The Yukon government, Whitehorse and Watson Lake resumed their focus on active transportation initiatives Wednesday with a huge helping hand from the federal government.

The projects in the Whitehorse area involve the Takhini River Bridge and McIntyre Drive.

During a news conference late Wednesday morning, Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn, Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief Sean Smith, MP Brendan Hanley and Mayor Laura Cabott announced four projects targeting active transportation in the territory.

The release that followed the announcements stated, “Making it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle, kicksled, ski and use other forms of active transportation creates opportunities for Yukoners to live healthier lives while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building more inclusive communities.”

The statement came from Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke, although he did not attend the news conference.

“Today, in partnership with the Government of Canada, our government is proud to announce significant territorial investments to enhance crucial infrastructure that increases opportunities for Yukoners to use active transportation in our communities,” Clarke said in the statement.

The first project is revamping the Takhini River Bridge on the North Klondike Highway just outside of Whitehorse.

“The Takhini River Bridge is part of a critical travel corridor between Whitehorse and communities in central and northern parts of the territory,” the statement said.

“Our government is pleased to invest over $2 million to design and build an active transportation route on the bridge, making it safer for cyclists, runners and other active transportation users.”

A total of three kilometres of shoulder lanes will be painted on the approaches to the bridge to accommodate users and expand the network of accessible options for travellers.

The total funding for this project is $8.5 million.

Mostyn, who was substituting for Clarke, said the bridge improvements are in the design stage, so the final blueprints aren’t ready yet. He expects construction to begin in 2025.

As well, $300,000 has been earmarked for improvements to McIntyre Drive.

This will include curb extensions for pedestrian and calming traffic, installation of concrete wheelchair and pedestrian ramps, new sidewalks, and dedicated bike lanes.

That project attracted the lion’s share of questions from reporters to Cabott and Smith.

Smith said the road was designed at a time when active transportation wasn’t much of a consideration. The presence of Elijah Smith Elementary School has exacerbated the issues.

“By adapting and modifying things we can do, we can continue to promote increased activity, such as walking. McIntyre is just like any other part of the city,” the chief said.

“We’ve had issues over a number of years, and we’ve raised these with the city and with YG,” Smith added.

Cabott said, “Can you imagine living in Riverdale, and not having sidewalks?

“McIntyre is no different than any other neighbourhood in the city of Whitehorse. It’s a little bit behind, right, and that’s why the city is investing. We’re making it safer for people to come and go.

“We’re heavily interested and heavily invested in having people leave their cars at home,” Cabott added.

“There’s a lot of people who live there who don’t have a car, and we want to make it safer for them.

“This project has been in the planning and design phase for a few years, and council is very pleased to now see it proceed to construction,” the mayor said.

The other projects announced Wednesday are slated for Watson Lake.

The Yukon and federal governments “are working together to increase pedestrian safety and improve visibility for drivers in Watson Lake,” the statement said.

The total funding is $1.5 million.

“Part of this funding has already been used to improve pedestrian crossings and install new streetlights on the Robert Campbell Highway between Ravenhill Drive and Two and One-Half Mile Village.

“In 2024, we will be using the remainder of this funding to upgrade two crosswalks on the Alaska Highway with overhead pedestrian-activated flashing beacons, add smaller side-mounted crosswalks at key crossing locations along the Alaska Highway and Robert Campbell Highway, and upgrade pedestrian connections to crosswalks within the town,” the statement said.

As well, funding will also be used to plan for enhancements to the Wye Lake Trail and create an accessible pathway through the Signpost Forest.

Watson Lake Mayor Christopher Irvin expressed his and town council’s “profound gratitude to the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon for their substantial investment through the Active Transportation Fund.

“We particularly appreciate the Government of Yukon's commitment to installing new street lighting, upgrading existing crosswalks, constructing new ones, and improving trails, aligning seamlessly with our vision for a safer and more connected Watson Lake.”

The total cost of all the projects is about $14 million. Ottawa is providing $10.5 million; the territory $2.4 million; the City of Whitehorse $1.2 million; and the Town of Watson Lake and the Liard First Nation $34,583 each.

Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity.

Methods of active transportation include walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as scooters, e-bikes, snowshoes, cross-country skis and more.

Active transportation infrastructure promotes healthier lifestyles, advances equity, cuts air and noise pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, the governments pointed out. 

“Working in tandem with our partners, we’re creating safe avenues to connect residents to schools, jobs, and important amenities through safer and healthier modes of travel,” Hanley said.

In 2023, the Yukon and federal governments announced funding to strengthen the municipal water system, sewers and roads in Watson Lake.

Ottawa contributed more than $12 million through its Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, while the territory invested nearly $4.25 million.