The public review period for a proposed industrial subdivision on the west side of Ice Lake Road in Whitehorse closes on July 20, the Yukon Socio‑Economic and Environmental Assessment Board (YSEAB) says. The project, driven by the Yukon government through the Department of Community Services’ Land Development Branch, would divide a 25.4‑acre parcel into roughly 10 to 15 industrial and commercial lots intended for sale to private buyers.
What is proposed
Under the plan, industrial buyers would purchase lots and be responsible for on‑site development, which could include constructing buildings and installing water and sanitary systems. The project area includes the weigh station near the Alaska Highway and Hamilton Boulevard intersection and sits adjacent to existing outdoor recreation uses.
- Parcel size: 25.4 acres
- Planned lots: 10–15 industrial/commercial lots
- Public comment deadline: July 20
Local recreation and community concerns
The site currently hosts several community and municipal trails, including the city‑constructed Rock Garden trail and the community‑built Weigh Station Access trail. The highly popular Rock Gardens rock‑climbing area lies a short distance to the southwest of the proposed development. That proximity has prompted debate online among local trail users.
"is based on a municipality’s identified priorities and land use designation in the Official C...
The News contacted the Department of Community Services to ask how the parcel was chosen. In an email, Laura Prentice, director of the Land Management Branch, said the development stems from municipal priorities and land‑use designations, noting the land is Yukon government owned.
Support and opposition in the community
Responses shared in the Yukon Mountain Biking Facebook group reflect a split in public opinion. Some residents raised concerns that the government is proposing development on an area with substantial recreational value and asked why previously disturbed or less sensitive lands were not prioritised. Others argued that Whitehorse needs more space for private industrial and commercial infrastructure to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth.
The choice of site and the short comment window mean the issue will be decided largely on written submissions to YSEAB and the Department of Community Services. Residents who use the trails, local recreation groups, business stakeholders and anyone with an interest in how Whitehorse grows are encouraged to review the project materials and register comments before the deadline.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Area | 25.4 acres |
| Lots proposed | 10–15 industrial/commercial |
| Comment deadline | July 20 |
How the community balances the need for industrial land with protection of established recreation spaces will shape outcomes for that corridor west of Ice Lake. The YSEAB process and subsequent municipal planning decisions will determine whether the site proceeds to subdivision and sale, and what mitigations or trail relocations might be required should the project advance.
