Work on the first new Whitehorse elementary school in more than two decades has started. Whitehorse-based Ketza Construction Corporation has started brush-clearing activities on the new Whistle Bend school site. Substantial site excavation and building construction will start in the spring.
The school will accommodate up to 425 students from kindergarten to Grade 7 and construction is expected to be completed during the 2023–24 school year.
On October 15, a land blessing on the site was held with Minister Jeanie McLean and Minister Nils Clarke, Ketza Construction and local First Nations members. The land blessing put forth good intentions for the construction of the school and future students and teachers.
It is exciting to see work beginning on the Whistle Bend elementary school site. Whistle Bend is a rapidly growing neighbourhood and we know this school is needed. I look forward to seeing students in the near future enjoy a high-quality learning environment closer to home.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke
As Whistle Bend continues to grow and develop as a community, I am happy to see the construction on the Whistle Bend elementary school begin, knowing that this land blessing has happened with our First Nation partners. This new school will soon be able to provide families and children in this neighbourhood with a modern learning environment just a short walk away from their homes. This is much more than a new building, this is a ground breaking investment in our children’s futures for the years to come.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
École Émilie-Tremblay was the last elementary school built in Whitehorse; it opened in 1996.
The new elementary school will welcome children from Whistle Bend and other nearby neighbourhoods.
Ketza Construction Corporation was awarded the $42.8 million design-build contract in August 2021.
Jacob Wilson
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
jacob.wilson@yukon.ca
Brittany Cross
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-4601
brittany.cross@yukon.ca
Erin Scott
Communications, Education
867-332-7871
erin.scott@yukon.ca