Feasibility studies for residential development in Whitehorse’s North and South Growth Areas may impact access to trail networks from Sept. 28 to Oct. 10.
The study run by the Yukon government, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the City of Whitehorse, aims to identify vacant Yukon lands and settlement lands that may have potential for developing residential units, according to a Yukon government news release on Sept. 7.
These studies include a geophysical survey to identify shallow bedrock, crucial for planning infrastructure such as roads, services, and homes. Additionally, wildlife camera and track surveys are being carried out in the North Growth Area to monitor wildlife activity, with a particular focus on woodland caribou.
A series of comprehensive studies are also being conducted to capture both tangible and non-tangible heritage values, the Yukon government press release reads. These studies will be conducted in partnership with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nations citizens.
Geotechnical surveying will close off trail networks on Kwanlin Dün and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council lands along the first stretch of the Long Lake Road. The Fat Tire Fever trail network further up the Long Lake Road will also be part of closures planned for Oct. 9 to Oct. 10.
Trail networks in the South Growth area off Hamilton Boulevard will be affected on Oct. 2 to Oct. 8. These include the Quicky Uptrack and R&D trail on Oct. 2 to Oct. 3. The Sparky trail will be closed Oct. 7 to Oct. 8, and the adjacent trail on Adit Lane Road leading into the Copper Ridge subdivision may be affected on Oct. 7 to Oct. 8.
“As our city grows, working in collaboration with our local governments is important for our growth and expansion to be carefully planned so that all Yukoners can prosper. TKC will work to ensure that Whitehorse grows in a good way for the benefit of our People and the greater Whitehorse Community and for future generations,” Ta’an Kwäch’än Council chief, Amanda Leas, said in the release.
The North and South identified growth areas make up 2,021 hectares of land.
“Whitehorse is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada. Proper planning with our partners will ensure we can accommodate further population growth in a sustainable way,” reads a statement by the mayor of Whitehorse, Laura Cabott.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
