What is Assisted Garbage Collection?

The Town will provide Assisted Garbage Collection for those with temporary or chronic mobility challenges who need assistance with setting out their waste, and do not have someone who can set it out for them. Our garbage collector will retrieve your garbage from a location in your yard which is visible from the driveway.

Who is eligible for this service?

• Are unable to get their bins to the curbside due to mobility or health challenges; and
• Have no one in the household who is physically able to do so.

What must I do to receive the service?

• Apply for the service;
• Ensure that your address is visible from the street; and
• Ensure your garbage bin is easily seen from the driveway.

Where do I put my garbage to be collected?

Residents are still required to put garbage in their black bin, or other approved garbage bin. The bin must be visible from the driveway to be collected. The collector will retrieve your bin, collect the garbage, and return the bin to your front door. Town staff will not enter a home, garage, structure, or any area of the yard that is not visible from the driveway.

Is there a charge for this service?

No; there are no additional charges for this service.

How do I apply?

Application forms can be obtained from the Town Office, or from this webpage below. Once a completed application form has been returned to the Town Office, it will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the outcome of your application. Under certain circumstances, a physician note may be required.

Anything else I need to know?

• Approved garbage bins must be used. Special waste, yard waste, large items such as appliances, and recyclable items will not be collected.

How to Apply

Businesses or individuals may apply for a Town of Watson Lake Water Card by filling out the form below. You may submit this form online, pick up a copy at the Town Office, or request one by emailing admin@watsonlake.ca.

Deposit Requirement

A $100.00 deposit is required. This deposit will be refunded when the card is returned and access to the Bulk Water Station is revoked.

Before You Submit

Before submitting your Business License Application, please ensure you’ve filled in all required fields, double-checked your contact and business information, and included any necessary supporting documents if applicable.

Incomplete applications may delay processing. For full details, please review the Business License Bylaw to understand your responsibilities as a business owner in Watson Lake.

Contact Information

You may connect with bylaw@watsonlake.ca or call the Town Office at (867) 536-8000.

Additional Opportunities

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be eligible for a Yukon Intermunicipal Business License.

General Guidelines

The Yukon Lottery Commission provides funding assistance for art, sport, and recreation in Yukon. The financial support provided through these programs is intended to:

• Sustain and contribute to the growth of art, sport and recreation;
• Increase access and participation of all Yukon people in art, sport & recreation;
• Improve/provide more community art, sport and recreation infrastructure; and,
• Increase organizational and community capacity in art, sport and recreation.

Program Objectives

The objective of the Community Lottery program is to provide funding to support programs/projects that sustain and contribute to the growth of art, sport and recreation within the communities and strives to improve the quality of life for all Yukon people through participation or availability of art, sport, and recreation.

Eligible Costs

Costs directly related to providing art, sport and recreation opportunities either through participation or availability to members of the community.

Ineligible Expenses

Ineligible expenses include: operating and maintenance costs for general administration, wages, office equipment (computers, scanners, printers, projectors, telephones, software, etc.) rent, energy, supplies, telephone, internet, minor repairs and maintenance, accounting and audit services, printing services, insurance, professional services related to O&M, annual fees, gifts, awards, prizes (including cash).

Funding Applications

Community Lottery funding applications are reviewed two times per year, with an additional special intake if there are excess funds for the fiscal year. Deadlines are May 5th & September 5th (a special intake may be held in January if there are funds left over).

When Your Application is Approved

Funding will be advanced upon submission of receipts within three (3) months of the funding approval. Approved funds that are not spent within three (3) months will be revoked unless an extension is requested in writing with clear justification. Special intake approvals may have a shorter required period for funds to be spent. All grant expenditures must comply with the Town of Watson Lake Community Lottery Program Policy. Applicants are required to recognize Lotteries Yukon and the Town of Watson Lake Recreation Advisory Committee as a funder in all publicity associated with the approved event, program, or project.

Before You Submit

Before submitting your Community Services Grant Application, please ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the Town’s Community Services Grant Policy.

Eligibility

Only non-profit, recreational, religious, or charitable organizations based in Watson Lake and registered under the Societies Act are eligible to apply.

