Whitehorse bylaw proposal sparks concern over mineral exploration

A proposed amendment to the Whitehorse Official Community Plan, known as Bylaw 2026-25, has drawn criticism for potentially allowing mineral exploration in areas designated as Future Planning.

The bylaw would also permit mining exploration in three specific areas within the Mary Lake subdivision that are currently classified as Green Space and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA). Critics argue that the amendment sets a precedent by allowing corporate interests, specifically Gladiator Minerals, to influence land-use designations.

This proposal comes amid ongoing development of a Mineral Exploration and Development Framework for Whitehorse. Previous resident surveys indicated that 62% of respondents favored increased restrictions on mineral exploration rather than deregulation.