McIntyre Creek Land Consultation

Project Locations
The land area for discussion is bordered by Rabbit’s Foot Canyon on the west, Mountainview Drive on the east and McIntyre Creek in the south.

Location/Land Use Map

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Project Background
The Yukon government has begun a consultation process for the McIntyre Creek Area to resolve long-standing land interests in the area.

There have been a number of interests and positions put forward on the future of this area. These include: potential lands for Yukon College, protected area park status and residential development as previously planned for in the City Official Community Plan (OCP). 

A residential land development process was initiated by the City of Whitehorse for land adjacent to the McIntyre Creek area.  The Pine Street Extension Porter Creek Feasibility Study and subsequent subdivision concept was completed and presented to the public in October 2005.

Land Interests being considered
 
Yukon College Endowment Lands
Yukon College has a long-standing interest in land adjacent to the McIntyre Creek area for future expansion requirements as well as educational purposes and future revenue options. 

Protected Park Area
McIntyre Creek is a central feature in the study area and is a fish and wildlife corridor that extends from the base of Mt. McIntyre to the Yukon River.  McIntyre Creek supports a rich habitat including wetlands, ponds and mature riparian spruce ecosystems.  The creek is a fish bearing stream and its wetlands support beavers, water birds, amphibians and birds of prey.

Stinky Lake, also within the consultation study, is fed by a limestone spring and is a unique local wetland complex habitat.

The overall area of McIntyre Creek is widely used for recreation and nature appreciation as multiple trail networks exist.  The area is also used for personal fitness activities, dog walking, mountain-biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing as well as providing a travel route to Haeckel Hill and beyond for motorized pursuits.

Land for Residential Development
There is an urgent need to have more residential lots made available so that Whitehorse may continue to grow and develop. An area on the east and west side of Pine Street extension was determined to be suitable for development in the Pine Street Extension Porter Creek Feasibility Study.  The east portion is designated in the City’s Official Community Plan as residential use and the area west of Pine Street would require an Official Community Plan amendment to allow for residential development.  Original development plans for Porter Creek included the areas identified and is referred to as Porter Creek D.

Development within or adjacent to existing neighbourhoods is supported by the City of Whitehorse Official Community Plan policy 4.7.1 “Future development shall be directed in a compact manner as feasible given already established land use patterns.  This includes redevelopment and infill development in the downtown along with limited residential infill in Porter Creek and Riverdale”.

Opportunities for Public Input
The Yukon government wants to hear your views regarding the proposed land uses being considered for the McIntyre Creek Area including; a park-status protected area, endowment lands for Yukon College and lands for residential development. 

The Yukon government has undertaken consultation with the Yukon College, Ta’an Kwach’an and Kwanlin Dun First Nations and the City of Whitehorse.  These stakeholders were also provided an opportunity to express their interests in the area.
Two additional public meetings have been scheduled to provide opportunities for the public to express their views about the McIntyre Creek area. 
Public open house meetings will be held:
• Wednesday May 24, 5 – 8 PM  Whitehorse Elementary School Gym
• Monday June 5, 5 – 8 PM   Jack Hulland Elementary School Gym
Questionnaire
If you cannot attend the public open houses please fill out this questionnaire. Once you have completed it, use the following to submit your views:
E-mail:  LandConsultation
FAX:  393-6216
Post Mail:
McIntyre Creek Consultation
Community Services C-9
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6