What would a Highway Trail look like in Whitehorse?

Good morning,

I spent an incredible four days in Whitepass last week, learning all about snow and avalanche conditions (and of course, getting in a few ski runs). This isn’t a sponsored post, but a huge thanks to James Minifie at Skookum Backcountry. His courses, two of which I’ve taken now, are helping open up winter terrain to many of us who live here.

Speaking of winter, while I’m obviously excited about the future arrival of summer, maybe the weather could hold off a bit on the warm conditions... There are still lots of trails I need to cross-country ski this season. Luckily, it looks like we’ll be getting more snow this weekend.

We’re on our third edition of the Yukon Lookout, and I have a small favour to ask. As a new publication, it’s hard for people to discover us. If you find this newsletter valuable, consider forwarding it to a friend or sharing it on social media. It really helps others discover us.

And with that, let’s dive into today’s stories.

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout founder

If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign-up for free.

The Yukon Weather Report

YUKON NUMBERS

📆 1: The number of years until the 2026 Arctic Winter Games arrives in Whitehorse (well, it’s March 8, so a few days away!). 

🐕️ $79,000: The amount that Humane Society Yukon raised as part of their recent fundraiser. Congrats!

WHITEHORSE

What would a Highway Trail look like in Whitehorse?

What happened: The Yukon government has released its engagement study on the Whitehorse Highway Trail, a multi-use path that could potentially run from North Klondike Junction to the Carcross cutoff. The results are based on feedback from different stakeholders and the public throughout the region.

Background: The plan is designed to help inform and create safer trail routes for everyone, connect people and communities to the trail network and improve crossing options along the highway. The engagement study is part of the overall plan to build the 30-kilometre route.

Segments: There are five segments that encompass the path, which can be viewed in the image below. 

Key study findings: 945 people participated in the survey. Approximately 78 per cent said they’d use active modes of transportation (biking, walking etc) more if the trails were improved. A key comment from users was the need to improve connections between existing trails and create a paved, separate trail parallel to the Alaska Highway.

• Disconnected trails were also the biggest barrier for people to use the existing trail network. Survey respondents also said it was hard to access different areas of the city with the existing network. Creating a better buffer between the trails and the highway was also a high priority.

The area of greatest concern of current active transportation users was the Centennial Street to Two Mile Hill segment, with the existing network having too many steep slopes, and a dangerous section at Rabbit’s Foot Canyon.

Users identified many different highway crossings that could be improved. The top spots were Takhini, Two Mill Hill and Hampton Boulevard, and Mt. McIntyre.

What it means: There is clearly a demand for a trail throughout the city. However, in order to get people to use it, safety has to be a primary concern, especially having the path be clearly separated from traffic. If you’ve ever ridden your bike along the Alaska Highway, especially Centennial Street to Two Mile Hill, you know how dangerous it is. A key question is whether the trail will be completely separated from the roadway, something respondents in the survey overwhelmingly called for.

Next steps: Now that the engagement study is done, the next step is to create a draft plan, using feedback from the survey. The plan will need to be developed, along with design recommendations. Once funding is secured, construction would take place over five years. 

• The full report can be found here.

NEW JOBS

Discover a new job in the Yukon:

• Senior project manager, Northwestel Inc. in Whitehorse

• Spa attendant, Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs in Whitehorse

• Daycare supervisor, First Nation of Na Cho Nyäk Dun in Mayo

• Registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse, Yukon Hospital Corporation in Whitehorse

• Officer, engineering projects, City of Whitehorse

HOME OF THE WEEK

The last two homes I’ve featured were in and around Whitehorse, so I thought, it was time to venture out to other communities. 

This place is luxury living right in Carcross. At 1,800 square feet, this place comes with one bedroom, two bathrooms, an artist’s studio, beautiful bathrooms, a big patio, a heated garage and EV plug.

It’s a bit pricey for one bedroom, but it’s certainly spacious!

DAWSON CITY

Recreation centre solidifies in Dawson City

What happened: Inching ever so closer to reality, it looks like Dawson will be getting a new community centre, pending a vote from council on the new design, with construction potentially beginning this summer, according to CBC. The new community centre would be located on Dome Road at North Klondike Highway. 

What’s included: The facility will include a bunch of curling sheets, a fitness centre, a walking track, skating rink and an indoor play space. Personally, I love the Dawson Fitness Centre, but it’s always good to have other options! 

• Background: City council decided back in 2017 to build a new facility, rather than spend $20 million to upgrade the existing Art and Margaret Fry building in town. 

Controversy: The proposed building has been dealing with cost overruns for a while now. Back in December 2023, city staff said it could cost $95 million, $30 million over the $65 million budget, according to CBC. Now that appears to be more settled back at the previous cost. Both the territorial and federal governments are contributing funds.

Why it matters: Community centres act as the fabric of a town. I remember visiting Carmacks during the opening of their arena, the energy and excitement of the community was palpable. Every time I visit the Canada Games Centre, it’s full of families and activities. It’s wonderful that Dawson will be getting a new facility, though residents have raised issues about its potential location not being downtown. Yet, the Canada Games Centre is also not right downtown, but still manages to be a popular and critical part of Whitehorse.

