A simple repair to the Copper Haul Road stirred some spirited debate at Whitehorse city council Monday evening.

After the heavy snows of the past few winters, city staff are recommending the installation of a large culvert along the seasonal road, which is primarily used for recreational purposes.

The project would see the replacement of two existing culverts, which couldn’t contain the flood water over the last snow melts, causing the road to wash out.

The repairs would be expensive, according to the staff report.

“The Copper Haul Improvements Project involves replacing culverts and stabilizing the road on the north end of Copper Haul Road, the report reads.

“For 2024, two large diameter twin culverts will be replaced with a larger pipe arch to address ongoing issues with the existing culverts.

“Funding for this project was first approved in the 2022-2025 Capital Expenditure Program and funds have been carried forward since then. This project is funded entirely from the Canada Community-Building Fund and a Transfer Payment Agreement is in place,” the report says.

“In the spring of 2021 and 2022, Fish Creek overtopped Copper Haul Road, making it impassable. The flooding was a due to a combination of events, including frost jacking and erosion around the existing culverts. Above average snowpack likely exacerbated these factors.”

The reports states “proposed construction work for 2024 includes removing two culverts and replacing them with an engineered pipe arch complete with fish baffles for safe passage.

“This improvement will reduce the risk of future washouts at this location. The conclusions indicate that this is the most cost-effective solution and that rehabilitating the existing culverts is not feasible.”

All permitting pertaining to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board and acquiring a water licence is in place.

The 2023-2026 capital expenditure program included $751,771 for the project and included scope for detailed design, permitting and construction services.

Engineering services for detailed design and permitting are completed and the amount available to re-budget to 2024 to complete the construction is approximately $632,596.

“Future improvements, tentatively scheduled for 2025 in the 2024-2027 Capital Expenditure Program, will include replacing three additional culverts and fortifying the existing road within this area, all of which are less critical than the proposed work for 2024,” the report says.

Taylor Eshpeter, the city’s manager of engineering services, presented the report, and said the repairs are crucial in keeping the road accessible.

The road is used heavily by mushers in the winter, along with snowmobilers, snowshoers and skiers.

In the summer, when it opens for vehicle traffic, it’s an important access to the nearest back-country areas for local residents.

Coun. Dan Boyd said, “It’s a legacy infrastructure left over from the ’60s and early ’70s. In the ’80s and ’90s, there very little interest in this road, but it’s changed now.”

Boyd said a further explanation of why the road is important enough to have the work done would be appreciated.

Eshpeter replied, “You’ve nailed it there. It’s mainly used for recreational purposes. It’s quite heavily used.”

The road is also utilized for fire protection services and FireSmarting, he added.

Coun. Kirk Cameron questioned the need for the project, saying he was playing “devil’s advocate” as he did so.

“What are the values that this needs this sort of attention that would somehow require our attention to make sure this road is to some kind of standard?” he asked.

“Why are we doing this? It’s a lot of money to spend for passable. I’m not seeing the value of passable.”

Eshpeter repeated the work is necessary to keep the road accessible for traffic and general usage.

“We are aiming to keeping it passable. We’re not aiming for much more than that. It’s very much an off-road trail, but passable,” Eshpeter said.