Naval Reserve explores future presence in Whitehorse
Press Release + Noah Note
The Naval Reserve is exploring the possibility of establishing a future Naval Reserve Division in Whitehorse, Y.T., as part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) efforts to strengthen its presence in Canada’s North.
A multi-phase feasibility study led by Naval Reserve Western Region (NAVRES WR) is assessing how a small, community-based unit could operate in the Yukon while supporting the Navy’s role in northern defence and engagement, building on longstanding ties with the territory and its communities.
The study follows a letter of intent signed in December 2024 by Defence Minister Bill Blair and Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai outlining plans to explore a Naval Reserve presence in Whitehorse and reflecting the Government of Canada’s commitment to northern defence in partnership with the territory.
The Navy’s relationship with the Yukon is longstanding. Two Canadian warships have carried the territory’s name: HMCS Yukon, a Mackenzie-class destroyer that served from 1963 to 1998 and was named after the Yukon River, and HMCS Whitehorse, a Kingston-class maritime coastal defence vessel commissioned in 1998 in honour of the territorial capital. Together, they symbolize a historic bond between the Navy and the North.
Direction to examine an enhanced presence was issued by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (CRCN) in early 2025. NAVRES WR conducted initial analysis from January to April 2025 to evaluate how a reserve unit could operate in the region and support both operations and community engagement. Beginning in April, NAVRES WR launched consultations with community leaders and stakeholders while identifying personnel to advance the initiative locally. By June 2025, two Naval Reservists were working in Whitehorse, meeting with community leaders, government representatives and local organizations. NAVRES WR leadership also took part in the Arctic Security Working Group in Whitehorse in May 2025, reinforcing collaboration with northern partners.
From June through December 2025, Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Eric Salter and Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class (CPO2) Harry Godwin led outreach across the Yukon, meeting with First Nations, territorial and municipal leaders, local youth, and participating in community events.
Training activities also assessed how Naval Reserve capabilities could operate in a northern environment. In September 2025, NAVRES WR conducted command team training, dive exercises and community engagement in Whitehorse. From September 27 to 29, Naval Reserve Port Inspection Divers carried out dive training at Marsh Lake and Schwatka Lake, demonstrating the professionalism and adaptability of Canada’s citizen sailors while providing observations to support the assessment.
Community engagement remained central. On September 27, NAVRES WR hosted a VIP event in Whitehorse with representatives from the Yukon government, local communities and First Nations to discuss partnerships and the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the North. The following day, a public event outside the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre invited residents to meet sailors, learn about Canadian Armed Forces career opportunities and paid education programs, and view diving equipment used in operations.
As the feasibility study continues, the Naval Reserve will further assess how a sustained presence in Whitehorse could support northern defence objectives while remaining closely connected to the community it would serve. Through continued analysis, engagement and training, the RCN is exploring how a future Naval Reserve Division in the Yukon could strengthen partnerships, enhance operational readiness and ensure the Navy remains present and prepared across Canada.
Noah Note: Whitehorse will make a fine addition to the Naval Reserve in my books. The Navy plans to drastically scale up and expand upon the Naval Reserves presence across Canada. Part of that is on heavily expanding on the existing Orca fleet renewal, which will see upwards of 24-30 new training vessels acquired to equip reserve divisions not just on both coasts but also in the Great Lakes.
It will also mean standing up new Naval Reserve Divisions. Some other locations have been discussed, including the B.C. interior or Sault St. Marie but right now it seems fairly set in the early stages, and obviously there is no shortage of potential locations.
We'll just have to see!
Not directly related to the establishment of a new reserve division in Whitehorse, but I have to ask the question that has been bothering me for a while. If you expand the Orca fleet (33m/210t) to 24 to 30 vessels, base them on both coasts as well as in the Great Lakes and Gulf of St Lawrence, what happens then? The current Orca class is designed for above zero temperatures and the calm waters of the Salish Sea. It excels in the role of teaching basic seamanship in a benign environment. If Orca 2 is anything close to the current Orcas, do you just accept parking them in the winter everywhere else but Esquimalt? What modifications do you need to operate them in the ice of the Great Lakes and the Gulf in winter? What seakeeping do you need to be able to retain new members beyond their first sea experience in Hecate Straight or the Grand Banks in the winter?
Well HMCS Discovery does not even have their boat, outside of a few open topped RHIB's, so there does not seem to be a requirement for an actual marine presence. That being said, there is a lot of waterways in the region that are navigable by jetboat. Beyond recruiting for the Navy, they could develop riverine warfare doctrine that the RCN can use in the north.