Adding a boat launch and sea can storage to an area on the eastern shore of Schwatka Lake would mean “forever creating a blemish” on the pristine area, says Erin Benoit.

Benoit addressed city council Monday evening during a public input session on the conditional use application put forward by the Yukon Breeze Sailing Society.

The group is pursuing a new boat launch, dock and storage at the lake, where it plans to operate its classes and camps this summer.

Throughout her presentation, Benoit spoke of using the trail through the area and taking in the natural surroundings.

“I use that trail throughout the year,” she said.

Permitting the sailing society to proceed with its plans could open the door for what Benoit deemed as more private use of the lake.

The area, she said, should be for all to enjoy.

Benoit took issue as well with the two sea cans that would be placed near the boat launch for storage, arguing the “extremely industrial” looking sea cans will be visible from the roadway.

It’s sad that council is even considering permitting this type of project, she said after calling on the city to hold off on the matter to allow more time for public consultation.

Yukon Breeze president Dave Hildes was quick to counter her points, strongly stating there would never be fencing preventing access to the trail.

Rather, the fencing would be in place between the two sea cans as a dry-land classroom area, he explained.

Hildes also spoke of plans for mural painting on the sea cans to make the large storage containers more aesthetically pleasing.

Hildes emphasized the group would not be blocking access to anyone else looking to use the lake.

It’s a non-profit society with membership rates as low as $5, he added.

Part of the reason Yukon Breeze is based on Schwatka Lake is to make themselves more visible in the community, Hildes said, choosing the major lake in Whitehorse over other areas like the Southern Lakes.

“We want people to join us,” he said, stressing the group does not want to interfere with the area’s other uses.

Answering questions from Coun. John Streicker, Hildes explained the main focus for Yukon Breeze is on its summer camps – four week-long camps for about a dozen youth ages six to 14.

The group also plans to host a few sailing lessons in the evenings for adults.

Outside of the two sea cans on the ground and the connecting fence between them, there would be little change on land and the group believes there is enough room for all users to take in the water.

“The lake is big enough for all of us,” Hildes said when questioned by Coun. Dave Stockdale about whether other uses – such as the comings and goings of float planes – could be compromised.

At least one float plane operator is ready to welcome the sailing group.

Pilot Rick Ward also spoke at the input session Monday, stating the different uses on the lake are not a problem.

“The lake is a multi-use resource,” he said, describing the sailing club as “just another positive” for the city.

As he pointed out, there aren’t any other formal opportunities in the city to learn to sail.

A report on the public input session will come back to council next week, with members then set to vote on the conditional use in June.