Construction underway for Yukon University's new science building
$52.2M Polaris Project will provide updated learning spaces and laboratory facilities to the Ayamdigut Campus
After many years of planning and design, construction of the $52.2 million Polaris Project is getting underway. The 2,567m2 state-of-the art building will include modern indoor and outdoor learning spaces, laboratories and will be built to meet net zero carbon and accessibility standards.
On April 16, 2025, the ground was blessed in a ceremony led by the chiefs of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwatch’an Council, Sean Smith and Ruth Massie, along with University Chancellor Carol Geddes, Education Minister Jeanie McLean, and YukonU faculty and staff. Project partners and funders gathered on June 13 to celebrate the start of construction. The building is expected to be completed in Fall 2027.
“This is a significant milestone for Yukon University as we look to modernize learning spaces to better meet the needs of our students. The new science building is designed to promote many ways of learning and sharing knowledge. The vision for a University in the Yukon was articulated in the 1973 document Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow. This new building represents a big step toward providing quality education opportunities for Yukoners to achieve their educational goals close to home.”
– Dr. Lesley Brown, President and Vice Chancellor, Yukon University.
The Government of Canada is contributing over $31 million to the project with $26 million from Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Contributions, including over $5 million from Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program, and Employment and Social Development Canada are supporting building efficiency and accessibility components.
“Supporting access to post-secondary education in the North benefits all northern and Arctic residents, especially youth and Indigenous Peoples. The new science building at Yukon University will increase access to quality post-secondary opportunities while advancing research that supports resilient Arctic and Northern communities. We are working with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to expand educational opportunities build future-ready skills, fuel innovation and drive economic growth. ”
– The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
“Building energy efficiency infrastructure is a win-win for affordability and sustainability. NRCan is proud to support Yukon University’s project that will not only demonstrate solutions for net-zero carbon buildings in Northern climates, but also how efficient energy use can lead to more affordable energy in these regions.”
– The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
This will be a significant new facility for the Yukon to updating laboratory and learning spaces. Government of Yukon has earmarked $12-14 million in its capital plan over two years towards the build. The Yukon University Foundation has
committed to raise the remaining $1.5 million over the next 18 months though its Together for the North Campaign.
“Our government is proud to support the future of Yukon University. The new science building will provide a state-of-the-art facility for our territory, empowering students, educators, and researchers for years to come. This centre will help bring together Western science and traditional First Nations knowledge, creating a space that reflects our identity and values as Yukoners. I look forward to seeing this partnership of knowledge systems continue to build a stronger, more inclusive future.”
– The Honourable Jeanie McLean, Minister of Education, Government of Yukon
The two-year construction portion of the project is being managed by Ketza Construction Ltd.
“Ketza Construction is proud to have been selected as the Construction Manager for the Polaris Project at Yukon University. This is more than a building, it’s an investment into the future of northern science, research, and education. As a Yukon-based company, we’re deeply committed to building infrastructure that supports education, innovation, and the long-term growth of our northern communities. We look forward to working in partnership with Yukon University, First Nations, and trade contractors to deliver a facility that will serve generations to come.”
– Eric Brohman, President, Ketza Construction
Contact
Misha Warbanski, Director, Marketing and Communications Misha.warbanski@yukonu.ca
867-332-3714
Additional Background: · Stantec Architecture a global leader in sustainable design and engineering completed building design in 2022. Inspired by the Yukon river, the building design was developed in collaboration with First Nations, students, staff and university leadership. · The project is registered and pursuing Rick Hanson Accessibility Certification and Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standard, with a projected emission savings of up to 705,000 kg CO₂ over a 50-year period and annual operational savings of $20-30k.
· Building features:
o Four teaching rooms, two wet laboratories, and two dry laboratories.
o An instrument lab, a specimen workshop, and a collections room.
o A knowledge sharing room, a ceremony room.
o Outdoor learning space.