The Association of Yukon Communities is returning to Watson Lake for its 2026 annual conference and general meeting, taking place from May 7 to May 10, 2026. Municipal leaders from across the territory will gather at the Watson Lake Recreation Centre on Lakeview Avenue to discuss local government business and community goals.
The four-day event provides an opportunity for representatives to connect and collaborate on shared regional ambitions. The conference kicks off on May 7 with a forum for administrators and a welcome reception open to everyone. The following days include formal conference sessions, an awards banquet on May 8, and a host community dinner on May 9. The event concludes on May 10 with a general meeting for members of the association.
Watson Lake, which serves as a vital transportation and distribution hub for the southern Yukon, last hosted this gathering in 2023. That event saw record-breaking attendance, with more than 120 people from First Nation, territorial, and municipal governments coming together to discuss regional issues and policy resolutions.
The association was established in 1974 to help local governments work together effectively across the territory. As the host community, Watson Lake will showcase local landmarks to visiting delegates, including the Northern Lights Centre and the Sign Post Forest.
The meeting occurs as the association continues its ongoing partnership with the Government of Yukon. This collaboration includes work on a Comprehensive Municipal Grant review, which involves local representatives in developing long-term funding strategies for Yukon communities.
