Whitehorse city officials have put forth a proposal for a trail plan in the downtown area, which includes the potential construction of two bridges over the Yukon River. The plan, developed in collaboration with Lees+Associates, serves as a blueprint for possible new pathways within the city center. Although not final, the proposal was presented to the community services committee by the city administration.
This initiative is driven by feedback from the public indicating a desire for enhanced trail connectivity throughout downtown and into surrounding neighborhoods, with a focus on activities like running and cycling. The introduction of these bridges is a key aspect of the plan.
One of the bridges is planned to be located near Main Street, offering a connection for active transportation users from the waterfront trail to Wickstrom Road, close to the hospital. The second bridge is proposed to be situated at the northern end of Industrial Road, designed to be “multimodal,” connecting an extended waterfront trail.
The discussion around the need for additional bridges in Whitehorse has been ongoing for many years. Currently, the Robert Campbell Bridge is the only bridge within the city limits that can accommodate vehicles, handling significant traffic since its opening in 1957. In 2014, the city expanded the bridge to accommodate cyclists safely.
During a recent meeting, a delegate, Peter Long, emphasized the importance of adding at least one bridge downtown to enhance accessibility and livability in the city. Long advocated for a pedestrian bridge near the hospital to create a downtown greenspace, aiming to attract people to live and work in the area.
Mayor Kirk Cameron sees the construction of more bridges as a valuable opportunity, despite the associated costs. The city previously estimated that an active transportation bridge could cost over $30 million. Robert Dickson, the city’s engineering services manager, highlighted the significant capital investment required for such structures, likening it to federal funding.
The proposed trail plan also includes a section of the airport trail, which sustained severe damage in recent landslides. City staff mentioned that repair work has not yet been scheduled for the trail south of the Black Street stairs due to ongoing instability along the escarpment. Discussions between the city and the Yukon government regarding the full restoration of the trail are ongoing, with a focus on stabilizing the escarpment to prevent future landslides.
