The government of Yukon is suggesting the construction of a new industrial subdivision in Whitehorse, which has generated some opposition from the public. The proposal for the Ice Lake subdivision was submitted to the Yukon Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessment Board in January for evaluation. This subdivision is planned to comprise approximately 15 industrial-commercial lots situated near the Whitehorse weigh scales along the Alaska Highway.
The City of Whitehorse Official Community Plan had earmarked this area for commercial and industrial growth with the aim of providing adequate residential, commercial, and industrial space to facilitate local expansion and a variety of economic opportunities.
Despite the consultation process, with over 60 public comments received by the review board, a significant number of individuals expressed disapproval of the project. Concerns raised by critics included the potential loss of a popular local green space used by rock climbers, mountain bikers, and hikers. One commenter emphasized the importance of finding an alternative location due to the negative impacts outweighing the economic benefits of the development.
The proposed development would necessitate rerouting the Rock Gardens trail, resulting in the permanent loss of around one kilometer of the trail, to be replaced by 400 meters of new trail, as detailed in documents submitted by a consultant hired by the Yukon government.
Colin McCann, the president of the Klondike Snowmobile Association, highlighted the association’s role as a trail steward in Whitehorse and expressed concerns about the precedent set by replacing one kilometer of trail with less than half the length of new trail.
Duncan Martin, a senior project manager with the land development branch of the Yukon government, recognized the recreational value of the area to Whitehorse residents. He assured that efforts would be made to mitigate impacts by rerouting trails and aiming to provide a recreational experience of comparable quality. Martin also mentioned that half of the area would remain as green space, offering ample room for designing new trails.
Development activities are contingent upon the final decision of the Yukon government, pending the recommendation from the assessment board. The board’s recommendation deadline has been extended to September 1, delaying the issuance of the decision document required to progress the project further.