City of Whitehorse Rotary Centennial Bridge 10th Anniversary party
On July 15 2015 the City held a celebration of this Bridge that links the 2 sides of the Millennium Trail.
There were speakers, cake and a walk around the Trail. Despite the rain, many people attended (including ATWA members) to show their support of this valuable infrastructure that enables active living.
The Mayor made a declaration recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Rotary Centennial Bridge at the July 13 City Council meeting. This was something ATWA suggested be done, and we are happy to see that the RCB received recognition.
Spring Trail Clean-up and Fundraiser:
On May 9th 17 adults and two children showed up to help ATWA clean-up the east side of the Millennium Trail from the Robert Campbell Bridge to the Yukon Dam. We began our work around 9:00 a.m. and finished at noon. The large number of participants enabled us to complete our work in a much shorter time than last year. We picked up around ten bags of garbage, one bag of recyclables, and a number of metallic items! The timing of the clean-up was perfect as the following day the Run for Mom run was held, so everything on the East side of the trail was nice and clean.
Many thanks to all those who took part. A special thanks goes to Paul Davis who made great use of his bike to enhance the efficiency of the operation, and to Lynn Poile for making goodies. The $300 raised by this volunteering should soon be coming ATWA’s way.
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BULLETIN:
The City has blocked off the illegal trail on the West side of the Millennium Trail next to the Robert Service Campground parking lot. It has done an excellent job in the construction of effective barriers. The barrier near Robert Service Way is well located in that it is impossible to get around unless trees are cut down. The long barrier is also extremely well placed. The signage seems to indicate that the area will never be opened again to motorized use as once it is “revegetated” the only way it can stay that way is to prevent use of the area by ORVs. This should reduce the number of ORVs that illegally use the Rotary Centennial Bridge to gain access to the Robert Service Way from the East side of the river, and the Riverdale area from the West side of the river.
April 13, 2015 update:
City Council voted 5 to 1 in favor of maintaining the pedestrian status of the Rotary Centennial Bridge.
A HEARTFELT THANKS to all residents who spoke in favor of a pedestrian bridge.
Your voices and emails made all the difference!
On July 15 2015 the City held a celebration of this Bridge that links the 2 sides of the Millennium Trail.
There were speakers, cake and a walk around the Trail. Despite the rain, many people attended (including ATWA members) to show their support of this valuable infrastructure that enables active living.
The Mayor made a declaration recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Rotary Centennial Bridge at the July 13 City Council meeting. This was something ATWA suggested be done, and we are happy to see that the RCB received recognition.
Spring Trail Clean-up and Fundraiser:
On May 9th 17 adults and two children showed up to help ATWA clean-up the east side of the Millennium Trail from the Robert Campbell Bridge to the Yukon Dam. We began our work around 9:00 a.m. and finished at noon. The large number of participants enabled us to complete our work in a much shorter time than last year. We picked up around ten bags of garbage, one bag of recyclables, and a number of metallic items! The timing of the clean-up was perfect as the following day the Run for Mom run was held, so everything on the East side of the trail was nice and clean.
Many thanks to all those who took part. A special thanks goes to Paul Davis who made great use of his bike to enhance the efficiency of the operation, and to Lynn Poile for making goodies. The $300 raised by this volunteering should soon be coming ATWA’s way.
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BULLETIN:
The City has blocked off the illegal trail on the West side of the Millennium Trail next to the Robert Service Campground parking lot. It has done an excellent job in the construction of effective barriers. The barrier near Robert Service Way is well located in that it is impossible to get around unless trees are cut down. The long barrier is also extremely well placed. The signage seems to indicate that the area will never be opened again to motorized use as once it is “revegetated” the only way it can stay that way is to prevent use of the area by ORVs. This should reduce the number of ORVs that illegally use the Rotary Centennial Bridge to gain access to the Robert Service Way from the East side of the river, and the Riverdale area from the West side of the river.
April 13, 2015 update:
City Council voted 5 to 1 in favor of maintaining the pedestrian status of the Rotary Centennial Bridge.
