community experiencing unprecedented growth, we recognize the importance of expanding reliable energy infrastructure to support our region’s future. At the same time, development must respect our lands, culture, and community priorities. We look forward to the discussions and negotiations ahead and to working with Yukon Energy to identify opportunities that create meaningful and lasting benefits for our Citizens and community.”
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Chief Ruth Massie
Yukon Energy
Keely Bass, Project Communications Lead
867-332-1854
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
Janet Smellie, Communications Officer
(867) 668-3613 ext. 204
Cell: (867) 334-5298
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