By now residents of Riverdale will have received a survey entitled “East Yukon River Motorized Multi-Use Trail Network Plan” in their mailboxes. While there are designated non-motorized trails on the east (Riverdale) side of the Yukon River, there are no designated motorized multi-use trails.
An East Yukon River Task Force, comprised of user groups and Riverdale Community Association representatives, worked to recommend a motorized multi-use trail network during the fall of 2012. A survey was undertaken in early 2013, followed by public consultation and further discussion. To quote the city-sponsored survey, “the latest draft motorized multi-use network plan incorporates task force work, public consultation results, and the recommendations of city administration. We (i.e. the city) are seeking additional input in an effort to find a solution that is broadly supported by trail users and Riverdale residents.”
The survey asks residents and trail users to consider three proposals.
The first proposal concerns motorized multi-use routes outside the Riverdale containment area. Maps may be found online at www.whitehorse.ca/trails or picked up in hard copy at the Outreach and Events office at 4061-4th Ave, at the Sports Yukon building next to the High Country Inn.
The second proposal relates to the access routes (Grey Mountain Road, Peewee Hill and Chadburn Lake Road) that lead out of Riverdale.
Finally, the third proposal, a new initiative, asks about motorized use of the powerline corridors behind residences on Pelly/Hyland, Hart, Firth, Boswell and Bell Crescents to connect to the Lower Powerline.
Supporting documents, including the Official Community Plan, the Riverdale Neighbourhood Plan 2010 and other pertinent information, can be accessed by clicking on the links on the whitehorse.ca/trails page.
The Riverdale Community Association urges residents and trail users to complete either the online survey or to submit the paper survey by Oct. 4, 2013, so that your views can provide direction for trail usage on the east side of the Yukon River.
Doug MacLean
President, Riverdale
Community Association