Active transportation projects will provide healthy and convenient travel options in Whitehorse and Watson Lake, after a combined investment of more than $14 million from the governments of Canada and Yukon and communities.
Announced by MP Brendan Hanley, Minister Nils Clarke, and Mayor Laura Cabott, these projects will help residents stay active and get around through cleaner, safer, and healthier options.
The Government of Yukon will upgrade the Takhini River Bridge, along the North Klondike Highway in Whitehorse, by adding cantilevered pathway with lighting to create a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. A total of 3 km of shoulder lanes will be painted on the approaches to the bridge to accommodate users and expand the network of accessible options for residents.
The City of Whitehorse will receive funding to make safety improvements and create a new route on McIntyre Drive corridor, within the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. This will include curb extensions for pedestrian and calming traffic, installation of concrete wheelchair and pedestrian ramps, new sidewalks, and dedicated bike lanes.
In the Town of Watson Lake, the Government of Yukon will install new street lights along the Robert Campbell Highway, upgrade two existing crosswalks with signage and lighting along the Alaska Highway, construct four new pedestrian crosswalks, and build up to 100 metres of trails and paths to connect the four crosswalks. These crosswalks will be located along the Alaska and Robert Campbell Highways to provide safer connections between the school, local businesses, tourist attractions and walking trails on the opposite side of the highway. Furthermore, funding will also be used to plan for enhancements to the Wye Lake Trail and create an accessible pathway through the Signpost Forest.
These investments are part of Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy, which aims to create and improve pathways, bike lanes, and pedestrian bridges all over the country. It's a big step towards healthier living and creating tight-knit communities, making a better-connected Canada for us all.
