Peter Milner

Hall of Fame

A gentle giant in the Yukon’s sport and recreation community, Peter Milner stood up for the people and the communities that needed it most. 

Peter spent a lifetime ensuring all individuals and communities had access to sport and recreation. He was committed to equity and inclusion. He created a new approach in and between governments with the establishment of the Youth Investment Fund, the Kids Recreation Fund, the Youth Leadership Program and the development of a Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle to represent the interests of Yukon First Nations in sport development within the territory. Peter supported the early development of a Yukon Active Living Strategy that included significant recommendations on how governments should work inter-departmentally to achieve strategic goals.

On the national level, Peter was a leader and builder at the Interprovincial Sport and Recreation Council and as the Provincial/Territorial Co-Chair of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Physical Activity and Recreation Committee.

A believer in the concept of first dreaming it, then planning it, and finally doing it, Peter worked tirelessly outside of his government responsibilities. He served as a founding Director of the Great Northern Ski Society and served as its first President. When others were ready to give up on the idea of a downhill facility in Whitehorse, Peter pushed through with never-ending encouragement. He started the March Lake Loppet in 1995 and led the organization of the event for 10 years.

Peter was also the driving force to bring the 2007 Canada Winter Games to the Yukon, and as soon as the bid was successful he organized the Host Society, recruiting Yukoners into key positions.

The intensity in his enjoyment built immensity in our sport and recreation communities. Peter truly is a giant.