A HEARTFELT THANKS to all residents who spoke in favor of a pedestrian bridge.
Your voices and emails made all the difference!
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Everyone can enjoy the safety and quietness of a pedestrian Millennium Trail and its Rotary Centennial Bridge, shown below:
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Motorizing the bridge would have involved the installation of new motorized trails next to the Millennium Trail through greenbelts on both sides of the river, such as this one near the Yukon Electric Company property:
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Motorizing the pedestrian Rotary Centennial Bridge would have also involved motorizing almost a 1 km portion of the Millennium Trail, from the gate by Nisutlin Road on the east side of the river, across the bridge, to the Robert Service Campground's parking lot gate on the west side. There are several blind corners along that portion that would be hazardous if ATVs and snowmobiles drive there.
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What is the Millennium Trail?
This 5km paved non-motorized trail loops beside the Yukon River, connecting the Downtown neighbourhood and other areas on the west side of the River, with areas on the east side including the Riverdale neighbourhood. There are two bridges crossing the River that link the two sides of the trail: the Robert Campbell Bridge (on Lewes Boulevard) for vehicles; and the Rotary Centennial Bridge for pedestrians, cyclists, snowshoers, skiers and skateboarders.
Map: http://whitehorse.ca/home/showdocument?id=232
The vision for the Millennium Trail:
On March 12, 2014, Father Jean-Marie Mouchet received the Mayor’s Award For Good Samaritan for his vision of the Millennium Trail. The award was given by Mayor Dan Curtis on behalf of the Persons With Disabilities Advisory Committee.
Father Mouchet was nominated by Active Trails Whitehorse Association, Cross-Country Yukon, and the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club for his vision of "a trail that would give everyone, regardless of ability, an opportunity to get out and be active." (Public Health Agency of Canada: Yukon Millennium Trail).
“The Rotary Centennial Bridge represents the conclusion of Father Mouchet's dream of connecting the citizens of Whitehorse to one of the most attractive features in the community - the shores of the Yukon River. ” (City of Whitehorse: Millennium Trail and Rotary Centennial Bridge, a pamphlet describing the route).
http://whitehorse.ca/departments/parks-and-community-development/trails-/millennium-trail
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What is the Millennium Trail?
This 5km paved non-motorized trail loops beside the Yukon River, connecting the Downtown neighbourhood and other areas on the west side of the River, with areas on the east side including the Riverdale neighbourhood. There are two bridges crossing the River that link the two sides of the trail: the Robert Campbell Bridge (on Lewes Boulevard) for vehicles; and the Rotary Centennial Bridge for pedestrians, cyclists, snowshoers, skiers and skateboarders.
Map: http://whitehorse.ca/home/showdocument?id=232
The vision for the Millennium Trail:
On March 12, 2014, Father Jean-Marie Mouchet received the Mayor’s Award For Good Samaritan for his vision of the Millennium Trail. The award was given by Mayor Dan Curtis on behalf of the Persons With Disabilities Advisory Committee.
Father Mouchet was nominated by Active Trails Whitehorse Association, Cross-Country Yukon, and the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club for his vision of "a trail that would give everyone, regardless of ability, an opportunity to get out and be active." (Public Health Agency of Canada: Yukon Millennium Trail).
“The Rotary Centennial Bridge represents the conclusion of Father Mouchet's dream of connecting the citizens of Whitehorse to one of the most attractive features in the community - the shores of the Yukon River. ” (City of Whitehorse: Millennium Trail and Rotary Centennial Bridge, a pamphlet describing the route).
http://whitehorse.ca/departments/parks-and-community-development/trails-/millennium-trail
Surfers, Yukon River, by the Millennium Trail
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Kids tobogganing beside the Millennium Trail
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Cyclists on the Rotary Centennial Bridge
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Attention cyclists: safety tips for riding the Millennium Trail
- When approaching other users, ride single file, slow down, and make an audible signal.
- There are many blind corners along the Millennium Trail. When approaching a corner, slow down and ride single file.
- There are 5 gates along the Millennium Trail, and they’re not wide enough for 2-way traffic. Yield to other users at these gates.
