Whitehorse Council Reviews Public Input Ahead of Budget Vote

UPDATE: Whitehorse officials are urgently reviewing public input on the city’s $98 million Capital Expenditures Program ahead of a crucial vote set for December 8, 2023. City staff, led by Financial Services Manager Svetlana Erickson, reported on December 1 that they received 123 written submissions from residents and organizations, reflecting community concerns over the proposed budget.

The upcoming council meeting will determine the fate of several contentious projects, including the highly debated Holly Residential Area Master Plan. Residents have vocally opposed this development, which could impact 6.25 hectares of green space near Porter Creek Secondary School. Concerns center on environmental implications and the loss of green areas, prompting Councillor Paolo Gallina to question the project’s viability amid sustained local opposition.

The city’s Official Community Plan (OCP) identifies this land for future development, but amending the OCP would be necessary to remove it from consideration, as stated by Lindsay Schneider, Director of Development Services. She emphasized that council must adhere to the OCP in the budget process.

Public input also highlighted delays in park development at Whistle Bend, attributed to pending site preparation by the Yukon Government. Director of Community Services Krista Mroz reassured citizens that the city is ready to proceed with plans for playgrounds and benches, pending governmental approval.

Another significant concern is the Whitehorse North Station 3 Fire Hall project, which is currently undergoing environmental and geo-technical studies with $350,000 allocated for this year’s capital budget amendments. Community safety has emerged as a pressing issue, particularly regarding hazardous intersections along Falcon Drive and Hamilton Boulevard. Residents have expressed worries about visibility and speeding vehicles, prompting the city to hire an engineering consultant to evaluate safety measures.

“We are ready. We do have budget set aside to do the city’s portion of the work,” said Mroz regarding park developments.

Erickson revealed plans for short-term traffic calming measures, including potential redesigns at problem intersections, slated for 2026. Future projects may include a roundabout if studies deem it necessary. Councillor Jenny Hamilton, who regularly drives these streets, urged the need for practical traffic solutions beyond merely enforcing speed limits.

Current public submissions have also focused on public transit concerns, particularly regarding the 60-minute schedule during off-peak times, which some argue deters usage. To improve service flexibility, the city requires additional operating funds and a larger fleet, a situation outlined by Erickson during the council meeting.

In an effort to enhance transit services, projects worth $4.6 million have been added to the amended budget for 2025, including new buses and the design of a downtown transit hub. However, as it stands, $85.3 million of the overall budget is still seeking external funding sources, while $12.2 million has secured funding and will proceed.

As the council prepares for its decisive vote on December 8, local residents are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns. The outcome will shape Whitehorse’s infrastructure and community development for years to come.

For further details, contact Becky Zimmer at [email protected].