In a surprising move, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai announces resignation

Good morning,

And welcome to the 103 new readers who joined the Lookout this week. And a big thanks to all 1,885 Yukoners who read this newsletter.

With the weather improving, I made my first trip of the year out to Haines Junction and Kluane. Hitting that turn as the mountains appear overhead is a sight that still fills me with awe every time I visit. It’s quickly become one of my favourite spots in the Yukon.

A big thank you to everyone who referred readers to the Lookout. I’ve reached out to the winners of the two $25 local gift cards, so keep an eye out for an email.

Our main story is territorial government-related, but I’ve also got two new additions to the Yukon’s burger rankings.

I’m also working on a story idea I’d love to get feedback on from our community. See the survey later in the newsletter to reply.

Without further delay, let’s dive in.

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

The Yukon Weather Report

GOVERNMENT

In a surprising move, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai announces resignation

Well that was a surprise. In what has to be some of the biggest news in recent months, Premier and Yukon Liberal Party leader Ranj Pillai announced yesterday afternoon he was stepping down as Premier and party leader, and would not be seeking re-election.

• Background: Premier Pillai took over as premier from Sandy Silver back in January 2023 in an uncontested leadership race. The Liberals have been in power since 2016, with Pillai serving as the MLA of Porter Creek South.

The reason: Pillai did not provide a specific reason for the early departure, but said that he had served in politics for a while. He noted in the press conference that a former premier told him about leaving, that “you know when you know,” it’s time to leave.

As with any leader who ends their time in politics, part of that means laying out what they want to be remembered for. A news release on the Yukon website noted the government’s work on the Dempster Fibre Project, renewable energy, economic partnerships with First Nations, as well as child care and paid sick leave.

Challenges: The government also dealt with a number of controversial issues during Pillai’s time as premier, including the Eagle Gold Mine spill, problems with the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter at 405 Alexander St., and complaints over crime and public safety in downtown Whitehorse.

What comes next: Premier Pillai said that he would continue to serve as premier until a new Liberal Party leader is chosen and that person becomes premier. The party met yesterday to discuss the timelines and requirements for a leadership convention. Due to the fixed election law, an election has to be called by Nov. 3 at the latest.

Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, please note that my partner works for the Yukon government.

YUKON NUMBERS

🏊️ 7: The number of years since the pool in Ross River has been closed. There is no plan to reopen it this year either. [CBC]

🤝 $75,000: The amount of money committed by the Northern Premiers to support the creation of a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. 

💰️ $2.3 billion: The size of the Yukon budget for 2025-26. [CBC]

❌ $10,500: The size of the fine levied against Instagram influencer Trisian James Hamm for offences under the Yukon Wildlife Act, after he illegally hunted three bears in 2022 and 2023. [Yukon News]

HOME OF THE WEEK

Now, this is a unique place in Crestview. If you like wood and like being surrounded by wood everywhere, then this might be your dream home.

This two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,125 square foot home has a double detached shop, room for five vehicles and a huge outdoor deck. It also backs out onto the area’s trail system and a protected greenspace area.

This dream Crestview home will set you back this much…

THE AGENDA

🚘️ There was a multi-vehicle crash on the Alaska Highway near Teslin and Johnsons Crossing Wednesday morning, which shut down the highway while police investigated. As of yesterday afternoon, the highway had only a single lane running near the crash.

🌊 Haines Junction was briefly under a water conservation advisory after part of the water system broke down on Tuesday. It was lifted on Wednesday evening.

🛣️ A highway washout over the weekend on the North Klondike Highway, before Dawson but just after the Dempster Highway turnoff, was partially fixed a few days later. As of Monday, the road is being worked on, and drivers should expect delays when driving through the area.

