Whitehorse will host another “town square” this summer, this time along Front Street so as to lower disruption to Main Street businesses.

“We’re not closing Front Street for that time, but it will be closed periodically between Jarvis and Main for evenings and weekends,” Coun. Dan Boyd said during Monday’s meeting.

“This addresses the concerns of business owners in the area.”

Council members gave unanimous consent to the plan. The 2024 edition of the town square will run for two months, starting near the end of June.

Most of the $180,000 cost will come from general reserves ($105,000), with the city looking to external funding for the rest.

Last year’s town square ran from June through September.

This year, like last year, will feature weekly markets, mobile food vendors, public seating, live music and street artwork. There will be more picnic tables this year as well.

Boyd reminded council that feedback collected by city staff on the 2023 Main Street pilot project found that the majority of respondents wanted to see similar events in future, in the same or nearby location.

He stressed that this year’s location will be a test, not a commitment to a permanent location.

Coun. Kirk Cameron and Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu asked for a similar exit survey to be done this year to see if the new location works better.

The project is intended to reinforce the role of downtown as the vibrant heart of the city.

It also also provides opportunities to connect with the Yukon River, which is of special importance for Whitehorse residents and especially to First Nations, according to the city.

Coun. Ted Laking noted that music events at the MacBride Museum could be adversely affected by the town square.

He suggested that the city partner with the museum on the proposed free music program.

The new location will require less work from municipal staff to set up and manage.

As most activities would take place on the riverfront and wharf, little to no parking spaces should be affected.