Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber is pretty happy with her new digs.

'It's a nice change of scenery,' Van Bibber said at her new office, located in Closeleigh Manor on First Avenue. 'It was time for a change.'

The commissioner's office had been located at 211 Hawkins Street for the past 28 years, but when their lease expired in March, staff decided it was time to move into an expanded location which offered more room to host events, entertain guests, and a more central location in downtown Whitehorse.

'Even though it hasn't been that big a move, it certainly makes a difference,' Van Bibber said. 'We always had people asking, Where is 211 Hawkins?' That doesn't seem to be as much of a problem anymore.

'This is a much brighter space, and that alone makes a big difference,' she added with a smile.

The office used to be inhabited by Aboriginal Language Services. The commissioner had already contacted the government's property management services regarding the desire to find a new location, and when Closeleigh Manor became available, they jumped at the chance to move in.

The commissioner's office now features more room to host guests, a kitchenette, a larger boardroom, additional office space and an area where a counter will be set up for security purposes.

Van Bibber was in her hometown of Dawson City when the new office officially opened on July 30th, attending a Klondike Visitors Association meeting and a couple of memorial services.

She will be returning to Dawson during the Discovery Day holiday weekend for the closing of the residential school exhibit, and will also be in town the following weekend for a Fire Chiefs Association event.

'I'm there so much, people think I've moved back home,' Van Bibber laughed.

In September, she will travel to Penticton, B.C., for the International Sourdough Reunion, before she embarks on a driving holiday through the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland.

But when she isn't busy traveling, she can be found at Closeleigh Manor, and extends an invite for anyone interested to come down and check out her new office.

'I'm always very open and willing to try new things,' Van Bibber said in reference to the move. 'I like challenges, and new ways of thinking.

'I'm only a year and a half into my term as commissioner, and it's been going so fast. It's nice to keep busy though, and always have something to do.'

One of the highlights of this summer was Governor General Micha'lle Jean's visit during the month of June. A commemorative silver plate, which was a gift from Jean, is featured prominently in Van Bibber's new office.

'I've been enjoying this position so much, and I'm going to keep enjoying it. It's always interesting,' Van Bibber said. 'I'm a Yukoner through and through, and I hope to stay here forever.'

The commissioner's office had been located at 211 Hawkins ever since it moved out of the territorial government building in 1978.

Rod Jacob, communications analyst for the executive council office, said the lease at the former location was $26,851, whereas Closeleigh Manor is only $21,726.

Despite the move, staffing at the new location remains the same.