North

Carcross Tagish First Nation begins work on new beachfront lots

The Carcross Tagish First Nation has begun work to build new beachfront lots on scenic Bennett Lake. Up to 25 lots could be on the market by spring.

'I can't imagine anyone can have a better view,' says development corporation

Work has begun to build a road through the dunes. (Vic Istchenko/CBC)

The Carcross Tagish First Nation is developing what some people consider the most beautiful beach in the Yukon. The First Nation has started building dozens of new beachfront lots on scenic Bennett Lake.

"I can't imagine anyone can have a better view out their window," said Justin Ferbey, managing director of the Carcross Tagish Development Corporation. "It will be beautiful."

Bulldozers and earthmovers are now building a road through the dunes behind Ghùch Tlâ Community School, parallel to the beach. The Yukon Government is helping pay for the work, as the public road will dissect government-owned land to the north.

Bennett Lake as seen from the beach in Carcross. In 2013, Reader's Digest magazine named the strand one of Canada's top 10 beaches. (Paul Tukker/CBC)

Ferbey says the First Nation aims to put 20 to 25 lots on the market by spring. Ultimately, there could be up to 70 homes there. He won't say how much the lots may cost, but says the pricing will be reasonable.

"These will be long-term leases and it's for the market, attracting of course not only our membership, but Yukoners and others who want to live in a really beautiful place."

The territorial government says it has no immediate plans to develop its adjacent lands.