Whitehorse, YT – The empty site beside the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre facing the Yukon River, could be home to the territory’s first purpose-built convention centre.
Called ‘Yukon Gathering Place’ the design and construction will be led by Chu Níikwän LP (CNLP), the Development Corporation for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
The event space is designed to accommodate 750 attendees for formal dinners and up to 1,000 in a theatre-style or concert performance setting. Other features include several breakout rooms which could accommodate performing arts or visual displays. Outside the building, there will be a pedestrian-centric shared street.
CNLP highlights the space’s design which “borrows its style, form and color from the river and land surrounding the site.”
An overhead design shows a different angle of the Yukon Gathering Place. Photo Courtesy of Chu Níikwän LP.
A schematic design and high-level cost estimate are expected by this Fall and pending authorization from key funders the venue will open its doors in 2027.
In collaboration with the Yukon Convention Bureau (YCB) and the Yukon Government, Yukon Gathering Place aims to meet the growing demand for spaces for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) in the territory. The YCB estimates that with the expansion the MICE market will generate roughly $20 million annually for the local economy after five years of successful operation.
Outside of economic benefits, sitting on the traditional lands of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation gives the convention centre a more cultural sense of importance according to Rick O’Brien, CEO of Chu Níikwän.
“This is important for our nation because it brings gatherings ‘back to the river,’ and we are happy to share our land with visitors.”
