City makes progress on Building Permit backlog

The City’s Land and Building Services (LBS) department is reporting an increase in the number of building permits issued. The number of permits issued as of today is 172, up from 142 at this time last week. The 30 permits issued this week represents a six-fold increase compared to the rate we were issuing permits in early July.

We’re seeing the results from recent changes and additional resources provided to the LBS department.

Thank you to our expanded LBS team, Building Officials, external consultants and staff from other departments for adjusting to the increased workload, working weekends and ensuring submissions meet the National Building Code.

The building community and local businesses have been critical of the City for our response to address the issue. Additional resources and support to the LBS department could have been provided quicker in response to the significant increase in submissions this year over last. We’ll work with our partners to better communicate the requirements of the National Building Code.

Thank you to builders for modifying applications to meet the National Building Code, and for your patience as we get back on track for what might be the busiest building season on record.

We’re committed to being transparent about our progress in addressing this issue. Visit our Engage Whitehorse page to say informed. engagewhitehorse.ca/building-permits

Quick Stats
Permits issued July 29 to August 2: 30
Permits issued in 2024, to date: 172

Applications received in 2024, to date: 364
Permits issued in 2023: 401

Contact:
Guiniveve Lalena
A/Manager, Strategic Communications
City of Whitehorse
[email protected]
867-334-2400