A school sign near Takhini Elementary Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Whitehorse, YT – A survey by the Takhini Neighborhood Association shows 60 percent of respondents do not support the relocation of École Whitehorse Elementary School to the neighborhood citing traffic concerns and loss of green space.
The school will go on the northwest corner of the Takhini Educational Land Reserve near Range Road and University Drive.
Out of 144 respondents, 19 percent said they support the relocation and 21 percent were on the fence.
The survey was conducted by the neighborhood association ahead of a meeting with Education Minister Jeanie McLean, Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn and Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke on October 18th.
Respondents opposed to the move voiced concerns over increased traffic, the loss of green space and the proximity to the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.
As part of the relocation, the Yukon Government is currently conducting a traffic study to analyze current and projected traffic volumes, patterns and congestion on Range Road and adjacent areas. A separate Environmental Site Review will also assess the environmental impacts the project may have.
Many respondents on the fence say the results of the studies will help them to decide if they support the project or not.
Those who supported the relocation praise the walkability at the new location and argue it will help reduce downtown traffic.
During the October 18th meeting, government officials agreed to correct their relocation announcement document that incorrectly stated that the association supported the relocation.
