Newsletter: October 13, 2024

Whitehorse Elementary Relocation Updates 

As a result of our last newsletter, there has been a lot of media attention paid to the proposed relocation of Whitehorse Elementary School (WES). It has also been one of the dominant subjects for debate in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. This is bringing much-needed attention to the interests and concerns of our neighbourhood. 

Much of this debate centers on the Association’s position on this matter. As you know, in a recent report the Government of Yukon misrepresented the Association as having a preference for the site location selected by the government. This is not true. In fact, the Association does not hold any formal position whatsoever on this matter. Instead, we have a number of concerns that we have expressed to the government. Until our concerns are addressed, we’ll be unable to approach you, the members, to get your thoughts on a proposed position. 

These concerns are:

1. There is a lack of clarity, evidence and rationale around the Government of Yukon’s 2022 decision identifying Takhini as the neighbourhood for the relocation of Whitehorse Elementary over other unknown locations in Whitehorse. We would like to see the government release whatever study or report led to this decision.

2. The government failed to conduct any analysis of traffic on Range Road prior to deciding to relocate Whitehorse Elementary in Takhini. Before fully committing to Takhini as a location for WES, we would like the government to study traffic on Range Road and provide the public with evidence whether the roadway can sustain the increase in traffic. That analysis should consider the impacts of the upcoming HART intersection at Two-Mile Hill, the new residential building that will be built behind Normandy Living, and the certain increase to the student population at Yukon University.

3. There was a complete lack of public engagement. Decision-making and stakeholder consultation was all conducted behind closed doors. The government invited very little input from the project advisory committee (PAC) and forbade stakeholders from sharing information outside of meetings. We would like the government to consider our Neighbourhood Engagement Report in its decision-making, conduct its own full public engagement on the matter of the relocation of WES, and permit the public sharing of all information, including that learned at PAC meetings.  

4. Commit to the protection of green space. This is a priority expressed in our neighbourhood engagement report. We would like to see the government commit to minimal reduction of green space if/when it relocates WES.

Until these concerns are addressed and resolved, it will be difficult for the Association to take any formal position on this matter. We know we can’t sit on this forever, though. We have been invited to meet with the Minister of Education this Thursday, October 17. We are optimistic that the Minister will acknowledge and perhaps even address some of our concerns. Following that meeting, whatever the outcome, the Association’s board of directors will form a proposed formal position and approach members with it.

A meeting with the Minister of Education is a rare opportunity to represent our members’ interests and concerns. We’d like to invite you to share yours. What’s the most important message that the Minister of Education needs to hear regarding the WES relocation project, and do you support the relocation? Please provide your input at the link below. 

Meeting with the Minister of Education poll

Petition to Protect Green Space

Since the announcement, we have heard concerns from a number of members regarding the size and placement of the sports field that is proposed to accompany the school. Placement of this sports field will necessitate removal of a large area of green space behind and beside Takhini Elementary School. A Takhini resident has started a petition to prevent the removal of the greenspace behind and beside Takhini school. You can sign the petition here. 

Update on Range Road Pedestrian crossings 

We heard from many members earlier this week that they were opposed to the removal of the crossing Range Road at Normandy Road South. People use that crossing to shortcut through the Takhini Arena parking lot on the way to downtown. The Association met with City of Whitehorse staff after the announcement on Monday. The City listened to our concerns and decided to leave the crossing at Normandy South for now. They are planning to gather additional data on the usage and interactions between the three crosswalks in place before moving forward with decommissioning of this crossing. The City is still moving forward with installing crosswalks at Falaise and Rhine. Painting and signage at the new crosswalks will be installed early next week. 

Complete the City of Whitehorse Traffic Calming Survey

In 2024, the City of Whitehorse implemented a series of traffic calming measures throughout the city to reduce vehicle speeds and provide a safer street environment for all road users. Locations are adjacent to schools, playgrounds, and other areas with vulnerable road users.

They are now looking for feedback on those efforts. Visit the Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Pilot Project on the City’s website to access the survey link.

City of Whitehorse Municipal Elections on October 17, 2024

Don’t forget to vote in the Whitehorse municipal elections. Details on when and where to vote can be found here. Voting will take place Thursday, October 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The closest polling locations to Takhini are Canada Games Centre (200 Hamilton Boulevard) and Porter Creek Secondary School (1405 Hickory Street).