The city could do more to improve its transportation network, including promoting active transportation, says the public engagement report on the Transportation Master Plan.

The report was recently released by the city.

“Many comments cited concerns and dissatisfaction with the lack of reasonable transportation options presently available in Whitehorse besides driving,” says the report.

“Many comments expressed desire for increasing affordable, safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation options throughout the year.

“Frequent mentions included encouraging and promoting year-round active transportation options and enhanced transit services.”

The public engagement process included an online survey, an open house, webinar and direct engagement with key stakeholders including a youth engagement.

The report notes there were more than 1,200 visits to the online project page, over 180 survey submissions and nearly 100 attendees to virtual and live engagement events.

Comments received cited concerns with traffic safety in Whitehorse.

Other respondents expressed concern with speeding on urban streets and in residential neighbourhoods, lack of enforcement, and near misses.

Still other residents expressed concerns about red light running, school zone safety and pedestrian crossing safety.

Comments expressed a desire to conduct more traffic-calming and road safety improvements at key locations throughout the city.

The report says there were concerns raised with the level of service provided by the city on existing transportation infrastructure and basic transportation such as transit and winter maintenance.

Feedback expressed a desire to enhance winter transit service and winter maintenance.

“Comments expressed concerns that the way the city presently designs transportation infrastructure is perceived to be unsafe and inaccessible for the increasing diversity of transportation users that exist within Whitehorse,” says the report.

“Other comments expressed concern that the city’s design approach is car-centric.

“Other comments expressed desire for the City to be bold and creative and reallocate street space for street activities, placemaking, and supporting community and economic activity.”

There were concerns about the city’s response to sustainability, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and its role in enabling residents to make sustainable transportation choices.

“Others cited concerns that the City was falling behind on following through on greenhouse gas emission reduction targets,” says the report.

“Comments expressed desire for increased action on climate change by encouragement and prioritization of sustainable forms of transportation.”

Asked to indicate their preferred mode of transportation, 44 per cent of the 147 respondents indicated driving is their preferred mode.

Thirty-three per cent indicated cycling is their preference; 16 per cent prefer walking; three per cent indicated transit is their preference while three per cent indicated running is their preference.

One per cent indicated kicksledding is their favourite mode of transportation.

The majority of respondents, 51 per cent, indicated they prefer to walk in the summer and 39 per cent indicated they like walking in the winter.

Four per cent indicated they use transit in the summer and five per cent said they ride transit in the winter.

Almost half – 49 per cent – indicated driving is their preferred mode of transportation.

An ideas tool was open between Nov. 23 and Dec. 31, 2021 for residents to share their ideas for transportation.

Among the 57 ideas submitted were using red asphalt for protected bike lanes so they could be better seen in the winter; a second bridge across the Yukon River to ensure access to the hospital should the Robert Campbell Bridge be damaged; making Third Avenue a “green street”; and more on-demand bus service.

“Throughout Phase 1 Engagement, it is clear the community desires to rethink the way we move around our city,” the report says.

“There is significant desire to increase transportation options, work toward safer streets, focus on core transportation services, develop complete, inclusive and accessible streets, adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable transportation options.

“Project staff will use these key themes heard in Phase 1 Engagement to develop the guiding vision, values and goals and the draft Transportation Master Plan.”