- Remember: pedestrians have the right of way (including walkers, snowshoers, skiers, wheelchair users, etc).
- Avoid using bicycle trailers wider than a wheelchair (standard width: 30 inches = 76 cm.)
- The Millennium Trail is extremely popular. There are times when it is crowded with pedestrians. At such times, it's safer to get off
your bicycle and push it past the crowd.
Bicycles are a great way to get around … a little courtesy adds to everyone's enjoyment.
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Attention cyclists: safety tips for riding the Millennium Trail
- When approaching other users, ride single file, slow down, and make an audible signal.
- There are many blind corners along the Millennium Trail. When approaching a corner, slow down and ride single file.
- There are 5 gates along the Millennium Trail, and they’re not wide enough for 2-way traffic. Yield to other users at these gates.
- Remember: pedestrians have the right of way (including walkers, snowshoers, skiers, wheelchair users, etc).
- Avoid using bicycle trailers wider than a wheelchair (standard width: 30 inches = 76 cm.)
- The Millennium Trail is extremely popular. There are times when it is crowded with pedestrians. At such times, it's safer to get off
your bicycle and push it past the crowd.
Bicycles are a great way to get around … a little courtesy adds to everyone's enjoyment.
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A HISTORY OF ATWA'S EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IN THE CITY'S PROPOSAL
TO MOTORIZE THE ROTARY CENTENNIAL BRIDGE AND PORTIONS OF THE MILLENNIUM TRAIL:
TO MOTORIZE THE ROTARY CENTENNIAL BRIDGE AND PORTIONS OF THE MILLENNIUM TRAIL:
| poster_-_rc_bridge_&_mt.pdf |
April 7, 2015 City Hall meeting update:
To see the results of our collective voice on this issue, check this Whitehorse Star article entitled:
“Support Overwhelming for pedestrian-only bridge”.
http://whitehorsestar.com/News/support-overwhelming-for-pedestrian-only-bridge
Monday April 13, 2015: City Council will announce its decision about the bridge at City Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
March 2015 - Urgent message to Whitehorse residents :
The City is considering motorizing the Rotary Centennial (Pedestrian) Bridge and significant portions of the Millennium Trail.March 25, 2015 - To all users of the Millennium Trail and Rotary Centennial (Pedestrian) Bridge:
Active Trails Whitehorse Association urges the City to maintain the pedestrian status of the Rotary Centennial Bridge (RCB) and all portions of the Millennium Trail.
The Rotary Centennial Bridge was planned, designed, and funded as a pedestrian bridge specifically to promote active living and reduce greenhouse gases.
The following have stated their opposition to the proposed motorization: the Riverdale Community Association, Downtown Residents’ Association, Porter Creek Community Association, Crestview Community Association, Wolf Creek Community Association, the Yukon Bird Club, Active Trails Whitehorse Association, the Whitehorse Rotary Club, the Rendezvous Rotary Club of Whitehorse, and Doug Hamilton.
The Whitehorse Rotary Club, the Rendezvous Rotary Club, and Doug Hamilton were major sponsors of the RCB.
Many people don’t realize that opening the RCB to ORV traffic would mean that portions of the Millennium Trail on each side would also have to be motorized, in order to allow ORVs to access the bridge. These portions include several blind corners and narrow sections.
In addition, new motorized trails would be cut through greenbelts on both sides of the Yukon River to provide motorized access to the Millennium Trail and its footbridge. All of this would be done through one of the most popular and scenic portions of the Millennium Trail. Motorized users would also need to cross Robert Service Way and Nisutlin Drive to get to the Millennium Trail.
The City has a responsibility to fully inform residents of all implications prior to contemplating changing the status of public assets as important as the Rotary Centennial (Pedestrian) Bridge and the Millennium Trail.
Motorization will involve significant costs. Typically, motorized trails are more expensive to establish and maintain than non-motorized trails. City resources would be better used for other critical priorities.
It is possible that the City may propose a trial motorization of the RCB and adjacent Millennium Trail. Such a trial would involve significant costs to the public and will expose citizens to summer and winter ORV use of this City showcase trail.
