The territorial government is expanding its Yukon College land reserve surrounding the 25-year-old Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse.

This will support the college's long-term goal to complete a campus master plan.

No other development can take place on the land reserve during this period. The college does not assume ownership of the land, and any long-term expansion plans may not necessarily use all the land.

"Planning for the educational needs of Yukon students and the growing demand for skilled workers by Yukon industry are key to the long-term success of Yukon College and its work to meet the needs of students, partners, local businesses and governments,” Education Minister Elaine Taylor said in a statement.

The college has committed to completing the master plan within five years.

"The college is outgrowing its physical space,” said Paul Flaherty, who chairs the school's board of governors.

"With the newly-announced Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining, as well as the Yukon Research Centre and work of the Northern Institute for Social Justice, Yukon College has experienced tremendous growth in programming, research and community expectations in the past five years.”

The land reserve complements the City of Whitehorse Official Community Plan designation of this land being designated for public service.

"The City of Whitehorse supports this planning initiative for the Yukon College land reserve,” said Mayor Dan Curtis.

"Future growth at the college offers great benefits for our community. The city looks forward to participating in the college's planning process.”

"This is another expression of Yukon government's support for the college's future,” added Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Scott Kent.

"The five-year term will ensure continuity and the time needed for this planning process.”

The college land use plan will be developed in partnership with the government, "and in consultation with all relevant stakeholders,” the government said in the statement.

"By identifying this reserve land, the college can confidently move forward with developing a land use and campus revitalization plan as identified in our current strategic plan,” added Flaherty.