The Yukon has a new Film and Sound Commissioner.

Novelist and long-time Yukoner Barbara Dunlop, who has been acting commissioner since last December, has been named to the top post.

Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said this morning he is pleased with the decision to have Dunlop head the commission.

'It was a combined department and arts community effort (to hire Dunlop),' Kenyon said. 'I'm very happy about it.'

Kenyon said he's confident the Yukon Film and Sound Commission will continue to build on the territory's entertainment industry under Dunlop's leadership.

'We've just a complete survey on that; where we're at is pretty darn good.

'(The Yukon) is good for movies, good for mini-series and good for commercials,' Kenyon said. The long winter is exactly what some companies are looking for, he added.

'We've very rapidly become Hollywood North.'

Kenyon said his department is researching film potential in the Yukon and he himself is in contact with the city to review the potential of using Stan McCowan Arena as a film studio.

'We're still looking at it; I've had some talks with the city. The city has said they'll keep me in the loop.

'Also, since that's my (Porter Creek) riding, I've been under some pressure to have that turned into a community centre,' he said.

Dunlop could not be reached for comment before press time this afternoon.