The tree line at Robert Service Way and the Alaska Highway will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Council was unanimous Monday in passing first reading of a bylaw that will rezone an area near the intersection bordering Skookum Asphalt's Ear Lake Road property from Greenbelt to Quarries.

The vote came a week after councillors expressed concerns over the rezoning which, it was argued, could have seen the removal of trees which serve as a screen between Robert Service Way and the Skookum quarry. If the trees were removed, it would mean the quarry operation would be one of the first things those driving into Whitehorse from the south would see, Coun. Mike Gladish said last week as he called for the trees to be protected.

As Coun. John Streicker told council this week, Skookum had agreed to changes that will protect a 30-metre boundary for the trees while ensuring the rest of the area is rezoned for Skookum's buildings and business.

"I think it's a good solution,” he said as Gladish noted his appreciation for Skookum accommodating the city's concerns and looking at the options for the rezoning.

The zoning change is the first step in a process that would see Skookum buy the stretch of land measuring close to four hectares. It would also fix a mis-alignment in the mapping of Skookum's property off Ear Lake Road.

With first reading approved, residents can have their say on the proposal at a public hearing set for council's Feb. 24 meeting. A report on the hearing will then be presented to council at the March 3 meeting, followed by a vote on second and third reading on March 10.

Coun. Dave Stockdale was absent from Monday's meeting as he is currently on medical leave.