Eileen Melnychuk, a city council candidate for the Oct. 21 municipal election, is seeking to improve access to municipal services for all Whitehorse residents. 

Melnychuk said this week she has been on the campaign trail in local neighbourhoods and noting people’s concerns.

Aside from the key issue of affordable housing, the most common subjects being raised are crime, sustainable waste management, access to public transit and snow removal, she said.

“Last year’s unprecedented snowfall reminded all of us that we are not immune to climate change,” said Melnychuk.

“I’m hearing from elders, seniors and those with limited mobility that they are struggling to navigate city streets due to infrequent snow removal.

“I have also heard from residents in country residential areas that although they pay city taxes, they do not receive the same level of service.”

If elected, she said, one of her priorities will be to ensure that future budgets plan for deepening snowfall amounts and that all neighbourhoods have adequate snow removal.

“We must ensure that City of Whitehorse operations has the proper equipment and staff to adequately deal with increased snow removal demands and keep our roads safe and accessible,” said Melnychuk.

She has met many people who rely on the public transit system to get around.

“Proper road maintenance and snow removal can keep transit routes accessible and give everyone an opportunity to access what our city has to offer,” she pointed out.

As a member of council, she vowed, she would work “to ensure our city is livable and continues to sustain its growth and development in a responsible way, ensuring that snow removal is efficient and that our public transit system is responsive.”