🚁 The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating a helicopter crash 10 km east of the Whitehorse airport. Two pilots were on board, and one person died. The helicopter was operated by Horizon Helicopters. [The Star]

🚚 Maybe a bad time for me to buy an RV? Two shops that service RVs in Whitehorse are shutting down, leaving only two other shops in the city. Be prepared for longer wait times for servicing. [CBC]

FOOD REVIEWS

Two new additions to the Yukon burger rankings

In our quest to rank the best burgers in the Yukon, we added two more to our list this week. Have a place I should visit? Reply to this email!

Mile 1016 Pub — Salmon Burger

I was told by a friend that I made a terrible mistake ordering the salmon burger at Mile 1016 Pub instead of their house burger. Why? Because, according to them, it’s the best burger in the Yukon.

Point taken. I’ll have to visit again!

Even with that sad bit of knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed the pub’s salmon burger. I was informed it was a homemade patty of Alaskan salmon, none of that store-bought stuff. 

The burger was cooked well, though it had a faint disappointing aftertaste of oil. Sizing for fish burgers is always an issue, as many places skimp on the patty. Thankfully, they did not. The bun was also excellent, and was soft without breaking apart. 

While I don’t include fries in my review, they were sadly practically inedible, over-fried to the point of being hard, with a strong aftertaste of deep fryer oil. My friend said they’re usually good, so I’ll have to try them again next time.

Overall, I’d give the burger a solid 7.6, though we’ll have to see how it holds up against their own burger next time.

Whiskey Jacks — Mozza Mushroom Burger

As my friends and I pounded back schooners at 12:30 am last month, I came to a realization — Whiskey Jacks is the perfect neighbourhood pub. Walkable from the neighbourhood, friendly staff, great deals and affordable beer, what else do you want?

The only thing I can think of is good food.

I ordered the Mushroom Mozza burger, and true to form, it was loaded with both. Mozzererlla is a great addition to a burger, giving it a more subtle flavour than the classic American or cheddar, and different texture. The size of the patty is also top-notch and should fill anyone up.

I would’ve ranked it higher, but the addition of the onion rings was a miss. They were overly deep-fried, and it completely overpowered the rest of the burger’s taste. I get the idea, and usually welcome creativity. But in this case, it didn’t work.

I gave it a 6.5. That’s not to say it was bad or not worth trying. It just didn’t hold up to the other ones I’ve tried recently. 

READER SURVEY

With the summer slowly approaching, I know many readers aren’t very interested in visiting Haines, Skagway or anywhere else in Alaska. I suspect many readers will want to spend more time exploring the Yukon this year.

I'm considering a series on different Yukon communities, exploring things to do, places to see and restaurants and meals to try. Think of it as a summer guide for anyone staying in the Yukon.

Would that be of interest? And if you have ideas of places to go, or want to be a part of the series, let me know at the end of the survey

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

😃 Summer is back and that means restaurants are opening back up in Dawson, including Klondike Cream and Candy. [CBC]

💪 If you’re struggling to book a physio appointment, Evergreen Wellness Studio has a new physiotherapist.

🍦 Frosty’s is back! The restaurant and ice cream shop in Hanies Junction is, according to their Facebook page, expected to re-open in a few weeks.

🍺 While many of our readers aren’t interested in visiting America, if you do, Skagway Brewing has a 28 per cent off deal for Canadians, so beer ends up being the same price.

🥾 As of this weekend, when I visited, there was still lots of snow on the trails on Haines Road through Kathleen Lake. North of that is much better, especially near Slim’s River and Congdon Creek.

💰️ It looks like Crestview’s community garage sale will be May 31 this year. 

🐻 Be bear aware — as of yesterday at around 12 pm, there was a bear in the Pine Lake/Trans Canada Trail area. 

🚶 Whitehorse is revisiting its North Trail Plan. You can participate in their survey here. 

🏌️ Special Olympic Yukon is looking for golf coaches. Contact [email protected] if you’re interested. 

♻️ A reminder that there’s a tipping fee holiday from May 15-19 in Deep Creek, Marsh Lake, Mount Lorne, Tagish, Carcross, Champagne, Pelly Crossing and Destruction Bay, with fees waived on certain things.

