The city could be soon seeking federal funds to move the cenotaph now on Second Avenue to the Pioneer Cemetery.

The proposal was put forward at Monday’s city council meeting.

Doug Hnatiuk, the city’s manager of parks and community development, brought forward a report recommending council apply for Canada 150 funding.

That federal initiative for capital community projects provides 75 per cent of the costs, up to a maximum of $500,000.

The fund was announced in May. It’s in place to celebrate the nation’s 150th birthday in 2017, with projects under Canada 150 required to be completed no later than July 2018.

Of the $150 million that will be available through the fund, a total of $6.4 million is for projects in the three territories. It will be doled out as they are approved, essentially on a first-come first-served basis, Hnatiuk told council.

Earlier this month, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency contacted the city about the funding opportunity “and requested a submission from the City of Whitehorse as soon as possible to ensure meeting federal budget timelines for the available funds.”

A council and senior management meeting followed where six potential projects were looked at and ranked using an evaluation method “to provide for an objective recommendation based on the city’s strategic planning goals and objectives and the criteria outlined in the Canada 150 funding guidelines.

“The criteria included the funding program vision, strategic fit, community impact and feasibility.”

As Hnatiuk explained, the Whitehorse branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has been leading the charge and working with the city on the possible relocation of the cenotaph with involvement from the Yukon Order of Pioneers and other organizations.

Public meetings about the potential relocation were held a few months ago, he noted after last night’s meeting.

With an estimated cost of $666,750, the project stands to receive up to the maximum of $500,000 from the federal fund .

If funding is approved, it’s anticipated the project would be done in 2016.

At least one councillor, however, does not believe funding to celebrate Canada’s 150 birthday should be used for the cenotaph project.

Coun. Betty Irwin emphasized she meant no disrespect to the project itself in her opposition to seeking Canada 150 funds for it.

She pointed out the purpose of the federal fund is to mark the nation’s 150th birthday.

She argued creating something for future generations to celebrate – a trail, for example – is more important for this funding opportunity than “navel-gazing” to the past.

In an interview following last night’s meeting, Mayor Dan Curtis stressed he realizes not everyone on council agrees with seeking the Canada 150 funds for the project.

The current cenotaph, however, is “not adequate” in its current location, he said.

That’s due to the noise and heavy traffic on Second Avenue and the lack of space when there is a ceremony or event at it.

As well, planned building consolidation will see a new building on the same land that city hall and the downtown fire hall are on.

So, Curtis pointed out, the city will have to decide what it plans for the cenotaph on the steps between the fire hall and city hall.

“It’s something we have to do anyway,” he said.

The Pioneer Cemetery area at Sixth Avenue and Wood Street would be a more appropriate and quieter spot for the cenotaph that would honour Whitehorse veterans, Curtis said.

A number of veterans are buried in the Pioneer Cemetery, he noted.

Council will vote on whether to apply for the funding next week.

The proposal to relocate the cenotaph had the highest ranking with regard to the federal program’s criteria.

The other projects, in the order ranked, are:

• the downtown south paved trail;

• Mt. McIntyre paved trail;

• development of the Point Park; and

• improvements to Schwatka Lake and the Rock the River project which have been ongoing for a number of years at the intake of the Yukon River.