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Yukon officials describe grid‑connection study; Skagway members to testify on Canada‑Alaska ties
Summary
Yukon liaison Bryce Aubrey briefed Skagway’s Ports and Harbors Advisory Board on a five‑year scoping study to connect Yukon’s electrical grid to British Columbia and said proponents are advancing development while seeking funding.
Bryce Aubrey, Yukon government liaison, told the Ports and Harbors Advisory Board on March 11 that the Yukon Development Corporation is leading a five‑year scoping study to explore technical pathways, costs and partnerships to connect Yukon’s currently isolated electrical grid to British Columbia’s main grid.
Aubrey summarized the work as an early‑stage study: "the proponents [are] continuing to advance the project through the development stage, but they're working to fill an identified funding gap." He said the study is evaluating which rights‑of‑way would be best and that the connection would extend past Carcross toward British Columbia, though he could not identify a precise route at this stage: "I can't say specifically where, but the purpose would be to connect our currently isolated electrical grid to the British Columbian grid."
Assembly member Hanson asked to be kept informed because Skagway has a summer need for shore power for cruise ships; Hanson said he and other local officials would like to remain in discussions as the project advances. Aubrey replied that most pathways being considered run further east and "wouldn't cross the border," but he acknowledged the differing seasonal power needs between communities.
The board also discussed trade measures between the United States and Canada. Aubrey and board members noted recent U.S. tariffs announced March 4 and the subsequent Canadian response; Aubrey said Yukon’s objective is to press for reversal of the tariffs and "our target is not our friends and family and neighbors in Alaska." He described the tariffs as "mutually disruptive" and said they risk harm to U.S. and Canadian economies.
Separately, Assembly member Hanson and another assembly member said they plan to testify before the Alaska State Legislature on House Joint Bill 11, which concerns Canada‑Alaska connections. Hanson said the matter is "of critical importance to Skagway" because of cross‑border tourism, freight ties and emergency access.
No formal action was taken on the grid study or legislative testimony; the board requested to be kept informed and emphasized local interest in grid, port electrification and trade developments.
