Whistle Bend residents who bought properties expecting them to look out on “green streets” are upset that wider, paved streets are now planned, says a Yukon Party MLA.

Porter Creek Centre MLA Yvonne Clarke, who represents the Whistle Bend homeowners, is calling the situation “a big problem.”

During question period in the legislature last Thursday, she questioned the government about the planning changes.

“In phases 4 and 5 of Whistle Bend, the Government of Yukon sold lots that fronted onto what are called ‘green streets’. According to the plans and the sales agreements that land buyers signed, these green streets were intended to be small, landscaped walking paths not intended for vehicle use,” Clarke noted.

“Over the summer, I have heard from many constituents who are concerned that, since they have purchased these lots and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars building homes on these streets, the government has now changed its plans; instead of small walking paths, the Government of Yukon is now pushing for a 20-foot-wide asphalt road.

“This is not what these residents paid for when they bought these lots,” Clarke pointed out.

She asked why the government isn’t honouring its contractual obligations to residents who purchased lots on so-called green streets.

Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker responded, “The arrangement here in the Yukon is that our municipalities plan their communities. They then ask the land development branch from Community Services to develop those lots.

“They then ask Energy, Mines and Resources to sell those lots.

“This was at the request — the change of design was from the City of Whitehorse – and I believe they have reached out to many of that member’s constituents from Whistle Bend to talk about why they made the decision to change things,” Streicker said.

“ ... We are taking our direction from the City of Whitehorse, which plans and designs these neighbourhoods.”

Clarke said the builders, realtors and the eventual buyers all operated under the assumption that green streets would be created.

“Dozens of Whistle Bend residents spent hundreds of thousands of dollars expecting this to be the case. Then the government, without warning, changed those plans after people moved in,” Clarke said.

“Who did the government consult before making these changes?”

Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn responded that the government and the city are working to resolve the dispute.

“To be honest, we consulted with the City of Whitehorse and set out the standards through which Community Services built those lots to those standards dictated by the City of Whitehorse,” Mostyn said.

“The city planned the neighbourhood and we built to the specifications laid out to us by the City of Whitehorse.”

Clarke said, “The Government of Yukon told people that they were buying one thing; then they changed it at the last minute. It wasn’t until my constituents started raising concerns that the government went into damage control.”

Residents were only given a few days’ notice of a meeting planned with government officials for last Thursday, she said.

“Will the minister agree to hold another consultation with adequate notice so that all of the affected residents can properly participate and have their voices heard?” she asked.

Streicker said the government “is always happy to meet with residents to talk to them about their concerns.

“Look, this is a little strange, because we did get letters from some of the constituents, but we didn’t get a letter from the member opposite.”

Streicker urged Clarke to write to the government with her concerns.

“There was a hope for this to be designed a certain way,” he added.

“The city has indicated that it needed to be different. I believe it’s for safety reasons.

“It’s a little strange to be hearing that we’re not working fast enough and to be asked if we can please give more time for meetings. The answer is sure; of course, we can.”

Clarke told the Star this morning, “I understand area residents have been upset with the proposal to make changes to the green street design as originally intended. I have communicated with a number of Whistle Bend residents on this issue.”

She has attended a meeting to listen to their concerns, she added.

“They bought their homes on the premise of living on a green street,” the MLA said.

“The government has advertised these green streets as a key element of the development. The lot sale agreements say that house fronts open up to meandering, three-metre spaced paths with landscaping and decorated lighting.

“Now, contrary to their purchase agreement, this concept has been changed.”

Instead, Clarke said, they’re receiving a six-metre-wide road based on emergency vehicles’ access needs.

“I have heard that residents bought these smaller lots compared to others in Whistle Bend because of the additional green space for their families and a greater sense of community.”

As for what homeowners want done about the situation, Clarke said, “These residents have been living in a construction zone for three years as they wait for the green streets to be developed.

“Both the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse have to listen to the concerns from the residents. Adequate consultation needs to happen before further planning so a solution takes place.

“I believe any solution should stay as close to the green street concept as possible.”

Asked about Striecker’s and Mostyn’s responses to her questions, Clarke replied “I’m not sure where they are or where their headspace are.

“… YG and the city need to listen to the wishes of residents.”

She added, “I feel for those residents who have been dealing with this issue. I really hope a solution can be found soon so we can continue to develop Whistle Bend into the neighbourhood everyone wants it to become.”

Adequate consultation needs to happen before further planning for a solution takes place, she stressed.