While other cities across the country work hard to preserve the unique flavour of individual neighbourhoods, Whitehorse appears to be going in the opposite direction with changes and exceptions to city building bylaws.
Black Street at this moment is getting torn up to make way for new pipes and to be “upgraded” to a boulevard with curbs and sidewalks. I moved to this neighbourhood to enjoy the unique Old Town atmosphere made up of small single-dwelling homes of various styles and ages.
Many voted against the recent upgrade to a boulevard and voiced their opinions at input meetings against the pending changes to city bylaws which would allow construction of multi-unit dwellings in Old Town and decrease building set-backs.
I will miss the beautiful old trees and the ambience that has developed over the years. Rumour has it that the small houses across the road are soon to be demolished and turned into multi-dwelling units.
I fear a great loss to the city when Old Town is transformed. Whitehorse has already lost so much as witnessed by the random, unappealing nature of the riverfront developments.
Helen O’Connor
Whitehorse