The Government of Yukon has released the What We Heard report summarizing public and partner feedback on the potential location for a new École Whitehorse Elementary School.
As the territory's oldest operating school, the replacement of École Whitehorse Elementary School (ÉWES) is a priority for the Government of Yukon. Throughout spring 2026, the Department of Education conducted a public engagement process to help identify a preferred location for a new facility. Yukoners were invited to share their perspectives on three proposed site options: the current downtown site; a lot at Kopper King (Lot 435); and an unsurveyed lot near the Canada Games Centre.
The engagement focused on gathering feedback from the École Whitehorse Elementary School community, key partners and stakeholders to understand which of the three proposed sites was most preferred and the reasons behind those preferences.
Key findings show:
- there is an overwhelming preference among the ÉWES community (students, staff and the School Council) for the unsurveyed site near the Canada Games Centre, cited for its immediate access to nature and recreational facilities;
- the current downtown site was the most common choice among online survey respondents, receiving 42.8 per cent of the vote;
- the unsurveyed lot near the Canada Games Centre was the second most popular, receiving 35.3 per cent of the online vote; and
- the Kopper King site was identified as a promising and flexible option due to its size, though stakeholders shared concerns about its proximity to the Alaska Highway and neighbouring protected areas. It was the preferred site for 13.9 per cent of respondents to the online survey.
The Government of Yukon thanks the more than 2,200 parents, students, staff and community members who participated in the survey and information sessions. This feedback, alongside ongoing detailed technical and environmental assessments, analyses and cost evaluations will help inform the final site selection for the school. A decision on the location for the new school is expected to be announced later this year, following government-to-government discussions with Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council.
To read the What We Heard report, people can visit the public engagement page.
"We thank everyone who shared their vision for the future of École Whitehorse Elementary School. As a school that serves families from every corner of Whitehorse, it is essential that we choose a location that provides a safe, modern and enriching environment for students to thrive in French Immersion. This feedback ensures that student wellness and long-term community needs are at the heart of our decision-making process."
Minister of Education Scott Kent
Quick facts
- Four public information sessions were held in Whitehorse on March 24, 25, 26 and 30, giving families and community members an opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives directly with officials.
- The department held a dedicated day-long engagement session with ÉWES students on April 10 to capture the youth voice on their future school.
- Additionally, targeted in-person meetings were held throughout March and April with key partners, including: the ÉWES School Council; the Downtown, Takhini and Valleyview neighbourhood associations; Yukon University; and the City of Whitehorse.
- The online survey was open from February 26 to April 26, 2026. A total of 1,902 Yukon residents completed the survey.
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