Open letter to Whitehorse city council,
The Yukon Kennel Club is the oldest non-profit canine Club in the Yukon and is a part of Whitehorse history. The YKC formed in 1969 and hosted the first - and still the only - Canadian Kennel Club show North of 60 in 1971. It has continued to host the annual YKC shows and trials each year, bringing exhibitors from across Canada and the USA for these internationally-recognized events.
Shows started out in the Jim Light Arena in 1971, moved to Stan McCowan Arena in 1978, then to Takhini Arena and the last few years at Mt. McIntyre Rec Centre. The exhibitors who come to the annual show spend thousands of dollars in RV camping, gas, food, tourism, restaurants, etc. The YKC and the host city of Whitehorse have a reputation for friendliness and professionalism when hosting the show. Judges are treated to tours of the area, events such as the Frantic Follies, etc.
YKC is an active community member.
The YKC has been able to do this for over 40 years through its classes. Classes provide education and information to the public on responsible dog ownership, recreation and enjoyment to those who participate, and a networking source to continually find members to join and assist the YKC. Over the years, YKC classes have been held in the Elks Hall, the old recreation complex where the Transportation Museum now exists, both inside and outside on the old tennis courts, in the Masonic Hall, in the old Bay parking lot, the old recreation area in Riverdale, and of course, the Takhini Arena mezzanine. Canine events have been hosted in the F.H. Collins gym, the High Country Inn, Rotary Park and the Takhini Training Field. Dog clubs are adaptable, committed and determined.
As a community citizen, YKC has hosted three Come Meet the Dogs Fairs, hosted first aid seminars, training seminars, sat on the Third Dog Committee with the City of Whitehorse and sponsors and it co-ordinates Canine Good Citizen tests, a Canadian Kennel Club standard. The YKC stays current in the dog sports world and was the club to bring rally obedience to the Yukon.
In 2009-2010, rental rates for the mezzanine were $14.86 an hour plus GST. In 2010-2011, the rate was increased to $36.38 an hour plus GST - an increase of over 100 per cent. The dog clubs are grateful for the space and have always adjusted their timelines to adapt to the other users when assigned the schedule by City Parks & Recreation. Each day of the week, the mezzanine was booked by one or more of the dog clubs, paying for the working space and the storage space as well. The usual bookings were three hours per club.
The Yukon Kennel Club requests that you reconsider your previous decision and continue to allow dog clubs to rent the Takhini Mezzanine in recognition of the sport and education contribution the dog clubs offer to the residents of Whitehorse.
Bonnitta Ritchie
Director and past president
Yukon Kennel Club/Body