This is a joint news release between Yukon Hospitals and the Government of Yukon.
A major milestone in mental health care for the territory has arrived. Today, Yukon Hospitals officially unveiled a new purpose-built mental health unit at Whitehorse General Hospital, marking a significant step forward in delivering short-term psychiatric care and strengthening the territory’s overall health system by improving access, capacity and continuity of care.
During the event, the name of the unit was also unveiled: the Fireweed Mental Health Unit. Named after the resilient northern flower known to flourish after wildfire, fireweed represents healing, renewal and strength, which are symbols of recovery and resilience.
The new unit was made possible through strong collaboration between the Government of Canada, Government of Yukon, and the Yukon Hospital Foundation. With $32.7 million in total project funding, including $2 million raised through community donations and more than $9.9 million through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Fireweed Mental Health Unit reflects a shared commitment to advancing mental health care in the North.
The 10,000 square-foot facility will replace the existing Secure Medical Unit, which will be renovated to expand general inpatient use, add eight beds and improve overall hospital capacity. The new unit has eight dedicated beds, with capacity to expand to 12 as future needs evolve.
Located above the Emergency Department, the Fireweed Mental Health Unit was designed with direct input from Elders, clinicians, persons with lived experience and hospital staff. Its therapeutic design supports a trauma-informed model of care rooted in cultural safety and healing. This new model of care offers enhanced programming such as shared meals, group activities, access to exercise and cultural healing practices, all in support of a more holistic and person-centred approach.
The Fireweed Mental Health Unit responds to the Yukon’s growing mental health needs, while also reflecting the values of respect, dignity and culturally responsive care.
After the unveiling, teams will be readying the unit to begin clinical operations. The unit is anticipated to be fully operational by July.
Quotes
The Fireweed Mental Health Unit means that more Yukoners will be able to get the care they need, closer to home, surrounded by people who understand the unique challenges of living in the North. This facility is the result of many people coming together — health professionals, community leaders, and those with lived experience — all working toward the same goal: better mental health care for everyone. We’re proud to support this work, and we remain committed to building systems that reflect the strength, dignity, and needs of our communities.
– Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development
The Fireweed Mental Health Unit marks a meaningful shift in how we support Yukoners experiencing mental health challenges. This space was created to reflect dignity, safety and healing and to offer care that responds to clinical needs and the whole person. I want to thank all the partners, staff and community members who helped bring this vision to life. Today is a proud moment for health care in the Yukon.
– Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
The new Fireweed Mental Health Unit is more than just bricks and mortar – it’s a symbol of progress. It reflects our commitment to care that meets people where they are, honours their culture and dignity and provides support during critical moments in their mental health journey.
– Chair of the Board of Trustees for Yukon Hospitals Pamela Hine
Quick facts
- The new Fireweed Mental Health Unit is located at Whitehorse General Hospital.
- It provides a modern, therapeutic space for short-term mental health crisis stabilization.
- Bed capacity has increased from five to eight, with flexibility to expand to 12.
- The unit features private rooms, spaces for families and therapy and a dedicated First Nations Healing Room.
- It replaces the Secure Medical Unit, which will return to medical/surgical use, adding eight general inpatient beds.
- Key features include private rooms, family spaces, a healing room and culturally safe design elements.
- The total project cost is $32.7 million, with $20.7 million funded by the Government of Yukon and $10 million funded by the Government of Canada.
Media contact
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Jessica Apolloni
Communications, Yukon Hospitals
Phone: 867-335-7700
Jessica.Apolloni@yukonhospitals.ca
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8342
Ayodeji.Awobamise@yukon.ca