New Recreation Facility

The City of Dawson and Yukon Government are co-managing the planning for a new recreation centre in Dawson City at lot 1059 (Base of Dome Road, across from Crocus Bluff Ballfield & C4 Subdivision). Our current recreation facility, the Art and Margaret Fry Rec Centre, has severe structural issues, which are threatening its stability and long-term future. The goal is to build a multi-sport facility that has feature and appeal to all ages of our community.

A Project Update and Frequently Asked Question section is available on the link below:




Updated as of: October 27, 2025
Construction for Dawson City’s new Recreation Centre commenced this fall under Wildstone Construction Ltd. (General Contractor). Initial site preparation and early civil works were initiated as planned. With winter conditions approaching, construction is now paused for the season.
What’s next: Work is expected to resume in June 2026, targeting civil works completion, concrete slab pour, and building erection over the 2026 summer season. Questions or input? Contact us at recreation@cityofdawson.ca or 867-993-7400 ext. 299.

  • Who in involved:
    • End User: City of Dawson.
    • Project Manager: Yukon Government, in collaboration with the City of Dawson.
    • Partners: Input and consultation from Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, the City of Dawson Recreation Board who is acting as our Advisory Group on this project, and local stakeholders.
    • Contracted Teams: Wildstone Construction Group – General contractor.
       
  • What are we working towards:
    • A state-of-the-art community recreation hub designed to enhance health, wellness, and connection for residents.
    • Key Features Include:
      • Curling rink.
      • Skating rink.
      • Fitness Centre
      • Indoor play space.
      • Large multi-purpose room.
      • Community programming room.
      • Canteen for food service.
      • Walking loop for fitness and leisure.

  • Our Project Values: Flexibility, Community Hub, Resiliency. The facility is designed to be adaptable, inclusive, and durable to meet both current and future community needs.

  • Where: This facility will be located at the corner of Dome Road and the North Klondike Highway.
     
  • Budget: Supported by a $65 million project budget. Yukon Government have targeted the utilization of funding from Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), which supports large-scale community infrastructure projects across Canada, prioritizing projects that improve environmental quality, public infrastructure, and community well-being. Through this model capital funds for this project will be provided by Government of Canada and Yukon Government. City of Dawson will be responsible for Operating Funds and the purchase/provision of equipment within this building.
     
  • Timeline / Current Stage:
    • Phase 1A (Conceptual Design): Completed September 2024.
      • The City of Dawson committed to a 5330m² building and a comprehensive funding model.
    • Phase 1B (Schematic and Design Development – SD/DD): In progress: Completed Spring 2025
      • Architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans substantially complete.
      • Class A estimates received; construction-ready documents finalized
      • Council approval granted June 17, 2025 to proceed to Phase 2 – Construction.
    • Phase 2 (Construction): 
      • Mobilization & site preparation: Fall 2025 (initiated) under Wildstone Construction Ltd.
      • Seasonal pause: Winter 2025–26 (as planned).
      • Work resuming June 2026: Focus on civil works completion, concrete slab pour, and building erection through the summer construction window.
    • The Art & Margaret Fry Recreation Centre will continue operating during construction.