Carmacks can expect to reap some benefit from tourism. The community is a stop on the Klondike Highway to Dawson City and could look to tourism growth along that historic route. Carmacks is also one of the few resupply stops on the increasingly popular Yukon River boating route from Whitehorse to Dawson. With growing offshore interest in Yukon wilderness, more people may come to the Yukon for longer stays. Carmacks could take advantage of this trend by developing adventure tourism and winter activities and by establishing a cultural presence to add to the existing history-related attractions. Providing high-quality services for older and more sophisticated tourists will also be important in increasing future tourism.
While all mining remains in the doldrums, an active mining area around Carmacks is being explored to some extent. A feasibility study has been completed for the Minto mine and a production decision is pending. It is a significant copper-silver porphyry deposit, with minor gold. Southwest of Carmacks, the Mount Nansen gold-silver mine is a former producer that is under active exploration.
Changing the higher-than-average unemployment pattern means tackling the issue of few long-term jobs. Employment and economic opportunities will increase as the First Nation assumes greater responsibility for providing programs and services to citizens and beneficiaries. Benefits will filter through the community as a whole in the form of new private enterprise and cottage-industry opportunities.
Both economic growth and expanding tourism activities in Carmacks will require workers who are able to create and run small businesses. The skills and knowledge that will be useful include basic financial skills and communication skills. Local or traditional knowledge will be important in producing crafts, educating and entertaining visitors, and providing interesting outdoor activities that encourage tourists to visit Carmacks or to stay longer in the community.
