Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-072
March 28 2008
Caribou Hotel Designated as Yukon Historic Site
WHITEHORSE – Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor is pleased to announce the designation of the Caribou Hotel in Carcross as a Yukon Historic Site, under the Yukon Historic Resources Act.
The Caribou Hotel was nominated for designation as a Yukon Historic Site by owner Anne Morgan. This nomination was evaluated and recommended for designation by the Yukon Heritage Resources Board, and supported by the Department of Tourism and Culture.
“I would like to commend Anne Morgan for her commitment to preserving Yukon’s built heritage,” Taylor said. “I am pleased that we were able to assist her in safeguarding one of Yukon’s significant historic places for all Yukoners to enjoy. This is a terrific example of what can be achieved by cooperation between government and private parties.”
“The rehabilitation of the Caribou Hotel has been made possible through the tremendous support of the Yukon Heritage Branch and we would like to extend our thanks to the Government of Yukon and the Heritage Branch staff, the community of Carcross and the many organizations and individuals who have provided support, “ Morgan said. ”The rehabilitation of the hotel is well underway and will continue this spring. With the assistance of a heritage architect, the Caribou Hotel will retain many of its original features and will re-open in 2010 on the 100th anniversary of the building’s opening in Carcross.”
The heritage values of the Caribou Hotel lie in its architecture, historical and social history. The structure is one of the oldest buildings in the Southern Lakes Region and one of the last two historic three-storey frame buildings in Yukon.
The Caribou Hotel has served as one of Yukon’s longest continuously operating food and lodging businesses and has provided accommodation and services for tourists, big game hunters, and visiting dignitaries. It also provided long term lodging for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, construction workers and local residents.
The hotel also played a significant role during the construction of the Alaska Highway. The United States Army and private road construction crews used the hotel for housing and as a mess hall when Carcross was the major distribution centre for road construction.
The Caribou Hotel is the fifth place to be designated as a Yukon Historic Site.
An official designation ceremony will take place later this year.
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| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca | Alicia Debreceni Communications, Tourism & Culture (867) 667-5318 alicia.debreceni@gov.yk.ca |