Representatives from all levels of government were on hand Friday morning to celebrate the completion of the Whitehorse waterfront revitalization project.

As Premier Darrell Pasloski noted, the waterfront refurbishment project was envisioned as far back as the '80s, with commitments finally made in 2005 to breathe new life into the Carcross and Whitehorse waterfronts.

The Whitehorse revitalization involved 16 projects and investments of more than $33 million from the Yukon and federal governments, $8.1 million from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation for the new cultural centre and $1.4 million from the city for street reconstruction and parking.

"Before highways and air travel, the Yukon River was a life-line, providing food, water, transportation, paid work and access to the outside world,” Pasloski said, standing on the new wharf with the river at his back.

"During the Second World War and the subsequent construction of the Alaska Highway, the focus shifted away from the waterfront as the population of Whitehorse moved around it.

"The Whitehorse riverfront projects not only beautify this area, they also provide new opportunities to explore the history of the Whitehorse waterfront, celebrate the Yukon's diverse cultures, partake in new business opportunities, or just relax and enjoy the scenery,” he said.

Community Services Minister Brad Cathers also attended.

"This scenic stretch of waterfront in the downtown core truly captures the spirit and the imagination of the city of Whitehorse and of course also is an important part of Yukon as a whole,” he said.

Yukon MP Ryan Leef expressed pride in his government's investment in the project.

"Our top priority remains the creation of jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity, but we are proud to support these goals by investing in infrastructure projects just like the Yukon community waterfronts project,” he said.

That sentiment was reiterated by his ministerial colleague, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the new minister of National Revenue.

"Our government is proud to invest in significant infrastructure projects that show cultural diversity, creative spirit and environmental stewardship,” she said.

"This project has transformed Whitehorse's riverfront into a focal point of the community and a more vibrant area for visitors and residents alike.

"So much has changed here along the riverfront in the last few years that I'm told it's almost unrecognizable today.

"We are standing at a renewed hub of recreation, leisure, and business opportunities.”

"The completion of these waterfront revitalization projects and the completion of the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre have enlivened the Whitehorse waterfront and enabled Kwanlin Dün to realize the long-awaited dream of reclaiming a small portion of what was once our ancestral home along the waterfront,” said Kwanlin Dün Chief Rick O'Brien.

Mayor Dan Curtis was the last to speak at Friday's event.

He highlighted the significance of the partnerships between all levels of government in the territory and asked the representatives of both the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Ta'an Kwach'an Council to go back to their governments and share the city's excitement and commitment to partnering with the First Nations.

"I am excited and proud that the vision, collaboration and partnership between all levels of government including our Yukon First Nations, has resulted in our waterfront becoming a real destination,” said Curtis.

"This jewel in our crown provides many opportunities for all to enjoy. From children to seniors, residents to visitors, the waterfront really brings the community together. We are blessed to be able to showcase the river in an area that is so rich in history and culture.”

Curtis also unveiled the new, old-style Front Street sign.

The city recently renamed First Avenue Front Street.

The Carcross community celebrated the completion of its waterfront revitalization project at the end of July, on Golden Spike Day, commemorating the completion of the White Pass and Yukon Route railway.

Findlay is out to reduce red tape for businesses ... see story below.