Whitehorse’s Elijah Smith Elementary School has a brand-new look. Extensive work on an exterior renovation, which began in early 2023, is now complete. This work occurred as part of the Government of Yukon’s ongoing investment in Yukon schools as a key support for a strong, sustainable future for generations to come.
Upgrades focused on energy efficiency, with the installation of a new roof, vapour barrier and insulation, the replacement of 122 windows and updates to 90,000 square feet of exterior surface area.
Last year, Elijah Smith Elementary School celebrated the installation of a biomass heating system, which now serves as the school’s primary heat source. Extensive retrofits and investments in the school over the past several years support Our Clean Future targets, including the goal to reduce total Yukon-wide emissions by 45 per cent by 2030.
“Our government continues to invest in our schools and improve access to education with upgraded learning spaces. The retrofit of Elijah Smith Elementary School ensures the building is safe and sustainable for future generations of Yukoners.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
I am proud of the work our government does to make sure that Yukon students have safe, comfortable learning environments. This retrofit was necessary to preserve the integrity of the Elijah Smith Elementary School building, and to improve the efficiency and longevity of this vital educational space.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke
Elijah Smith Elementary School opened in 1992.
Kobayashi & Zedda Architects was the design team for the envelope upgrade, while Gen Mec ACL served as the contracting team.
This project has spanned two school years, with the removal of the exterior in the 2022–23 school year and the 2023–24 school year seeing the full replacement of the insulation, vapour barrier, cladding, windows and roof.
This project cost just under $7.3 million, funded by the federal government’s Small Community Fund.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Robyn Burns
Education
867-332-1364
robyn.burns@yukon.ca
Krysten Johnson
Highways and Public Works
867-332-4847
Krysten.Johnson@yukon.ca