Overview of Economic Development

The City of Whitehorse is committed to playing an active role in creating a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous community. In May 2015, City Council adopted the Community Economic Development Strategy to guide economic development activities within Whitehorse. The City is developing a new Economic Development Strategy for 2024-2029 to help navigate the new challenges and emerging opportunities in our local economy. The strategy is implemented by the City’s Department of Economic Development.

More Services
Business Licenses
Business Licenses
A business license is required of anyone conducting any kind of endeavor for profit or gain. is required to obtain a business licence.
Mobile Food Vendors
Mobile Food Vendors
Mobile food vending is a great way for people to try out a business idea without making the capital investment of opening a storefront.
PRIVATE RETAIL CANNABIS
PRIVATE RETAIL CANNABIS
On April 8th, 2019 the City passed amendments to its Zoning and Business License Bylaws that allow for ‘retail services, restricted’ operations (cannabis shops).
Sidewalk Café and Pop-Up Patio Program
Sidewalk Café and Pop-Up Patio Program
This program applies to the use of City-owned road right-of-ways by adjacent eating and drinking establishment for the purpose of serving food and drinks to patrons.
Short-Term Rentals
Short-Term Rentals
With the rise of Short-Term Rentals in Whitehorse, concerns about potential impacts to long-term housing access grow. The City is reviewing opportunities and challenges presented by Short-Term Rentals in our community.
Pop-up Vendors
Pop-up Vendors
Businesses can operate in temporary retail spaces like booths at markets or festivals to sell their products.
Filming In Whitehorse
Filming In Whitehorse
There are many attractive sites for filming in Whitehorse. Let us know if you are planning to film or take commercial photography in the city.
Managing Commercial Waste
Managing Commercial Waste
Businesses are required to have their waste resources separated for recycling and composting. They must dispose of waste adequately using commercial services or self-hauling.
Business Support & Guides
Business Support & Guides
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur who would like to speak with us? Have an economic development-related idea, project or issue?
Documents and resources
Review the resources
Official Community Plan
Community Economic Development Strategy
Downtown Retail and Entertainment Strategy
Downtown Plan
Marwell Plan
Whitehorse Sustainability Plan
Resource Development Preparedness Strategy
The Right Climate for Business
General statistics
Yukon Fact Sheet
Economic Statistics
Mining information
Yukon Geological Survey
Yukon tourism statistics