Territorial Issues

Action

WHEREAS many Yukon communities lack reliable and affordable transportation options for travel between communities; and

WHEREAS residents without access to a private vehicle may face barriers when attempting to travel for employment, healthcare services, food security, education and training opportunities, cultural gatherings, ceremonies, and community events; and

WHEREAS reliable transportation connections between communities can support economic development, labour mobility, tourism, access to healthcare services, and social connection across the territory; and

WHEREAS transportation options between Yukon communities are currently limited and often rely on private vehicles, occasional shuttle services, flights, or informal travel arrangements; and

WHEREAS recent rural transportation initiatives, including federally supported transit projects connecting communities such as Watson Lake, Dawson City, and Whitehorse, demonstrate growing interest in improving mobility between Yukon communities but do not yet provide a coordinated territorial approach; and

WHEREAS the AYC identifies transportation as an important area for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving sustainable mobility across the territory.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities advocate for the Government of Yukon to develop a Yukon Intercommunity Transportation Strategy to examine opportunities for improving reliable transportation connections between the Yukon communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Yukon work collaboratively with municipalities, communities, First Nation governments, private transportation providers, and other partners to explore practical approaches to improving intercommunity transportation across the territory.

Action

WHEREAS the Yukon Building Standards Act (BSA) mandates the automatic adoption of amendments and replacements to the National Building Code (NBC), which can increase building costs and complexity without considering Yukon’s unique construction challenges; and

WHEREAS recent changes to the NBC, coupled with shortages of architects and construction professionals, have made building in Yukon more expensive and time-consuming; and

WHEREAS the Government of Yukon has the authority under the BSA to revise, replace, or deem certain provisions of the NBC inapplicable to Yukon, allowing for a more regionally appropriate approach.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urge the Government of Yukon to stop the automatic adoption of all future revisions to the National Building Code until a full review of the changes is conducted and consultations are held with municipal governments, First Nations, builders, and other stakeholders; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Yukon consider revising, replacing, or exempting certain provisions of the National Building Code as needed to better reflect Yukon’s unique construction conditions, bringing the adoption process in line with how other provinces implement the NBC, and improving consultation, communication, and education with stakeholders.

Action

WHEREAS community facilities, including schools, community centres, and recreation centres, are commonly used in municipal emergency plans as part of their critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS the cold snap in December 2025 saw many communities in the Yukon experience temperatures of minus 50 for extended periods, which, if combined with an electrical outage or extended inability to access fuel/propane for heating, could result in life-threatening conditions for communities; and

WHEREAS Municipalities, schools and community facilities need reliable energy generation and heating capacity during cold-weather emergencies.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urge the Yukon Government to support the facilities identified in individual communities’ emergency plans, to ensure that they have the required capacity to provide safe spaces for community members to go during extended, cold-weather emergencies.

Action

WHEREAS municipalities regularly enter into funding agreements and service delivery contracts with the Government of Yukon to support infrastructure, community programs, and essential municipal services; and

WHEREAS complex approval processes, administrative requirements, and reporting obligations can delay project implementation and create an administrative burden for both the municipal and the Government of Yukon staff; and

WHEREAS the Government of Yukon has identified reducing administrative burden and cutting red tape as a priority in ministerial mandate letters and related commitments; and

WHEREAS municipalities, particularly smaller communities, may have limited administrative capacity and are responsible for maintaining numerous funding agreements and associated reporting and compliance requirements; and

WHEREAS municipalities are subject to annual independent audits and prepare financial statements in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS), providing a strong framework for financial accountability and oversight; and

WHEREAS reducing administrative requirements would allow municipal and territorial staff to focus more time and resources on delivering services while maintaining appropriate accountability and transparency; and

WHEREAS other jurisdictions, including the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, in administering programs such as the Canada Community-Building Fund, utilize streamlined administrative processes and sample-based approaches to reviewing funding claims.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities encourage the Government of Yukon to review processes under the Financial Administration Act and related funding frameworks to simplify and standardize municipal funding agreements and service contracts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Yukon work collaboratively with municipalities to reduce unnecessary administrative requirements, expedite agreement approvals, and improve the efficiency of funding administration; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Yukon consider adopting sample-based approaches to reviewing funding claims and reporting requirements, consistent with practices used in other jurisdictions, in order to reduce administrative burden and staff time requirements while maintaining appropriate financial accountability.

