Building Permit Update

Whitehorse continues to experience strong construction activity this year. 

The City has issued more than 1,300 building permits so far this construction season, marking an increase over previous years. 

The number of building permits issued between January and October was: 

• 1,348 building in 2026; 

• 1,155 permits in 2025; and 

• 1,145 in 2024. 

Even with increased permit numbers, Building Services continues to meet the service level targets for building permits established by City Council in 2025: 

• Part 9 Building Permit applications should be deemed complete / incomplete within 5 City-controlled processing days.
  2026: More than 93% completed within 5 days 

• Part 3 Building Permit applications should be deemed complete / incomplete within 10 City-controlled processing days.
  2026: Nearly 80% completed within 10 days  

• Once deemed complete, Part 9 Building Permit applications should receive a subsequent Building Permit issuance decision (Approved/Refused) within 15 City-controlled processing days.
  2026: 98% issued within 15 days 

• Once deemed complete, Part 3 Building Permit applications should receive a subsequent Building Permit issuance decision (Approved/Refused) within 25 City-controlled processing days.
  2026: 100% issued within 25 days

The City continues to work with industry and stakeholders to provide efficient, responsive and transparent service to the building community and support development. 

In collaboration with the Government of Yukon, the City recently engaged with the building industry about the 2025 National Building Code, which is scheduled to be adopted in the Yukon on June 22, 2027. Thank you to all those who participated in the engagement. 

We look forward to hearing from the building industry at the next Whitehorse Builder’s Forum taking place this winter. Stay tuned for details. 

Building Services can be reached at 867-668-8340 or [email protected]. To speak to staff in-person, visit the Whitehorse Operations Building, 187A Range Road.