Will Mayor and Council Candidates Protect McIntyre Creek?

Oct. 12, 2012

The Friends of McIntyre Creek, Porter Creek Community Association, Takhini North Community Association, Yukon Bird Club and Yukon Conservation Society asked all of the mayoral and council candidates in the City of Whitehorse’s 2012 election to state their position on protecting Middle McIntyre Creek.

Middle McIntyre Creek is the natural area bordered by the Alaska Highway in the west, Mountainview Drive in the east, Porter Creek subdivision to the north, and Yukon College and Takhini North subdivision to the south.

The City of Whitehorse is proposing to build the Porter Creek-D subdivision in Middle McIntyre Creek, filling all the flat land north of the creek. The current City Council has decided to move forward with preliminary design and planning for Porter Creek-D, but has not voted to proceed with the subdivision.

“This is one of the most well-used outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing and nature education areas in the City of Whitehorse,” said YCS Executive Director Karen Baltgailis. “It provides habitat to at least 74 species of mammals, fish and birds. That’s why local environmental and community organizations oppose the proposed Porter Creek D subdivision, and want Middle McIntyre Creek protected for future generations.”

“The future of McIntyre Creek is an important issue for Whitehorse voters,” said Friends of McIntyre Creek board member Gerry Steers. “Time and time again City Council Chambers have been filled with concerned citizens when Council proposes to ruin the natural character of the area by building a subdivision and roads. We asked the candidates to state their position on protecting Middle McIntyre Creek to help voters make an informed decision on Oct. 18^th.”

Candidates were asked “If you are elected on October 18, 2012, will you oppose the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision and associated roads?” They were also asked to briefly summarize their vision for the future of Middle McIntyre Creek.

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If you are elected on October 18, 2012, will you oppose the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision and associated roads? In 50 words or less please summarize your vision for the future of Middle McIntyre Creek.

Mayor

Dan Curtis: YES

I fear the planning and development of McIntyre Creek would have an adverse effect on private developers and the investment they have made to address the Whitehorse housing shortage. The development or subsequent planning of development on McIntyre Creek is not something I will support - it does not make economic sense.

Scott Howell: UNDECIDED

I feel strongly that the need for development in the McIntyre Creek corridor is not just a threat to wilderness but also an exercise in redundancy. I am proposing a re-examination of Porter Creek D and greenbelt infill lots.

Bernie Phillips: UNDECIDED

If elected, I would support re-evaluating the design of Porter Creek-D with community input at every step of the process. We need to protect existing vegetation and wildlife habitat when housing development takes place, not strip the land bare. I do not support any more development along the creek corridor.

Rick Karp: UNDECIDED

The honest answer is "I don't know". I am on record as saying the completion of the design phase will give us something concrete to discuss. Then we will know the impact of a Porter Creek D and together we will be able to decide whether to move forward or not.

Mandeep Singh Sidhu: NO

No, I would not oppose the Porter Creek-D subdivision. I support creating housing options for the current and future residents of Whitehorse. The D subdivision should be a “last resort.” The development is an eventuality and sensible planning with strict conditions is key to maintaining the environment in the area.

Councillors

Betty Irwin: YES

In my time on Council, I have consistently voted against the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision. McIntyre Creek has been deemed a park in both the OCP of 2010 and in the Strategic Sustainability Plan. This area should be considered a municipal treasure and protected as such.

Cam Kos: YES

I believe the middle McIntyre Creek area should remain undeveloped, as everyone can enjoy this zone and it is part of what makes Whitehorse unique. In addition, Yukon College can offer environment courses right on their doorstep, and the city should help promote, support, and protect locations such as this."

Pat Berrel: YES

I am categorically opposed to any development of McIntyre Creek corridor, EVER! There is no justification for any kind of development in and around the McIntyre Creek watershed. If elected, I will propose that we make the McIntyre Creek watershed a wilderness heritage site.

Jocelyn (Joy) Curteanu: YES

We should tap into other unused or underused urban areas first before we turn to areas that may threaten the delicate balance of our ecosystems.   I would like to see McIntyre Creek preserved for the appreciation, education and enjoyment of my children, my children's children, and many future generations to come

Julie Menard: YES

I'm a friend of McIntyre Creek; therefore my vision for the future of Middle McIntyre Creek is to make it an official city park.  If a city is expanding, its heart needs to be green; offer a space to protect the ecosystem and for us to stay connected to nature. 

Roslyn Woodcock: YES

I’m not sure why, as a city, we are even asking this question. Given the response to Whistle Bend I see no rationale for opening the discussion. This is a highly utilized inner city green space; part of our livable “wilderness city” and I don’t support development of the area. 

Mike Tribes: YES

Yes, I will oppose the PC-D subdivision.  My vision for Middle McIntyre Creek is to protect it for recreation and wildlife.  I'd like to work with FOMC and other groups to develop a vision for this area.

Al Fedoriak: YES

If elected I, Al Fedoriak will work to stop planning and development of Porter Creek D and to take the steps necessary to permanently protect the area from any type of development that would have or appear to have a negative impact on McIntyre Creek.

Leona Kains: (reply came late for this original posting - Oct 19, 2012)

“I am opposed to any development in The McIntyre Creek area.  I would like this area to remain as is for the beauty, recreational and educational purposes.   This is an area I use for my family.   Government needs to concentrate on non-purchased lots and houses in Whistle Bend and Copper Ridge.”

Kirk Cameron: UNDECIDED

My efforts revealed the connector bridge to the Alaska Highway is NOT needed. I pushed for a dialogue on competing values for McIntyre Creek area (all groups agreed), and we are awaiting its outcome. The new Council must consider the facilitator’s report before making a reasoned decision on this critical issue!

John Streicker: UNDECIDED

Green spaces are vital to Whitehorse. McIntyre Creek as a stream and a wildlife corridor is especially important. It is also important to note that housing and in particular attainable housing is currently a major concern. We need to decide as a community where we should grow.

Michael Kokiw: UNDECIDED

While Whitehorse needs more housing, the Porter Creek D subdivision will impact McIntyre Creek’s sensitive ecosystem. An independent facilitator hired by the City has conducted a values discussion about the area, development, and access. Council must be guided by that eventual report, including the public input it contains.

Randy Collins: UNDECIDED

To be totally honest, I personally don't know enough about this project to comment one way or the other. I used to live in Porter Creek and I do understand the area talked about, but I haven't seen the plans or documentation about the plan to really know what is going on.

Councillor Dave Stockdale: NO

I will not oppose the Porter Creek ' D' subdivision for the simple reason that I do not know what that will look like. I will oppose the construction of roads in the area, but feel that in the best interest of the community I must consider some in-filling.

Summary of Votes Regarding Opposing Porter Creek 'D'

Yes Will Oppose:

 Pat Berrel

Jocelyn Joy Curteanu

Dan Curtis

Al Fedoriak

Betty Irwin

Cam Kos

Julie Menard

Mike Tribes

Roslyn Woodcock

No Will Not Oppose Porter Creek "D"

Dave Stockdale

Mandeep Singh Sidhu

Undecided:
 Kirk Cameron

Randy Collins

Scott Howell

Rick Karp
Bernie Phillips
Michael Kokiw
John Streicker

Did Not Respond:

Dave Austin

Jean-Sebastien Blais

Garth Brown

Helen Geisler

Mike Gladish

Leona Kains
Sharon Shorty
Patrick Singh
Conrad  Tiedeman