Action

WHEREAS Yukon communities are experiencing significant housing shortages and extremely low vacancy rates, creating challenges for residents, employers, and community stability; and

WHEREAS the growth of short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO has introduced new pressures on housing markets in some Yukon communities; and

WHEREAS concerns have emerged regarding the conversion of existing long-term rental units into short-term tourist accommodations, reducing the availability of housing for residents and local workforces; and

WHEREAS short-term rentals can also provide benefits to communities by supporting tourism and allowing homeowners to generate additional income; and

WHEREAS municipalities across Yukon are beginning to explore different approaches to regulating short-term rentals, but currently have limited tools and inconsistent data regarding their impacts on housing supply; and

WHEREAS other jurisdictions in Canada have introduced regulatory frameworks to address the impacts of short-term rentals on housing supply while allowing certain forms of home-sharing to continue.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities advocate to the Government of Yukon to examine the impacts of short-term rentals on long-term housing supply across Yukon communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Yukon work collaboratively with interested communities to provide data and policy tools that support local decision-making.

Action

WHEREAS Yukon rural communities depend on Yukon Government to deliver infrastructure and land development projects essential to community wellbeing, housing, growth, and long-term sustainability; and

WHEREAS the delivery of these projects has at times involved challenges — including project delays, cost pressures, communication gaps, and limited incorporation of local expertise and community priorities — that point to opportunities for improved collaboration; and

WHEREAS project teams based outside rural communities may not fully appreciate local conditions, operational implications, and community sentiment, and stronger community participation—including structured checkpoints, plain-language reporting, and meaningful consultation—could improve project outcomes and increase local confidence in major public investments; and

WHEREAS alternative delivery models that provide communities with a greater oversight or management role during project implementation, supported by appropriate technical resources, could deliver improved outcomes and strengthen the working relationship between Yukon Government and rural communities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities calls on Yukon Government to work collaboratively with rural communities to review how the Infrastructure Development Branch and Land Development Branch work with rural communities to plan, design, consult on, and deliver infrastructure and land development projects, including establishing structured community checkpoints and plain-language reporting at key project stages; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this review be undertaken in collaboration with rural communities and consider how public consultation, local expertise, and community decision-making can be better incorporated throughout planning, design, and construction; and that Yukon Government explore alternative delivery models enabling communities to take a greater role in project oversight and management where appropriate, provided sufficient funding, technical support, and risk management resources are made available; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities encourage Yukon Government to identify practical improvements that will support more timely, cost-effective, and community-informed delivery of rural infrastructure and land development projects.

Action

WHEREAS a clear and consistent interpretation of building regulations is essential to ensuring public safety, regulatory certainty, and efficient development processes across Yukon municipalities; and

WHEREAS decisions of the Building Standards Board establish important precedents that guide the interpretation and application of building codes; and

WHEREAS the absence of publicly accessible decisions can lead to inconsistent interpretation, repeated appeals, administrative inefficiencies, and increased liability exposure for municipalities and applicants.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urge the Government of Yukon to publish Building Standards Board decisions in a timely and publicly accessible manner; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such published decisions include sufficient detail to provide clear precedent and guidance for municipalities, industry professionals, and the public, thereby improving transparency, consistency, efficiency, and accountability in the application of building regulations across the territory.

Action

WHEREAS property assessment forms the foundation of municipal taxation and must be fair, transparent, and reflective of current market conditions to maintain public confidence; and

WHEREAS rapid changes in property values and evolving development patterns can create inequities across neighbourhoods, and property classes; and

WHEREAS municipalities rely on accurate and balanced assessments to ensure stable revenue generation and equitable tax distribution across residential, commercial, and industrial properties; and

WHEREAS modernization of the Assessment and Taxation Act could improve clarity, transparency, and consistency in valuation methodology and appeal processes.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urge the Government of Yukon to undertake a comprehensive review of the Assessment and Taxation Act to ensure assessments are equitable, balanced across property classes and neighbourhoods, communities and reflective of current market realities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Yukon engage municipalities and communities in the review process to modernize assessment practices, improve transparency, and strengthen public confidence in Yukon’s property taxation framework.

Action

WHEREAS the Yukon Government’s Animal Protection and Control Act sets out standards for animal welfare in the Yukon; and

WHEREAS the Humane Society Yukon, through the operation of the Mae Bachur animal shelter in Whitehorse, and the Dawson Humane Society in Dawson City, provides an invaluable, affordable, and humane service for the Yukon; and

WHEREAS municipalities recognize the need for the service and respectfully request that the Yukon Government increase the financial commitment to these organizations.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urge the Yukon Government to increase the financial support provided to the Humane Society Yukon.

