I would like to voice my opinion about the tent city people are trying to set up.
The tent city for homelessness is a wonderful idea because it gives people shelter from Yukon’s crazy weather.
I would certainly feel comfortable to know people who are suffering from homelessness are sheltered.
However, I believe the idea of having the tent city beside the Salvation Army is not a good idea.
For years, Whitehorse has been expanding its city with more businesses and gift shops, making Yukon beautiful.
But I believe Fourth Avenue and Black Street would become Whitehorse’s Hasting’s Street if the tent city developed there.
There is an elementary school across the street from the Salvation Army. For years, people stroll their families around Whitehorse, mainly Fourth, because some areas had bars, especially on Second Avenue.
On Fourth, people could avoid intoxicated people, fights, accidents and such at the Salvation Army. What happens when that’s crowded with tents, homeless people, transients, intoxicated people, noise pollution and the violence that comes with that.
The area is also small for the amount of people who are suffering homelessness. I might be OK for a couple of tents, like about five, but can you imagine more than 30?
I care about people and I would like to see good come out for all situations. I know location would be the factor.
Why not where they have the Race Trax derby across the turnoff to Mile Canyon? It could provide a huge area for tents to spread out. It would give those people privacy, and would create more business for Whitehorse.
A trail and staircase could be made, like the one at the end of Black Street.
The dirt hills on Grey Mountain, slightly above the Whitehorse General Hospital, would be another awesome location.
If a tent city were made, many people and families of the Yukon would be pleased to know that people are safe and sheltered.
However, the location should be deserving of Whitehorse and the people who will live there.
If people work together, with compassion and understanding and not prejudice and control, I believe things can work out for everyone.
Christina Asp
Whitehorse