Whitehorse Proposes Major Overhaul of Zoning Bylaw for Growth

The city of Whitehorse is taking significant steps to modernize its land use regulations for the first time in over a decade. On October 6, 2023, the city council presented a proposed rewrite of the zoning bylaw that governs land use throughout the city. This update is based on public feedback received after the initial draft was released in May.

One of the most notable changes in the proposed bylaw is the regulation of short-term rentals. Under the new rules, residential property owners must reside in the same property they list as a short-term rental. In commercial districts, however, this requirement is not applicable, allowing operators to manage rentals without living on-site. The previous zoning bylaw, which was established in 2012, did not address short-term rentals at all.

Changes in Parking and Building Height Regulations

The proposed zoning bylaw also includes revisions to parking requirements for new developments. Currently, developers in downtown must provide one parking space for every two residential units. The new proposal would eliminate this requirement in downtown areas while maintaining a maximum parking limit of 1.2 spaces per unit for residential units located within commercial zones. Elsewhere in the city, developers will still need to provide one off-street parking space for each residential unit.

The new regulations also aim to increase the maximum allowable building heights in certain areas of downtown from 20 metres to 25 metres. However, residential areas west of Sixth Avenue and sections along the waterfront will retain their lower height limits. These changes are part of a broader strategy to encourage urban development and respond to the growing demand for housing in Whitehorse.

Promoting Reconciliation and Community Input

In an effort to foster reconciliation, the proposed bylaw introduces a new zoning category that grants more autonomy to the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. It seeks to recognize First Nations governance in conjunction with other levels of government, aligning city planning decisions with the Final and Self-Government Agreements.

The city will conduct a review of the new bylaw within six to twelve months of its adoption, should it pass, to address any potential omissions or unintended consequences. The proposal, encompassing 191 pages, has raised concerns among council members regarding public awareness, especially given the ongoing postal worker strike affecting communication.

Councillor Dan Boyd expressed apprehensions about ensuring residents are informed about the changes. “Usually, we get complaints well afterwards: what’s going on? How come my neighbour built too high?” he remarked, emphasizing the challenge of drawing public attention to the proposed changes.

For those interested in reviewing the proposed zoning bylaw, it is currently available online. Additionally, printed copies can be found at various locations including City Hall, the Building Services office, the Canada Games Centre, and the Bylaw Services office.

A public hearing is scheduled for November 24, 2025, allowing residents to voice their opinions. The final vote on adopting the revised zoning bylaw will take place on January 12, 2026. As Whitehorse moves forward with these changes, the city aims to balance growth, community needs, and reconciliation efforts.