Action

WHEREAS Yukon communities face ongoing and increasing challenges with companion animals, specifically dogs and cats, including overpopulation, strays, and limited access to veterinary care; and

WHEREAS the Yukon Government’s Animal Health Unit provides important services, but these are intermittent and insufficient to support consistent, preventative animal care needed by Yukon communities; and

WHEREAS unmanaged animal populations contribute to public safety risks and increased costs for enforcement, emergency response, and community resources; and

WHEREAS preventative measures, including accessible spay and neuter services, are a cost-effective investment that reduces long-term expenditures and improves community safety; and

WHEREAS animals contribute to the social, cultural, and emotional wellbeing of Yukon communities, and residents value humane and responsible animal care; and

WHEREAS improved coordination and clearer roles and responsibilities across Yukon Government departments, along with stronger collaboration with municipalities and First Nations, would support more effective service delivery; and

WHEREAS there is currently limited data available to assess the effectiveness of animal control and veterinary services, identify gaps, and measure outcomes across Yukon communities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urges the Yukon Government to review and strengthen animal control and veterinary service delivery in Yukon communities in collaboration with Yukon municipalities, Yukon First Nations, Yukon non-governmental organizations and institutions, and the Yukon veterinary community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Yukon Government work with partners to establish regularly scheduled mobile veterinary clinics providing low-cost or no-cost spay and neuter services, vaccinations, and basic care to Yukon communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Yukon Government clarify roles and responsibilities across departments related to animal control and protection to better align services with community needs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Yukon Government provide the necessary resources for the Yukon Animal Protection and Control Act to be effectively implemented; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Yukon Government prioritize preventative, predictable service delivery models that reduce long-term costs and improve public safety outcomes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Yukon Government improve data collection, tracking and reporting on animal control and veterinary services, including consideration of a regular public reporting framework to measure outcomes and inform future policy decisions.

Action

WHEREAS the Government of Yukon has implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for paper, printing and packaging (PPP), shifting financial and operational responsibility for recycling from communities to producers; and

WHEREAS communities planned and budgeted based on the understanding that EPR for PPP would be implemented and would continue, providing financial certainty and stability, and EPR reduces pressure on municipal budgets by holding producers responsible for the lifecycle management of packaging materials; and

WHEREAS Yukon communities, including rural communities, are now receiving funding from Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) for PPP collection and handling services that were previously voluntary and uncompensated, and EPR has delivered tangible benefits to residents, including the elimination of the $12.50 monthly curbside fee for PPP collection for single-family homes in Whitehorse; and

WHEREAS the Yukon Party included a commitment to pause and reassess Extended Producer Responsibility programs in its election platform and has since formed government, raising concerns about potential changes to the program, and municipalities play a direct role in delivering waste management services and are significantly impacted by any changes to EPR programs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities supports the continuation of Extended Producer Responsibility for paper, printing and packaging (PPP) in Yukon; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urges the Government of Yukon to maintain the existing EPR framework for PPP, batteries, oil and other automotive waste and not pause, roll back, or eliminate the program, and to continue working collaboratively with communities to ensure ongoing benefits to local governments and residents.

Action

WHEREAS Faro experienced significant gaps in the delivery of primary health care services during 2025, due to a lack of nurses in the community; and

WHEREAS the lack of notice about the temporary closure, the deficiency of communication provided to the community about the interruption, and the complete absence of continuity of operations protocols are unacceptable; and

WHEREAS this issue has the potential to impact all AYC communities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) lobby the Yukon Government to ensure that all communities have primary health care service availability on a fully staffed and full-time basis to protect residents’ health and well-being; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the AYC lobby Yukon Government to implement continuity of operations protocols when primary medical professionals are absent in the communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Yukon Government consult with AYC on what should be addressed in the protocols

Action

WHEREAS municipalities are granted planning, zoning, and land use authority under the Municipal Act to support orderly growth, infrastructure planning, and public safety within municipal boundaries; and

WHEREAS mineral staking and exploration rights granted under the Quartz Mining Act can create jurisdictional conflicts with municipal land use planning and approved development; and

WHEREAS overlapping legislative authorities create uncertainty for residents, developers, industry, and municipal governments; and

WHEREAS resolving legislative conflicts would improve infrastructure protection, land use certainty, and coordinated economic development without diminishing municipal authority.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urge the Government of Yukon, through any review or amendments to the Quartz Mining Act and related legislation, to address conflicts between mineral rights and municipal planning authority; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Yukon work collaboratively with municipalities to ensure clear legislative alignment between the Municipal Act and Quartz Mining Act, supporting jurisdictional clarity, integrated land use planning, and balanced economic development.

