The City of Whitehorse outlined some of its plans in more detail for the 2024-2027 capital budget on Monday evening.

Svetlana Erickson, the city’s manager of financial services, reviewed last week’s public input session on the proposed budget and went into some detail on the city’s response.

The report she presented to council stated “two submissions have been received encouraging the city to focus on progressive infrastructure development and maintenance, including sidewalk repairs and development, street reconstruction and safety, and escarpment risk assessment.”

The report also emphasized requests for the city to:

• Recognize the need for downtown sidewalk network improvement and address specific locations lacking sidewalks for safety and accessibility.

• Consider proposed suggestions regarding various street reconstruction projects, intersection improvements and traffic signal replacements for safety, accessibility, and connectivity.

• Study, analyze, and mitigate risks along the escarpment.

“The city acknowledges the concerns raised by the submissions regarding infrastructure development and maintenance,” the report reads.

“The suggestions provided will be considered in our ongoing evaluation of infrastructure priorities and planning. The proposed 2024-2027 Capital Expenditure Program includes several projects.

• “Two Mile Hill sidewalk erosion repairs – will address erosion and substandard conditions along the north side of Two Mile Hill; the project plans to hard-surface the area between the road curb and sidewalk, aiming to reduce hazards, improve drainage, prevent erosion, and maintain the sidewalk’s condition past the 2024 rehabilitation work.

• Major sidewalk repairs – multiple city sidewalk repairs to ensure safety and accessibility in the downtown area, Takhini North, Riverdale and Two Mile Hill.

• Escarpment risk assessment – will update geohazard zones (low, moderate, and high) of the escarpment, providing vital information for informed development decisions and policies on risk assessment and mitigation.

• Robert Service Way permanent solution – a detailed engineering design project to address a permanent solution – a combination of slope reshaping, roadway realignment, and infrastructure to manage seepage.”

Coun. Mellisa Murray asked whether there is any funding available for the work from the Yukon government.

City manager Jeff O’Farrell told her an application has been submitted to the federal government to help the city cover the costs, but there has been no response yet.

The Yukon government has declined to provide funding directly, but has also submitted an application on the city’s behalf.

The report also addressed plans for parks and recreation development.

“Two submissions were received encouraging the city to ‘prioritize play-ground improvements in the downtown south area and across the city.’”

One submission pointed out the need for investment and the lack of recreational infrastructure for children living downtown.

Another submission emphasized the need for more accessible playgrounds in Whitehorse for children with special needs.

One submission recommended redevelopment and reprioritization of waterfront areas, suggesting repurposing parking areas into parks and replacing trolley tracks with a rail trail.

The city plans include a project for playground equipment replacement as well as “Whistle Bend Phase 6 Playground with a priority to make this playground accessible.

“Administration is evaluating locations for a small playground in the downtown south area to replace the one removed due to the escarpment slide.

“Inclusive play equipment is very specialized, as is the surfacing required. It is also very costly and requires a site that has accessible parking and pathways to ensure access to the playground.

“The city now has four playgrounds that have accessible or inclusive options.”

Eight submissions have been received requesting that council focus on accessibility improvements for elders, seniors, and people with disabilities, trail planning and implementation, traffic-calming, and encouraging and supporting safe active transportation.

Submissions specifically requested that the city:

• Update the existing snow and ice control policy to prioritize sidewalk maintenance and accessibility to parking stalls, curb cuts, ramps, bus stops, and crosswalks in the downtown area (see more on p. 4).

• Implement snow-clearing along Hamilton Boulevard for active transport users.

• Develop a downtown trail plan for the downtown and adjacent areas.

• Construct a paved multi-use trail along Lewes Boulevard and lower escarpments trail pathway to complete the downtown loop.

• Ensure the protection and integrity of the airport perimeter trail.

• Consider the concept of a Yukon River pedestrian bridge.

• Invest in traffic-calming and safety measures, particularly in areas surrounding the new elementary school in Whistle Bend.

The report indicates the city has a variety of plans to address these concerns.