Draft Bylaws Under Review
Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw 2025-08
This bylaw sets out how the Town of Watson Lake appoints and empowers its Bylaw Enforcement Officers. It clarifies their authority to investigate and enforce Town bylaws, including entering non-residential property when necessary, stopping vehicles to check compliance, and seizing items connected to bylaw offences. It also confirms that Enforcement Officers hold the same legal standing as peace officers under certain Yukon and federal laws, outlines protections for officers acting in good faith, and defines penalties for violations.
Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw 2025-08
Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2025-04
The purpose of this bylaw amendment is to review the fees and charges with respect to goods and services supplied by the Town of Watson Lake. The Town of Watson Lake has committed to an annual review of this bylaw. Please see the below links to the draft bylaw and Appendix "A" which lists all fees and charges. Lines that are highlighted in yellow are lines that are currently being discussed by Council.
The Town of Watson Lake encourages public input and comments. Written comments can be sent by email to cdo@watsonlake.ca or dropped at the Town Office located at 710 Adela Trail, Watson Lake.
Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw 2025-04
Animal Control Bylaw 2024-011
The purpose of the Animal Control Bylaw is to provide for the control, health, and safety of, and protection from, wild and domestic animals within the municipality.
The Town of Watson Lake is currently reviewing Animal Control Bylaw 2024-011 and encourage the public to participate by providing input to Mayor and Council. Written comments can be sent by email to cdo@watsonlake.ca or dropped at the Town Office located at 710 Adela Trail, Watson Lake.
Draft Animal Control Bylaw 2024-11
Yukon Animal Protection and Control Act
Business Licence Bylaw
The purpose of the Business Licence Bylaw is to provide for the licencing and regulation of all businesses operating within the municipality.
The Town of Watson Lake is currently reviewing the Business Licence Bylaw as it has not been reviewed or updated since 2006. The Town of Watson Lake encourages public input and comments. Written comments can be sent by email to cdo@watsonlake.ca or dropped at the Town Office located at 710 Adela Trail, Watson Lake. The Bylaw being reviewed is as follows:
Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw
The purpose of this bylaw is to establish a Fire Department for the Town of Watson Lake, and to establish authority and due process for the prevention and control of fire and rescue incidents through delegations of authority and provision of responsibilities.
To better reflect the needs of the organization Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw #18-12 and Volunteer Fire Department Bylaw #99-17 are being amalgamated into one new Bylaw. The Town of Watson Lake is currently reviewing this new bylaw, and encourage the public to participate by providing input. Written comments can be sent by email to cdo@watsonlake.ca or dropped at the Town Office located at 710 Adela Trail, Watson Lake. The Bylaw being reviewed is as follows:
Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw 2024-01
2026 Property Tax Rates
This bylaw sets the municipal property tax classes, rates, and collection provisions for 2026 and is before Council for consideration.
2026 Property Tax Rates Bylaw (PDF)
Vacant and Unoccupied Buildings Bylaw 2026-01
Bylaw 2026-01 requires owners of buildings vacant for more than 60 days in Watson Lake to secure and maintain them to prevent hazards and unauthorized entry, obtain a vacant-building permit and insurance when ordered, and comply with inspections and enforcement measures (including fines and Town-performed work if needed).
Vacant and Unoccupied Buildings Bylaw 2026-01