Required Documents

To avoid delays, double-check that your application includes:

• A completed application form submitted before the June 1st deadline
• Your most recent financial statements signed by the organization’s Directors or Officers
• Proof of good standing under the Societies Act

Applications without these documents will not be considered.

About the Grant

The Town of Watson Lake’s Economic Development Grant is designed to help offset property tax increases for local businesses operating on commercial and industrial properties. To qualify, eligible business owners must meet the conditions outlined in the bylaw and submit a complete application before August 30th of each year.

Eligibility Requirements

• You are the registered property owner of a commercial or industrial property in Watson Lake.
• You’ve reviewed the bylaw to confirm your eligibility.
• All required information and documentation is attached to your application.

Payments to eligible applicants will be processed within 30 days after the Town verifies that all bylaw conditions are met.

Why Licensing is Important

Licensing helps us:

• Reunite lost pets with their families
• Confirm that animals are properly cared for
• Reduce stray-animal-related risks and calls
• Support responsible pet ownership

As outlined in the Animal Control Bylaw, service animals like guide dogs are exempt from license fees.

When to License

Annual Pet Licenses expire on December 31st each year and must be renewed annually. Neutered or spayed pets are eligible for lifetime licenses if proof of spay or neuter is presented upon registering.

What You'll Need

• Your name and contact information
• Your pet's name, breed, and description (such as primary color)
• Proof of spay/neuter (if applying for a lifetime license)

After Registration

Once your pet is registered, you will receive a Town-issued tag with the pet's license number and year. This tag must be worn by the pet at all times as it is one of the quickest ways to help lost pets find their way home.

When a Development Permit is needed

You need a Development Permit for most development projects on your property in the Town of Watson Lake. Common exemptions include small accessory buildings under 12 m², fences within height limits, minor repairs that don’t change use/footprint, basic landscaping/driveways that don’t alter drainage or sightlines, temporary election/census uses, small antennas/satellite dishes, demolition under 12 m², certain utility work, on‑going permitted construction, and temporary structures related to a permitted project.

What to submit

• Completed application form (owner or authorized agent)
• Legal description & civic address
• Current & proposed use, building occupancy
• Project size (gross floor area, site coverage, height, parking/loading)
• Fees (per Fees & Charges Bylaw)
• Site plan & drawings (see form checklist for details like access, setbacks, services, drainage)

Timelines & decisions

Permitted/Accessory uses: decision within 30 business days. Conditional uses: 45 business days (includes notification). Permits lapse if work doesn’t start within 12 months (extensions may be requested before expiry). During construction, it is a requirement to post your approved permits on‑site.

Public notification

When a complete Conditional Use Permit application is received, the Town notifies assessed owners within 100 m of the site (at least 14 days before Council’s public input session) and publishes/circulates a Notice of Proposed Development

Decision

Council considers public input and the Development Officer’s recommendations and may approve, approve with conditions, or refuse.

When a variance is possible

Apply to the Board of Variance if strict bylaw requirements create practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship because of unusual property conditions. A public hearing is required.
Town of Watson Lake Zoning Bylaw

Process & limits

• Written notice of hearing goes to the applicant and adjacent owners within 100 m (minimum 14 days before the hearing).
• Board hears the applicant, the Development Officer, and notified parties; relevant documents are available for public inspection.
• Decision issued in writing after the hearing (within 30 days of a complete application).
• The Board cannot approve a variance that stems from the applicant’s own actions, grants special privilege, injures neighbors or conflicts with the OCP/Zoning Bylaw, or changes the land use.

Who can apply & what to include

• Owner or authorized representative/agent may apply.
• Provide ownership documentation, a written rationale, a context map, required fees, right‑of‑entry permission, and a site plan. Additional technical studies may be required (e.g., drawings, geotechnical, landscaping, impact assessment, traffic/septic info).

Review & public hearing

The Town analyzes the proposal (consistency with the OCP/policies, compatibility, servicing impacts, rights‑of‑way, effects on existing uses, and public concerns). A public hearing is held after public notice (published/circulated twice, and letters to properties within 100 m). If refused, a substantially similar application can’t be resubmitted for 12 months unless Council directs otherwise.