City council required no convincing Monday night to pass a motion calling on the federal government to recognize just how important Parks Canada attractions like the SS Klondike are to the territory.

The motion – proposed by Mayor Dan Curtis – was passed unanimously with little discussion among members.

Curtis brought the proposal forward in response to federal cuts being made to Parks Canada.

It's been suggested by many that the cuts will mean no more guided tours of the SS Klondike and other National Historic Sites in the territory.

Yukon MP Ryan Leef said late last year there would likely be an announcement in February regarding how the sites will be operated.

Monday night's motion echoed the sentiments made earlier by the territory's MLAs, with the city's motion stating:

"Whereas Parks Canada is a vital partner in the Whitehorse heritage community, a cornerstone of our culture and key element in our tourism economy; and

Whereas the City of Whitehorse is deeply concerned with the impact recent federal decisions have had on our heritage community and on the experience and enjoyment of our citizens and visitors;

Therefore, be it resolved that the City of Whitehorse support the efforts of the government of Yukon in urging the Government of Canada and her agents to recognize the importance of Parks Canada's Yukon sites in attracting visitors, increasing the value of Yukon tourism products and supporting jobs critical to our economy.”

Prior to the vote, Curtis noted his hope council would agree with the proposal.

Coun. John Streicker also noted his thought that prior to the vote, it should be pointed out that Leef has been working on the issue.

As well, the city planned to be involved in the MP's open house Tuesday on the coming federal budget, as well as a call next week to discuss the matter.

After the meeting, Curtis said he'd be taking part in the teleconference.

While Curtis had been pushing for funding to be reinstated to keep facilities like the SS Klondike open with guided tours, he said the message he wants to get to Ottawa has changed a little.

Now it's more about knowing what will happen in the coming tourism season so plans can be made.

"It's pretty scary times for the Yukon,” Curtis said, noting that the tourist season is just four months away.

While there was talk of involving the private sector in operating the facilities, there have been no firm plans made and time is running out, he said.

That was a similar message delivered by three delegates at last night's meeting.

Neil Hartling, who chairs the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIAY), was the first to speak, noting the overall impact Parks Canada sites have on the territory.

The sites – which include everything from Dredge #4 near Dawson City to the SS Klondike to Kluane National Park in Haines Junction – produced almost $6.9 million in revenue in 2009.

It's expected the Yukon would lose millions in revenue if the sites don't continue to run as they have, and in small communities, that could create a huge ripple effect, he said.

Hartling went on to point to the artifacts that are a significant "part of Yukon's identity.”

How many Yukon families, he questioned, have learned the Yukon's history by taking a guided tour of the SS Klondike or Dredge No. 4? How many families, he asked, have enjoyed a hike together in Kluane National Park?

Like Curtis, Hartling has yet to hear of any plans about whether the private sector will be involved.

Last month, TIAY put out a request for proposals to gauge the interest of Yukon businesses in taking over operations at the Parks Canada sites.

A total of 17 parties put their names forward, but there's still been no indication of whether there could be any such involvement, Hartling said, noting that time is getting short to plan for the summer season.

Streicker questioned Hartling on the impact of cuts to the SS Klondike.

Hartling noted that was the presentation TIAY's executive director Blake Rogers was set to make.

Rogers soon took the seat before council, noting that the historic boat is one of Canada's last remaining sternwheelers.

He compared the SS Klondike as a landmark in Whitehorse to what the CN Tower is in Toronto.

If there are no guided tours of the boat this summer, it would mark the first time since the tours began in 1981 that there will be no guided walks through the vessel.

Rogers said he had spoken with Holland America officials earlier in the day and noted the tour company's support of the motion before council.

The company, he said, is looking at alternatives to offer its guests.

Finally, Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce president Rick Karp (who ran against Curtis for the mayoralty last October) was the final delegate to address council in voicing his support for the motion.

Throughout his presentation, Karp noted the importance of attractions like the SS Klondike for local businesses.

"Visitor experience is paramount,” he said.

Questioned by council members, Karp said the chamber believes the private sector could play a role in operating the sites.

Like others, however, Karp noted time is running out, and planning needs to get underway for the upcoming season.

Fred Smith, a retired Yukon educator, later addressed council on another matter. He also noted the employment the guided tours of the SS Klondike has brought to the territory over the years.

In his case, both his daughters spent summers working on the historical site, he said.

Coun. Kirk Cameron was absent from Monday's meeting. He had tried to attend by conference call and did vote on one matter, but was disconnected due to technical difficulties.