Government of Yukon strengthens environmental protection with new Contaminants Regulation

Press Release

The Government of Yukon is taking action to protect the environment and safeguard communities by introducing a new Contaminants Regulation under the Environment Act that will repeal and replace the previous Contaminated Sites Regulation and the Spills Regulation.

The new Contaminants Regulation establishes a modern framework that ensures cleanup efforts meet today’s highest environmental standards and supports safe, sustainable development across the territory. By reflecting the latest science and best practices, it ensures contaminated sites are cleaned up responsibly, spill responses are clear and effective and industry has the tools it needs to operate with certainty while protecting the environment.

Key improvements under the new Regulation include:

• updated thresholds for contaminants and spills that align with the latest science and best practices, to improve cleanup and protect the Yukon’s land and water;
• reduced red tape by simplifying approvals and eliminating duplicate authorizations so industry and communities can act faster to protect the environment;
• increased development opportunities by enabling contaminated sites to be transferred to another party so they can be cleaned up and made ready for new development; and
• clear certificates of compliance to confirm when cleanup has been completed, reducing liability and creating confidence in future development.

The new Contaminants Regulation represents a significant step forward in how the Yukon prevents, manages and cleans up contaminated sites and spills. The new Regulation will come into effect on March 1, 2027, to allow for a transition period for industry and government to adapt to the updated framework.

Our government is making sure the Yukon’s land and water are protected to the highest standards. This new Regulation establishes a modernized framework that builds confidence in cleanup efforts by following the latest science and best practices. It will streamline and simplify permitting processes and make it easier to remediate, develop and sell contaminated properties while safeguarding the Yukon we cherish, not only for today, but for generations to come.

Minister of Environment Nils Clarke

Quick facts

• The Department of Environment first consulted with the public, stakeholders and Indigenous governments on the proposed regulation in 2018.
• Given the time that has passed, the department conducted a second round of engagement with stakeholders and Indigenous governments from August 6 to September 30, 2024.
• Feedback was broadly supportive of the proposed changes and a What We Heard report was published on Yukon.ca in March 2025.
• The Yukon Environment Act was amended in 2014 to strengthen standards, methodology and administrative processes for managing contaminated sites and spills. In 2024, the Technical Amendments (Environment) Act was passed to support the implementation of the new Contaminants Regulation.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Chantelle Rivest
Communications, Environment
867-334-9815
chantelle.rivest@yukon.ca

ILR4