The government of Yukon is suggesting the construction of a new industrial subdivision in Whitehorse, which is facing opposition from the public. The proposal for the Ice Lake subdivision was presented to the Yukon Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessment Board in January, and the board is currently assessing the project.
The planned subdivision would comprise approximately 15 industrial-commercial lots situated near the Whitehorse weigh scales off the Alaska Highway. This area was designated for commercial and industrial development in the City of Whitehorse Official Community Plan, aiming to provide sufficient land for local growth and diverse economic opportunities.
During the consultation phase, over 60 public comments were received by the review board, with many expressing opposition to 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 significant negative impacts of the development.
The proposed development would entail rerouting the Rock Gardens trail, resulting in the permanent loss of approximately one kilometer of the trail, which would be replaced with 400 meters of new trail. Colin McCann, the president of the Klondike Snowmobile Association, expressed concerns about the impact on the trail network, advocating for a one-to-one replacement ratio for any trails affected by the development.
Duncan Martin, a senior project manager with the Yukon government, acknowledged the recreational value of the area and mentioned plans to mitigate impacts by rerouting trails and ensuring an equivalent recreational experience. Martin highlighted that half of the area would remain as green space, offering ample room for designing new trails. Development activities will commence only after a final decision is made by the Yukon government, pending the assessment board’s recommendation.
The assessment board’s initial deadline for a recommendation was extended to September 1, delaying the decision-making process. Once the decision document is received, the department will determine the next steps based on budget allocation and project support.