THE AGENDA

💰️ The territory announced its response to Donald Trump’s tariffs, with a future assistance program for businesses and Yukoners impacted. And don’t expect to see much American liquor, as all new orders have been paused. [The Star]

👎️ And speaking of the U.S., while small northern towns like Haines have expressed solidarity with Northern Canadians, Alaska’s governor has been less supportive and hasn’t said if he supports Trump’s tariffs. [KTOO]

❌ The principal of the Catholic school Holy Family Elementary School has resigned, alleging that one of the bishops engaged in discriminatory and hateful comments towards First Nations and 2SLGBTQ+ people, as well as interference in school operations. [CBC]

🌊 A pipe leak on Feb. 17 at the Eagle Gold mine may have released over 150,000 litres of cyanide-contaminated water into the environment. The government noted that the receiver managing the clean-up, after taking over from Victoria Gold Corp., has finished creating a settling pond for treating the water. [The Star]

⚡️ Yukoners will be getting a discount on their residential electricity bills starting October 2025, to a maximum of $33.77 per month, from October to March, from the territorial government.

🛣️ The South Klondike Highway was briefly closed on Wednesday for avalanche control measures but is now back open.

🛻 Champagne’s Scene Safety Response Unit got a new pickup truck to help with their volunteer firefighting services. 

🏫 École Whitehorse Elementary School will be moving to the Takhini Land Reserve, in the northwest corner. In the coming months, consultation will continue, with the first consultation planned for spring 2025.

👮 A 48-year-old was arrested in downtown Whitehorse on Feb. 7 for an ongoing warrant. He’s been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possessing a loaded firearm and property obtained from crime. [RCMP]

Disclosure: In the interest of transparency, please note that my partner works for the Yukon government.

WHAT READERS SAID

We asked readers in last week’s newsletter how big a problem the housing crisis is in the Yukon. Here’s how the community voted:

And here’s some of what you had to say:

EVENTS

Whitehorse

Jazz in the Hall: Selina Heyligers-Hare | Old Fire Hall | Mar. 6, 7 pm | Yukoner Selena Heyligers-Hare performs original music and jazz songs that have inspired her | Tickets $15

Comedians Keith Pedro and Simon Glassman | Boiler Room | Mar. 7, 8, multiple times | Come see 2022 Comedy Album of the Year nominee Keith Pedro, and Simon Glassman who appeared on Just for Laughs | Tickets $30

Snowshoe Fest | Biathlon Yukon, Grey Mountain Road | Mar. 8, 1 pm open, 1:30 pm “start” | Explore snowshoe loops and sunny trails | By donation

International Women’s Day 2025 Tattoo Fundraiser | Molotov and Bricks | Mar. 8, 12 pm | Come by and get tattooed, along with many other fun events, tattoos by donation to support women and gender-diverse people | Learn more

Whitehorse Nordic Festival | Whitehorse Nordic Festival | Mar. 9, 11 am-4 pm | Free activities, try different winter sports, team races, along with goodies from Winterlong and Daddy’s Donuts | Learn more

Snowshoe Stroll | Greenbelt across from North Star Drivee | Mar. 13, 4 pm-5 pm | Wildlife viewing walk, for all ages | Free

Acoustic Live Music at the Huts | Whitehorse Nordic Centre | Mar. 16, 3 pm-6 pm | Live music at the huts along the cross-country ski trails | Free

EDI Hut to Hut | Nordic Centre | Mar. 23, 11 am-3:30 pm | Family-friendly ski, snowshoe or fat bike trails, with hot beverages and snacks | Day or season pass required

2025 Paddling Film Festival World Tour | Yukon Beringo Interpretive Centre | Apr. 3, 6 pm | The best in paddling films | Tickets $20

Dawson City

Klondike Ice Queens Jamboree | Art and Margaret Fry Arena | Mar. 7-9 | All hockey players of all abilities welcome!

Thaw di Gras Spring Carnival | Celebrate the end of the winter with numerous activities, including hockey, tricycle races, chilli cook-off, snow sculptures, fireworks and live music | Learn more

2025 Dawson City Fur Show | Robert Service School | Mar. 15, 10 am-5 pm | Fur and trap setting competition, along with a market

Haines Junction

Glacier Nights Snow Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre | Mar. 7-8 | A snow sculpting event, and be sure to bring your toboggan, with musical performances in the evenings and a dance party contest | Learn more

Yukon Hardwater Racing | Pine Lake | Mar. 15-16 | X country racing, kids racing and more | Registration open Mar. 1

Kluane Mountain Bluegrass Festival | St. Elias Convention Centre | June 6-8 | Come enjoy bluegrass music all weekend long | Tickets $195

Teslin

Teslin Lakespiel | March 8-9 | Family-friendly curling on the lake, soup contest and pancake breakfast | Contact [email protected] to register

Have an event or a community announcement? Submit it here.

“FUREVER” HOME

This is Oswald. He’s a mixed-breed two-year-old looking for his forever home. He’s full of energy and great around kids. He’s a big-hearted companion that any family would love. Learn more about Oswald here.

GOOD NEWS

While not technically good news, I came across this lovely story about someone’s experience with Air North. We may have our gripes, but having access to such an airline really is a blessing. It’s hard to imagine an airline like Air Canada doing this…

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Here’s a shot of White Pass from my weekend skiing. Luckily we had period of sun!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Spring programs are now out for Whitehorse. There’s something for everyone!

• The Canada Games Centre Youth Club has a bunch of activities on throughout the month

• Whitehorse’s sister city Ushiku, Japan is looking for host families for incoming exchange students from July 24-Aug. 3. More information here.

• Kalyna Foods has opened up in Yukon Provisions, serving many tasty-looking Ukrainian food options.

YUKON WORDLE

Think you can guess this week’s Wordle? Play it here.