There is no compelling reason to motorize the Rotary Centennial Bridge and portions of the Millennium Trail. There are already significant networks of accessible motorized trails on either side of the river. A large number of motorized users have the means to transport their ORVs “out and away”.
We have heard the argument that Rotary Centennial Bridge and Millennium Trail users should share this City showcase trail with ORV operators. However, sharing should not mean the degradation of the experience presently enjoyed by current users, and the potential increase in their exposure to injury. That’s not what we feel sharing is all about.
We are sure that many responsible ORV operators enjoy the RCB and Millennium Trail as walkers, runners, or cyclists, and recognize that there are some places where such vehicles should not venture.
The RCB celebrates its 10th anniversary in July. Let’s give it a well-deserved present and maintain its non-motorized designation.
We urge concerned residents to send written comments to [email protected], and to speak up at the 5:30 p.m. City Hall meeting of April 7, 2015.
Rob McClure
Pat Milligan
Members, Active Trails Whitehorse Association
Check out this January 30, 2015 Yukon News article concerning the Whitehorse Trail & Greenways Committee meeting of January 22, and the possible motorization of the Rotary Centennial Bridge:
http://yukon-news.com/news/committee-brainstorms-solutions-to-footbridge-conflicts/
OF IMMEDIATE CONCERN TO MILLENNIUM TRAIL USERS
The City is considering allowing motorized vehicles to use the Rotary Centennial Bridge and part of the adjacent Millennium Trail. Those of us who value and use the Millennium Trail and Rotary Centennial Bridge as a summer and winter NON-MOTORIZED trail must take action.
Speak up by phoning the mayor and councillors, OR by e-mailing them with your message. Contact phone numbers and email addresses are attached. You could also send a short letter to our newspapers expressing your concern. In addition, it would be most helpful if you would take the time to go to City Hall when the bridge subject comes before Council (Tuesday, April 7, and Monday, April 13) and express your concerns.
Councillor Kirk Cameron explained the two step process as follows:
“At the Committee meeting individuals can come forward either as delegates at the outset of the meeting, or when the Committee Chair asks "does anyone wish to speak to this Committee?" If you were to choose the latter, you would have heard the Council discussion on the matter first before speaking to the Committee. When the matter is before full Council individuals can speak to Council as delegates at the outset of the meeting. You'll need to inform the City Clerk” (Norma Felker 668-8622) before the meeting starts at 5:30.” (Note: It is best to call the Thursday or Friday before to register as a delegate, as it makes things easier for all concerned.)
Some possible talking/writing points follow. Be selective; only use 2 or 3 points.
- the Rotary Centennial Bridge was conceived as a “pedestrian/cycling” bridge to join both sides of the river and provide a route to downtown. (“Whitehorse Moves”)
- the original sponsors - Yukon Energy, the Rotary Clubs, the hundreds of citizens who bought planks, etc. - supported the construction of a PEDESTRIAN bridge. The City of Whitehorse accessed funding from the federal government (Urban Transportation Showcase Program) on the basis of a non-motorized bridge.
- pedestrian use reduces greenhouse gases, even more urgent according to the latest U.N. Climate Change Report.
- having a pedestrian bridge encourages active transportation such as walking, running and cycling in a safe environment. Active transportation is a long-held value of this wilderness city.
- the trail and bridge provide a wilderness-like setting for the recreation and enjoyment of all in the midst of a city.
- Millennium Trail/Centennial Bridge is promoted in city literature as a pedestrian route.
- trail/bridge are heavily used by pedestrians (walkers, runners, parents with children in strollers, people with disabilities, dog walkers, cyclists etc.). 315,000 visits per year.
- mixed use would be risky and dangerous*, creating major liability risks for the city and obvious risks for pedestrian users. (* a 90 degree turn at the western end of the bridge and another 100 metres along the trail create blind spots).
- ATV and Snowmobile Bylaws, and trail signage, prohibit motorized vehicles on the Centennial Bridge and Millennium Trail.
- bridge is a place to stop and pause, admire the scenery, listen to the river, watch birds and kayakers etc.
