The opening of a new building at the Robert Service Campground in Whitehorse is now set for May 2025, according to city officials.
For decades, the campground operated under private management on city-leased land before the City of Whitehorse assumed operation in 2018. However, the campground faced closures for overnight stays due to the pandemic and the ongoing construction of new facilities.
According to its website, Robert Service Campground, situated along the Yukon River off Robert Service Way, features 60 walk-in tent sites, eight vehicle-accessible sites, and two group sites equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Amenities include coin-operated hot showers, clean bathrooms, potable water, fire pits with firewood for purchase, lockers, and a small concession.
Vehicle-accessible sites can accommodate truck campers or vans up to 6 meters, while group sites, measuring 20 x 35 feet, can host large groups of up to 25 people.
Peter O’Blenes, the city’s manager of property management, explained that the ongoing construction has had minimal impact on current camping activities, with only a few site closures this year.
O’Blenes highlighted that market issues have affected “every project” the city undertakes. The procurement of materials and equipment now faces extended wait times, often ranging from one to one and a half years.
“Long wait times have slowed us down significantly, not just on this project, but on a lot of our projects,” O’Blenes said, as reported by Yukon News on August 5.
The project has undergone several adjustments since its inception. Initially, plans for the new CA$2.9-million building were scaled back. However, when additional funding became available, the city decided to incorporate a kitchen into the design. O’Blenes explained, “We had the money and decided to put the kitchen in, and so that’s what’s been going on this year.”
The new building is designed to upgrade the campground’s facilities. It will house the main office space for the parks department, include modern washrooms, and feature a grand hall available for event rentals such as weddings.
For more information about Robert Service Campground, visit whitehorse.ca