NEW JOBS

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Building services manager, City of Whitehorse

• Outdoor guide, Arctic Range Adventure in Whitehorse

• Nursing home attendant, Government of Yukon in Whitehorse

• Executive director, Teslin Renewable Resources Council

• Renewable resources student, Too Tall Construction and Consulting in Mayo

EVENTS

Events outside Whitehorse are highlighted.

Family + Kids

Thursdays BBQ Party | Discovery Saloon, Atlin Mountain Inn, Atlin | May 8, 5:30-8 pm | Come grab some steak, shrimp, potatoes and coleslaw

Fireweed Community Market | Shipyards Park | Thursdays starting May 8, 3 pm-7 pm | It’s baaaack. Food, music, local produce and goods, and so much more at one of the most popular events of the summer | Free

Mother's Day Brunch – Celebrate and Support | The Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre\ | May 11, 10 am & 11:30 am | Buffet brunch, live music, and door prizes | Tickets from $28

Midnight Sun Moppets Children’s Festival | Yukon Arts Centre | June 8, 10 am-4 pm | Arts activities for kids and families, all free | Activities

Yukon Kennel Club’s Annual Dog Show | Takhini Arena | Jun. 13-16, 4 pm | If you love dogs, this is for you, with eight confirmation shows, and more

Augusto! Children’s Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | Aug. 8-10 | Art and music festival that celebrates children | Learn more

Arts + Music

A Conversation with Mary Walsh | The Sternwheeler Hotel | May 23, 7-9 pm | A night of wit, wisdom and laughs with This Hour Has 22 Minutes alum Mary Walsh | Tickets $55

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre, Haines Junction | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Our Lady Peace Concert | Shipyards Park | June 28, 5 pm | A free concert featuring Our Lady Peace!

2025 Atlin Arts & Music Festival | Tarahne Provincial Park, Atlin | July 11-13 | Come see over 30 bands, visual artists, films and more! | Tickets $186

Dawson City Music Festival | Downtown Dawson City | Jul. 18-20 | Over 25 artists and bands from across Canada | Tickets $195

Outdoors and Sports

Yukon Brewing Ball Hockey Tournament | Takhini Broomball Area | May 10, 9 am | 3×3 plus goalie games, coed tournament with many games! | $250 per team

Velonorth 2025 Spring Group Rides | Meet at Midnight Sun Coffee/Icycle | Saturdays, May 10-June 7, 10 am | Two-hour road ride with other cyclists | Free

Intro to Yukon Camping & Outdoor Adventures | Yukon University, 500 University Drive, Room C1440 | May 15, 6:00 pm | Family-friendly workshop on camping | Tickets $25

Whitehorse Trail Running Film Festival | Yukon Beringa Interpretive Centre | May 15, 6 pm | Films for running lovers, plus pizza + drinks | Tickets $23

Marsh Lake Madness Triathlon | Jul. 1 | A normal triathlon, but with paddling instead of swimming! | Learn more

Discovery Day Golf Tournament | Dawson City Golf Course, Dawson City | Aug. 14-16, 2:00 pm | 18-hole team scramble with prizes and banquet | Learn more

Other

2025 Indoor Community Garage Sale | Canada Games Centre | May 10, 11-4:30 | Come by and sell your goods or find some treasures

Lorne Mountain Community Association AGM | May 21, 6 pm | Come out, share ideas and get involved in shaping the future of the community

Yukon Innovation Day | Multiple locations in Whitehorse | May 22 | Events to celebrate and showcase local innovators and entrepreneurs | Learn more

Jody Wilson-Raybould in Conversation with Ivan Coyote | Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre | May 22, 6 pm | Come meet and hear from The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould as she discusses her new book | Free

Winterlong Turns 10 | Winterlong Brewing | May 31, 12 pm-7 pm | Live music, fun and more with their biggest anniversary celebration yet

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

THE YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Yukon Wordle? It has something to do with the changing weather. Play it here.