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Kwanlin Dun developments face opposition

Kwanlin Dun developments face opposition The Kwanlin Dun First Nation wants to have five of its properties in Whitehorse designated for future development. But it hasn't said exactly what it wants to build on these properties.

The Kwanlin Dun First Nation wants to have five of its properties in Whitehorse designated for future development. But it hasn’t said exactly what it wants to build on these properties. And that has residents concerned.

The First Nation has 88 properties in Whitehorse. Five of those parcels are currently designated as greenspace in the city’s Official Community Plan. The First Nation wants them to be zoned for future development. A bylaw to do so passed first reading in February.

A public hearing into the bylaw was held on Monday. No citizens came to council. But six written submissions were against it. Two of the areas are along Fish Lake Road, one is adjacent to the Yukon River along the city’s southeastern boundary and another is adjacent to the Yukon River, across from Pineridge. The fifth parcel is on Grey Mountain Road, southeast of Riverdale. At 70 hectares, it is the smallest of the properties in question.

And many of the comments were about that development possibility. Riverdale residents were concerned development would harm wildlife in the area, and cause them to lose access to valuable walking trails.

A report on the public hearing will be presented on Monday. The latest the bylaw could be approved is June 24, assuming a full-length ministerial review.

(Meagan Gillmore)