Yukon-based architecture firm Kobayashi + Zedda has taken legal action against the City of Whitehorse, claiming non-payment for their contracted design services. The lawsuit, filed with the Yukon Supreme Court on August 27, alleges that the city engaged Kobayashi + Zedda to plan the renovations for the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre in October 2022.
Earlier that same year, both the territorial government and the city had unveiled plans for upgrades in preparation for Whitehorse hosting the Arctic Winter Games in 2026, with an estimated project cost of $800,000. According to court documents, Kobayashi + Zedda submitted two invoices totaling $347,368 for their work in July 2024, but the specifics of the services provided were not disclosed.
The lawsuit claims that the city terminated the contract and refused to pay the invoices nearly three months later without providing a clear explanation despite Kobayashi + Zedda’s efforts to seek clarification. Subsequently, the project was assigned to a different company in November 2024.
It is important to note that these claims have not yet been proven in court, and the City of Whitehorse has not responded with a statement of defense. The legal action aims to recover the outstanding $347,368 along with additional compensation for contractual violations.
In response to CBC’s request for comment, a city representative declined to provide a statement. Meanwhile, the city recently announced the completion of the initial phase of renovations at the Mount McIntyre facility, with further enhancements scheduled for the summer of 2026.
