Chris Oke

Whitehorse landfill back in business

Whoever started the fire at the Whitehorse landfill last Tuesday may have made off with a little dough. Once the smoke cleared, the gatehouse safe was uncovered from beneath the charred rubble.

‘Terrible odds’ for Yukon workers in 2011

Preliminary results of the investigation into the death of Denis Chabot at a Whitehorse tire shop in November were released by the Yukon Workers' Compensation, Health and Safety Board this week.

Yukon social housing goes smoke free

As of Jan. 1, all social housing in the Yukon is now smoke-free. "We've adopted this policy because, from our standpoint as the landlord, it makes sense," said Yukon Housing Corporation spokesperson Nathalie Ouellet.

Power problems for Keno City

The small community of Keno City in central Yukon has had a rough start to the new year, at least where electricity is concerned. The problems began on New Year’s Day and continue to plague residents.

‘Suspicious’ landfill fire under investigation

An early Tuesday morning fire at the Whitehorse landfill destroyed the gatehouse, forcing the city to temporarily close the facility to the public. The fire was discovered at 6:50 a.m.

Arctic Air prepares for TV takeoff

If you're looking for excitement, you might want to look up. Way up. Bush pilots lead some of the most adventurous, not to mention treacherous, lives in the North.

Paved paradise, squatting a parking lot

Squatting is a proud Yukon tradition. It used to involve finding an unoccupied patch of wilderness, clearing the land, and building a sturdy log cabin.

A roof to call their own

At least two homeless people, featured in a special News housing supplement earlier this year, are happy to report they'll be celebrating Christmas under their own roof.

Dawson sewage dispute could lead to higher costs: Han

The new Dawson sewage treatment plant may go over budget because of contractual disputes, according to a disgruntled subcontractor. On Dec. 6, the general contractor for the project, Vancouver-based Corix, terminated its subcontract with Dawson City's Han Construction Ltd.

Smooth sailing for Yukon tech start up

In the booming field of software development, you can be working from your garage one day and lounging on your yacht the next. Two Yukon techies have spotted success off the starboard bow.

Dawson company loses sewage plant contract

The company that's building Dawson City's new sewage treatment plant, Corix, has terminated its contract with Han Construction.

Environment Canada on gag order

Ever wonder what Environment Canada scientists do? The News did too.

Kiara’s quest for firefighting

No woman has ever worked as a full-time firefighter for the Whitehorse fire department. Twenty-four-year-old Kiara Adams plans to change that. Currently working as a volunteer firefighter with the department...

Yukon tweaks foreign worker program

It just got easier to hire foreign workers in the Yukon. Changes to the Yukon Nominee Program were discussed over a hot breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage at the High Country Inn on Wednesday morning.

Yukon francophone case draws national attention

The ongoing battle over territorial funding for francophone education in the Yukon could set a national precedent.

Proposed batch plant under review

The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board is now seeking public comment on a controversial concrete batch plant in the McLean Lake Road of Whitehorse. Territorial Contracting Ltd.

Shake your hips for Haiti

By all indications, Haitians have no reason to sing and dance. Already one of the most impoverished nations on the planet, the tiny Caribbean country was devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010.

Dawson plan reaches first milestone

The Dawson Regional Planning Commission released its first report on Tuesday. The Interests and Issues Report is a preliminary record of the feedback it has received from governments and stakeholders so far.

The long arm of the climate change clampdown

Environment Canada has clamped down on its scientists because of climate change talks in Durban, South Africa. Two Environment Canada scientists were scheduled to meet with the Yukon News on Wednesday to discuss studies they've conducted on contaminants in the North.

Playing With Blocks doc rocks

It's your usual rock star storyline: a group of small town guys, doing what they love, who end up making it big. But with a northern twist.