FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                  February 20, 2024

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition is urging the Minister of Community Services to update Yukoners on how the Liberal government is supporting the City of Whitehorse in mitigating and preparing for landslides along Robert Service Way.

Over the last two years, landslides have cut off the south access route connecting the Alaska Highway to the downtown core for weeks at a time. This has impacted thousands of motorists from neighbourhoods on the western and southern edges of the city who utilize this critical route daily.

The Robert Service Way transportation corridor is also a vital access to the hospital. Closures to the road have added to the response times of emergency responders, and Yukoners who need to access the hospital on an emergency basis.

“The last two years have demonstrated this could be a long-term problem,” said Copperbelt South MLA Scott Kent whose riding makes up neighbourhoods south of the city to the Yukon River bridge. “This is also a hindrance to Yukoners’ safety, quality of life, and the economy. A long-term solution requires investment and intervention by all levels of government so Yukoners who rely on this vital artery do not have to juggle this road closure every spring.”

Municipalities have been clear they have limited funding. The past few years have shown the Yukon government has dragged its heels on Comprehensive Municipal Grant funding and refused to negotiate.

“This is a critical artery for Yukoners,” added Kent. “The Liberal government needs to step up and financially contribute, or the economy and small businesses will be negatively affected.”

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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026