Department of Tourism and Culture

About the Department

Historic Designation in Yukon


Carnegie Library, Dawson City, Yukon

What does Historic Site designation mean?

Designation means that the architectural, scientific, historical, social or cultural values of a site are protected and commemorated. Specifically, it means that any work done on the property must comply with the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada.It also means that sites are eligible for additional support (up to $20,000) through the Historic Properties Assistance Program and will be listed on the Yukon Register of Historic Places and the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Sites that are outside municipalities are eligible for the Heritage Property Tax Exemption.

What are the types of designation?

In Yukon, there are three types of designation based on the level and nature of significance: national, territorial and municipal. Whitehorse is the only municipality in Yukon so far to adopt a heritage bylaw, meaning that it is the only one that is able to designate municipal sites.

How do I nominate a site for territorial designation?

First, contact the Historic Sites Unit to discuss your nomination plans. You will then need to fill out a nomination form and demonstrate the site's importance by supplying a character statement and describing the site's physical and historical, scientific and/or cultural significance.

The Historic Sites Unit has prepared a set of guidelines to walk you through the process and can supply you with nomination form samples.

It might also be helpful to refer to the statements of significance of designated places listed in the Yukon Register of Historic Places.We strongly recommend that applicants contact us before submitting an application.

Contact Us

Historic Sites Registrar
Historic Sites Unit
Department of Tourism & Culture
Government of Yukon
Box 2703 L-2
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: 1-867-667-8258
Toll free (In Yukon): 1-800-661-0408, local 8258
Fax: 1-867-667-8023