Cowley Creek subdivision residents may soon have a new community association to represent their interests.

This morning, six residents of the country residential neighbourhood stated their intentions to start up the organization in light of concerns over an amendment proposed for the Official Community Plan (OCP).

It would allow for the Yukon Horse and Rider (YHRA) Association to relocate to the former KMA Speedway site using an access from a proposed extension to Sockeye Place.

The amendment is currently with the Yukon government for ministerial approval after council voted 4-3 in favour of second reading.

It will return to council for third reading after it receives approval from the territorial minister.

This morning, the Star met with several residents for interviews about the situation. Stephen Burles explained a community association may have a stronger voice when it comes to tackling issues.

Up until now, he said, it's been individual or small groups of residents bringing forward concerns about the process that's been happening around the YHRA's relocation.

The group currently has its riding grounds in the Whistle Bend area that's slated for residential development. The city has been working with the group to find a new location, with the KMA site being pursued.

With the access to the site from the Alaska Highway deemed unsafe, the extension to Sockeye Place is proposed, and would be funded through the sales of up to five lots along the new section.

There have also been ideas for the site to be used by others and for other purposes like camping.

What began as a possible feasible idea to have the riding arena off the highway has morphed into a much bigger idea that's been poorly planned, said Doug Kerley (who was out of town and attended this morning's interview by cell phone).

And many residents are wondering why the move is proceeding so fast, with the group's current site scheduled for the later phases of development for Whistle Bend when it's only in phases one and two now, and lots sales have been slow.

"What's the rush?” Kerley questioned, a sentiment echoed by others in the neighbourhood.

"Really, there is no hurry,” Burles said.

Arguing time is needed for the entire issue to be explored, residents pointed to a number of issues around the proposal that they also presented to council prior to second reading.

"Our neighborhood's going to be hugely negatively impacted by this,” Burles said.

Noted Kerley: "The city is not following its own plan.”

He pointed out the plan designates the Cowley Creek area as future planning at the expiration of the current OCP – not now. Rather, areas north of the city are identified for potential country residential development.

The possibility of lot development for a recreational facility raises significant concerns for many in the area. As resident Jill Pangman argued this morning, it could set a precedent, thus impacting other areas of town down the road.

"Is that a reasonable use of the city's resources?” Burles questioned of the lot development. Glenys Baltimore then wondered if it's even been determined that the sale of the lots would cover the cost of the road extension.

Kerley said he'd rather see the sales revenue go into the general city coffers and potentially be used to lower taxes.

The greenspace – which many say was part of their purchasing decision along with the quiet lifestyle in choosing to buy country residential homes – would be eroded as well, it was argued.

There is also the question of environmental concerns at the former speedway site and who would pay for site assessments and any clean-up that may be required.

The residents also continued to point to a facility on the Mayo Road as a possibility for relocation.

The riding association has argued the facility, which is in the estate of Sharon Jensen, doesn't meet its competition standards.

However, the residents are quick to point to a letter from those who operate the indoor facility that notes a willingness to work with the riding association and point out that a number of events have been held there over the years.

It also states the outdoor area could accommodate an outdoor riding facility roughly the same size as the riding association's current facility.

The Cowley Creek residents noted their hope council will consider the other facility – which is already set up for horse events – before passing third reading of the OCP change.

They added they appreciate council trying to find a solution that will work for everyone involved.

In the meantime, the residents are also reviewing material to form the community association for the area.