Action

AYC work with YG to review and update the employment standards act.  YG makes enhancements to the Yukon Nominee Program, collaborate with municipalities to develop territorial-municipal partnerships for workforce recruitment and retention, and provide dedicated funding or direct training opportunities to support skill development of municipal employees.

Action

YG take a leadership role in emergency management by enhancing territorial coordination for evacuation planning, increasing Fire Marshal funding, negotiating municipal EMS cost recovery agreements. AND YG to provide stable and sufficient funding for wildfire prevention, disaster mitigation, and infrastructure resilience to support municipal emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Action

YG to increase funding to the Fire Marshals office to ensure that fire departments receive consistent and sufficient support and to commit to long term support for fire services by adhering to the recommendations in the 2021 Fire Service Review.

Action

YG to amend relevant legislation to enable the sharing of pertinent information between government departments as needed to provide access to all services which will allow for development of a comprehensive wellness or case management plan.

Action

YG to stop the automatic adoption of all future revisions to the NBC until a full review of the changes is conducted and consultations held with municipal governments, FNs, builders and other stakeholders. And that YG consider revising, replacing, or exempting certain provisions of the NBC as needed to better reflect Yukon’s unique construction conditions, bringing the adoption process in line with how other provinces implement the NBC.

Action

YG to increase funding for the CRAG for unincorporated communities and in its future budgets, at a minimum, keep the CRAG amount consistent with inflation.

Action

AYC call upon YG to ensure Yukon municipalities are enabled to implement automated traffic enforcements without restrictions in the forthcoming Motor Vehicles Act and Summary Convictions Act amendments and that YG action theses changes as soon as possible, preferably no later than the 2024 fall sitting of the Legislate Assembly.

Action

AYC ensures YG continues negotiations with AYC and Yukon municipalities on substantial enhancements to the Comprehensive Municipal Grant, including a factor addressing the service pressures of peripheral residents, and that these negotiations accommodate some immediate or short-term enhancements to the grant.

Action

AYC acknowledge the need for the review and potential adjustment of the Rent Geared to Income assitance framework to address the unique challenges faced by communities affected by housing shortages and high-income resident requiring rental solutions; AYC advocates for a collaborative approach involving the Yukon Housing Coproration, relevant stakeholders, and community representatives to assess the effectiveness of the current RGI assitance model and explore ptential modifications that ensure equitable access to affordable housing solutions for all residents, while also addressing the specific needs of communities experiencing housing shortages and demographic diversity; AYC encourages the Yukon Housing Corporation to consider implementing a tiered RGI assistance system or other appropriate mechanisms that consider varying income levels and local housing market conditions, with the aim of providing giar and sustainable housing assistance to residents across the Yukon; AYC commits to actively engage with the Yukon Housing Corporation, territorial gov, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and action towards addressing housing affordability challenges and promoting inclusive and resilient communities throughout the Yukon.

Action

AYC advocate for YG to conduct a study on the environmental, social, and fiscal impact of abandoned vehicles, including electric vehicles in the Yukon; AYC advocates for YG to create an action plan to address, manage and pay for end-of-life vehicles, including electric vehicles across the Yukon.

Action

AYC communities request that YG immediately lead the development of comprehensive evacuation plans in collaboration with the Yukon Communities, including First Nations Govs facing potential full-scale evacuations due to the threat of disasters, including the threat of wildfire; and AYC be included in the development of these comprehensive plans.

Action

AYC call on YG to undertake a comprehensive joint review of the Municipal Act with municipalities.

Action

YG better support municipalities with long-term mitigation projects to address the impacts of natural disasters and climate change on infrastructure.

Action

YG ensure meaningful and respectful consultation and advance notice on territorial decisions that may impact municipalities.

Action

AYC request that YG develop and implement a communication protocol for communicating with communities about lapses in EMS service.

Action

AYC requests that YG provide long-term sustainable funding to the Humane Society Yukon and AYC be included in the assessment and development of a financially sustainable model.

Action

YAC lobby YG to reviewcurrent property taxes in areas peripheral to Yukon municipalities, and increase those property taxes appropriately; and AYC lobby YG to provide an update of the 2018 resolution, review current property taxes in areas peripheral to Yukon municipalities, and increase those property taxes appropriately.

Action

AYC call upon YG to review the Municipal Act for the purpose of allowing permanent residents to vote in municipal elections; and AYC to call upon YG to review the Municipal Act for the purpose of allowing permanent residents to vote and run in municipal elections.