Whitehorse city officials have put forward a downtown trail proposal featuring two potential bridges spanning the Yukon River. The plan, developed in collaboration with the landscape architectural firm Lees+Associates, serves as a blueprint for potential new pathways in the city center. Presented to the community services committee by city administration, the plan is informed by public input indicating a desire for enhanced trail connectivity across downtown and neighboring areas, with a focus on activities like running and cycling.
The proposed bridges are a significant aspect of the plan. One bridge is suggested to cross the river near Main Street, facilitating access for active transportation users between the waterfront trail and Wickstrom Road near the hospital. The second bridge, labeled as “multimodal,” is proposed to be located at the northern end of Industrial Road, where it would intersect with an elongated waterfront trail.
The discussion around adding additional bridges within Whitehorse has been ongoing for decades, as the city currently has only one vehicle-accessible bridge, the Robert Campbell Bridge, which experiences heavy traffic. Originally opened in 1957, the Robert Campbell Bridge underwent widening in 2014 to accommodate cyclists.
Advocates for increased accessibility, like delegate Peter Long, emphasize the importance of adding bridges to improve the city’s livability. Long envisions a pedestrian bridge at the hospital to connect Long Lake hospital trails with downtown greenspaces, aiming to enhance the overall experience of living and working in Whitehorse.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of more bridges, Mayor Kirk Cameron recognizes the associated costs. Previous estimates indicated that an active transportation bridge could cost upwards of $30 million, a substantial capital investment that would likely require federal funding.
In addition to the downtown trail plan, attention is also directed towards the airport trail, which suffered damage during recent landslides. City staff highlighted ongoing concerns about trail stability along the escarpment, with a focus on rehabilitation efforts to address the issue.
Discussions between the city and the Yukon government regarding the full restoration of the airport trail are ongoing, with a priority on shoring up the escarpment to mitigate future landslide risks. Detailed design and feasibility assessments will play a crucial role in determining the next steps for the trail’s rehabilitation.