The story of Dawson City, with its early beginnings in the heart of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in territory, its stampeding development as the home of the Klondike gold rush, and its current operation as a living historical community has fascinated residents and visitors for ages. In addition to our unique multifaceted heritage, Dawson is a growing centre for the arts. Preserving and showcasing our heritage, as well as celebrating our transforming culture, is a crucial element for Dawson's long-term sustainability.
Under the Yukon Historic Resources Act, Municipalities can designate Municipal Historic Sites in order to protect the heritage character of these sites. Whole buildings or structures, portions of buildings or structures, land parcels, or other sites may be designated. Council, and any person or group of persons may designate any site as a Municipal Historic Site when it is determined that the site is an important illustration of the historic development of the Klondike Valley, or the natural history or peoples and cultures of the Klondike Valley Cultural Landscape, as shown in the Heritage Management Plan.
Our Heritage Bylaw provides for the designation and protection of municipal historic resources.
For more information on Dawson's heritage, historic streetscapes, and land use maps, see the Dawson City Conservation Study documents; Report Vol 1, Maps Vol 2, Streetscapes Vol 3, and History Vol 4, linked below.
For more information, browse the menu headings and documents in this section or contact us at
Planning and Development Assistant
Email: planningassist@cityofdawson.ca
Phone: 867-993-7400 Ext. 438