Mayor Dan Curtis is joining the ranks of Yukoners calling on the federal government to restore funding to Parks Canada to continue operating attractions like the SS Klondike.

"The federal government has to get off their ass,” he said in an impassioned speech about the iconic sternwheeler during Monday evening's council meeting.

Earlier this year, the federal government brought forward the cuts to Parks Canada. They will see major changes to Yukon landmarks like the SS Klondike and Dredge No. 4 in Dawson City, among many others.

Curtis isn't planning to bring forward his motion until next week's meeting.

Last night, Coun. John Streicker asked whether there had been any follow-up by city officials on the future of the paddle wheeler.

His question launched Curtis into a tongue-lashing for the federal government.

He began by stating he had been looking into it and mentioned his motion next week before he began commenting on the importance of standing up for the popular attraction.

"It just breaks my heart,” he said of the situation.

He noted his support of the unanimously passed motion in the Yukon legislature urging the federal government to reconsider the cuts to Parks Canada throughout the territory.

Curtis suggested the cuts are already noticeable in the lack of Christmas lights that traditionally outline the boat this time of year.

However, Anne Morin, a Parks Canada official interviewed this morning, confirmed the annual tradition will continue.

The annual display is done in partnership with Yukon Electrical Co. Ltd., which installs the LED lights for the festive season.

The cold weather though has delayed the installation, as the filaments in the lights could easily break if they're installed during extremely cold temperatures, she explained.

During a second interview early this afternoon, Morin said a transition team made up of staff in the Yukon and the national office are working on plans for next summer's SS Klondike operation, but nothing has been finalized.

"We're in the preliminary stages right now,” she said, noting the plan will be developed over the winter.

Across the country, Parks Canada is making an effort to reduce the federal deficit by $29.2 million.

In doing so, it is exploring "innovative technology” to be used on its tours. Morin wouldn't elaborate on what that technology could be, stating that different options are being considered but again, no final decisions have been made.

She also responded to speculation artifacts from the SS Klondike could be going to MacBride Museum.

She noted that while Parks Canada works with cultural institutions throughout the country on things like exhibit loans, there are no plans to transfer artifacts from the sternwheeler to the museum.

The overall issue of the cuts is too big not to address, Curtis said last night. He continually pointed out the landmark is part of the city's logo, crest and a draw for tourists in the city.

He argued the plan to cut guided tours in favour of self-guided tours using headphones provided to tourists will not only impact tourism in the city, but also raises safety concerns.

"Unacceptable, totally unacceptable,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Curtis also took aim at the territory's Conservative MP, Ryan Leef.

He noted many Yukoners have gone to him over their concerns about the cuts, but it seems nothing has been done.

"I”m extremely disappointed with Mr. Leef's inaction,” the mayor said as he referred to the SS Klondike as a "crown jewel”.

Leef was unavailable for comment before press time this afternoon, but his office said he would be available late this afternoon..

"It's not a lot of money,” Curtis said of offering the guided tours that have been part of the experience through the summer at the historic site for years.

While it may not mean a lot in federal government dollars, it adds much to the city, he said.

He noted his hope that all Whitehorse residents will stand up for the boat and its continued operations.