New biathlon facility opens in Yukon after $3.8M government investment
Published 9:11 am Tuesday, February 17, 2026
A new biathlon facility in Whitehorse officially opened on Feb. 16 following a joint federal‑territorial investment of more than $3.8 million, completing a project first announced last February and delivered under a tight timeline ahead of the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
The building, located at the Grey Mountain biathlon range, replaces Biathlon Yukon’s cabins and will serve as the sporting organization’s main hub for training, coaching, and athlete development, according to a territorial news release.
The project was managed by the Yukon government’s Infrastructure Development branch, with federal funding provided through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. A February 2025 announcement by the federal government placed the initial investment at $2.9 million, but the final total rose above $3.8 million as design and construction advanced.
At Monday’s opening, Yukon MP Brendan Hanley framed the facility as part of a broader federal emphasis on recreational infrastructure, though he acknowledged that funding decisions ultimately depend on departmental criteria.
“Like many federal programs, they’re application‑based,” he said, adding that organizations must demonstrate community impact and strong partnerships.
Hanley said the new building positions Biathlon Yukon to host larger competitions and strengthens the territory’s sport infrastructure. He also linked the facility to the development of high‑performance athletes, pointing to Yukon Olympian Nadia Moser, who trained on the same trails.
Yukon Communities Minister Cory Bellmore said the upgrades reflect growing interest in biathlon and the need for more accessible indoor space at the range. She described the facility as a step toward making the Yukon a more competitive host for major sporting events.
“Sport has the unique power to foster community and inspire excellence,” she said.
Bellmore also noted that other recreation projects remain in the pipeline, including upgrades to the Dawson Recreation Centre, though she did not provide timelines or cost estimates.
Biathlon Yukon president Bill Curtis called the opening a significant milestone for the organization, but he also acknowledged the challenges involved in completing the project before the Games.
“There were challenges along the way, as there always are with projects of this scale,” Curtis said.
He credited the Yukon government’s infrastructure branch and Ketza Construction for keeping the project on track, saying the contractor delivered the building nearly two weeks ahead of schedule despite stretches of –40 C weather last year.
Curtis said the facility improves safety and functionality for athletes, coaches and officials, and will allow the organization to train better, host better, and dream bigger. He also emphasized the role of volunteers and past board members in sustaining the sport over decades.
“The new building belongs to you as much as it does today’s athletes,” Curtis said.
The upgrades include expanded indoor space, improved accessibility features, upgraded water and heating systems, and new parking and driving routes. The Yukon government described the building as a healthier and more functional space with a renewed lifespan, though the government did not provide details on long‑term maintenance costs or future capital needs at the site.
The organization also received support from Lotteries Yukon for an access road and ski overpass, which Curtis said were essential for safe movement around the venue. The City of Whitehorse extended Biathlon Yukon’s lease to allow the project to proceed.
Biathlon Yukon, a volunteer‑driven non‑profit founded in 1985, will own and operate the building. Its former cabins have been relocated elsewhere on the site and will continue to be used.
According to a Feb. 18, 2025 federal news release, the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream has supported 20 projects in the Yukon, with roughly $144 million in federal contributions and about $40 million from the territory. Under the Investing in Canada Plan, Ottawa has committed more than $180 billion over 12 years to public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.
While the new biathlon facility is expected to play a central role during the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, Curtis said its value extends beyond a single event.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com