Disc golfers around the city could soon enjoy a new course spread over 6.3 hectares of land off the Alaska Highway north of Prospector Road.

The proposal for the 18-hole course came forward to council Monday evening as a conditional use application of the Whitehorse Disc Golf Association to use the area of vacant Commissioner’s land currently zoned as Future Planning and Environmental Protection.

As city planning manager Pat Ross stated in his report to council: “Outdoor participant recreational services are an allowable ‘conditional use’ in each zone, subject to approval by city council and including any additional conditions required for development permit approval to mitigate any concerns that may be raised.”

The Yukon government has already provided a licence of occupation to the association on.

Prior to Ross presenting his report on the proposal, disc golfer Noel Sinclair made a presentation on behalf of the disc golf association. He cited the benefits of the sport and addressed concerns over recent vandalism to both courses in the city.

Four other members of the association joined Sinclair in council chambers.

“Disc golf is a fantastic recreational opportunity for a wide variety of Whitehorse citizens,” Sinclair said.

It costs little (outside of the cost of a disc) to play, he added. As well, it’s open to anyone of any age, and can often provide a recreational pastime for a demographic (often boys ages 12 to 14) that can be difficult to provide programming for.

Sinclair has played for 30 years. He was involved in the development of a course in Nanaimo, B.C. prior to moving to Whitehorse about 20 years ago.

He encouraged the city to contact officials in Nanaimo if they wanted to learn more about that community’s experience.

He also noted there are courses in Skagway and Haines, Alaska as well and throughout the country.

Coun. Samson Hartland raised the recent spate of vandalism. He said it’s disappointing that it seems to continue, and he wondered if the association is looking at any way of preventing it at the new course.

The most recent incident occurred last weekend. It saw 12 of 19 tone cans (the targets disc golfers aim to hit on the course) smashed at the Solstice course near Yukon College.

The association opted to remove all the cans from the course to avoid more vandalism.

The episode followed other incidents over the last few months where targets have been stolen or damaged.

Sinclair replied that the association is working to have more permanent equipment on the new course. Many of the targets now are attached to trees by strings and other easily-removed items.

Ross noted in his presentation later in the meeting that the new course will feature baskets attached to metal poles cemented into the ground.

While the poles can be removed fairly easily with the proper tools, vandals looking to remove them without the proper equipment would have a hard time.

“Each hole will have two tee pads, constructed of natural dirt and turf ground,” he said.

“Approximately 80 anchor holes are proposed, with two to three sleeves at each hole to allow multiple target placements and minimize soil compaction and erosion.

“Signage will be installed at the beginning of the course, at each tee pad and at trail crossings. Fairway improvements include modest vegetative clearing to establish fairways and trail networks.

“Ongoing course maintenance would involve brush trimming, grass mowing and trail repair. Other improvements may include benches, picnic tables, garbage and recycling bins, an outhouse and erosion protection items such as boardwalks.”

It was stressed throughout the presentation that access would continue for other users of the area and that more detailed design is anticipated to be complete this summer and would be required under the development permit process.

Sinclair also mentioned his disappointment with the vandalism, noting the association is “completely perplexed” about who is causing the damage.

Coun. Betty Irwin wondered if the course would indeed be an “all-season” course, as it was indicated in Ross’ report.

She questioned if play happens year-round.

Sinclair said there are some “dedicated players” who are on a course every weekend, regardless of the season.

In the winter, he explained, players attach a ribbon to their discs, making it easy to find if it lands in the snow.

“Yes, I guess you can, and it’s a lot of fun,” he said.

Sinclair had his own first winter disc-golf experience just four weeks ago at the association’s latest tournament.

He was one of about 20 players who came out, with the proceeds going to the Whitehorse Food Bank.

Residents will have a chance to let council know what they think of the proposed course with a public input session at next week’s council meeting.

A report will then come forward on April 4. Council is expected to make a decision on the conditional use application at its April 11 meeting.

Coun. Rob Fendrick was absent from last night’s meeting.