The Chu Níikwän Development Corp. (CNLP) has emerged as the highest-ranked proponent with a concept for a new convention centre in Whitehorse.

It would be constructed beside the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre along the waterfront.

Differentiating factors in favour of CNLP included venue size, overall event capacity, cost, location, Yukon First Nation involvement and long-term operational viability, the territorial government and the Yukon Convention Bureau said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

The government is working in partnership with the bureau to build a new centre. A request for proposals was issued over the summer.

“The Government of Yukon is supporting a strong, resilient tourism sector through strategic investments expanding visitor infrastructure,” the statement said.

Discussions will begin with CNLP to further develop its design, establish detailed owner requirements and specifications and explore a 25-year lease.

A formal announcement with design specifics and further details will be made when negotiations are complete.

The request for proposals called for the design, construction and operation of a full-service convention centre in Whitehorse that can accommodate up to 1,000 attendees for a variety of uses, including conferences, performances, banquets and festivals.

The city’s last convention centre was the former Lions swimming pool at the south end of Fourth Avenue.

“When the Yukon Convention Centre closed, we all became very aware of how important these facilities are for Yukoners and visitors alike,” said Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker.

“After a thorough evaluation by the experts on the technical evaluation committee, we are excited to move one step closer to a much-needed new convention centre.

“Our government is proud to partner with the Yukon Convention Bureau on this landmark project, which will strengthen the territory’s hospitality and tourism sector while creating more space for community festivals and events,” Streicker added.

Eddie Rideout, the convention bureau’s vice-president, said the organization is “excited at the prospect of a new convention centre which will lead to a range of benefits.

“In addition to being a visitor destination, it will be a gathering place for Yukoners to hold local events and festivals, which are currently constrained by a lack of sufficient venues.”

Rideout said the bureau “is pleased to partner with the Government of Yukon to realize this goal in achieving a first-class, iconic and culturally inclusive facility in northern Canada.

“A new convention centre will elevate Yukon as a destination for conventions and tourism industry development and provides economic benefits, employment and business opportunities throughout the Yukon,” Rideout added.

A new centre, the government and bureau said in their statement, “will lead to a range of benefits.

“In addition to being a place for visitors to convene in the Yukon, it will be a gathering place for Yukoners to hold local events and festivals.

“Experience in other jurisdictions has shown that convention centres generate a range of benefits for the tourism industry and the community at large, generating an important economic spin-off of $500 to $1,000 or more, per attendee.”

The development of such a facility aligns with the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy’s goal of doubling the territory’s tourism business revenues to $525 million by 2028.

The bureau, with the government’s support, will now enter into negotiations toward a funding agreement, a design-build construction contract, and a maintenance and operating contract with the successful proponent.

“Funding to build the convention centre, and the mechanisms for how it will operate, continue to be discussed and finalized with partners,” the statement said.