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Home Phone: (867) 336-3867
[email protected]
City Hall: 668-8626
Home Phone: 667-7315
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Home Phone: (867) 633-5499
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Cell Phone: (867) 336-4113
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Home Phone: (867) 668-3358
The following is a letter by Pat Milligan which was published in the November 14th, 2014 edition of the Whitehorse Star. Mr. Milligan has given us permission to place his letter on the ATWA website.
Who Killed the Rotary Centennial Bridge?
Mayor and Council will soon decide if the non-motorized Rotary Centennial Bridge and adjacent sections of the Millennium Trail will become motorized. If this concerns you please let them know.
The Rotary Centennial Bridge and Millennium Trail are the fulfillment of a long-time dream of Father Jean-Marie Mouchet. Father Mouchet's special mission was to bring hope and health to our communities through active living. He envisioned a trail that would allow everyone, regardless of his or her abilities, the opportunity to get out and be active.
The Rotary Centennial Bridge provides non-motorized access from Riverdale across the Yukon River to the area near Yukon Energy and allows trail users to complete a loop around the Yukon River. Use of the Millennium trail and Rotary Centennial Bridge has grown immensely over the last decade. Approximately 315,000 annual visits involve walking, jogging, biking, roller blading, cross country skiing, bird watching, and many other forms of active recreation. We are very fortunate to have a showcase trail like this in our community.
You can view Chinook salmon at the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway, walk or bike a short distance to see kayakers below the Rotary Centennial Bridge, and occasionally see harlequin ducks feeding a short distance downstream. I often see people spending quiet moments on the bridge and trail with older relatives and children. Where else can you find a city which has the vision to develop a non-motorized loop trail along a river?
The Riverdale Community Association and a number of other associations on the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee oppose allowing Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) on the Rotary Centennial Bridge and adjacent sections of the Millennium Trail. The City is seriously considering allowing ORV traffic on the pedestrian bridge. This will require many modifications which include “traffic lights”, warning signs, trail relocation, additional paving, and perhaps a crosswalk (for ORVs) across the South Access Road. The estimated cost is close to $50,000.
You cannot, of course, kill a bridge- but you can kill the enjoyment this bridge and trail give to many active residents and visitors by motorizing it.
The fate of this bridge and trail is now in the hands of Mayor and Council. It’s unfortunate that more people are not aware of what may soon be taken away from them. Please let Mayor and Council know how important this non-motorized bridge and trail is to you.
Patrick Milligan, Whitehorse
The following is a letter sent by ATWA to both the Yukon News and the Whitehorse Star on October 27th, 2014:
On Thursday, October 30th a Council and Senior Management (CASM) meeting at noon in the Heritage Room of Whitehorse City Hall, may well determine the fate of the Rotary Centennial Bridge (“the bridge”). At that meeting (which is open to the public) options with regard to the future of the bridge will be presented.
The main topic of the June 19, 2014 meeting of the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee (WTGC) was the bridge. The suggestion of motorizing the bridge was raised. See City website:
http://www.whitehorse.ca/home/showdocument?id=4688
We hope that common sense has prevailed and that discussions held by members of the WTGC at a “special” September 23rd meeting will have put to rest the idea of “motorizing” the bridge, and that this flawed concept will not be presented at the CASM meeting of October 30.
The Riverdale Community Association, Porter Creek Community Association, and Wolf Creek Community Association (as well as Active Trails Whitehorse Association), all of which are current or previous members of the WTGC, have stated their opposition to the possible motorization of the bridge.
Earlier this year Active Trails Whitehorse Association sent a letter to the WTGC and Mayor and Council in an effort to provide background information concerning the bridge and Millennium Trail. This letter can be read by visiting our website at www.activetwa.org. Go to “What’s Up” and click on Millennium Trail.
The pedestrian and cycling bridge was built by the City as part of its Urban Transportation Showcase Project in order to reduce greenhouse gases in the transportation sector by providing an attractive alternate route to the downtown area for Riverdale residents, as well as to help eliminate barriers to active transportation. The 315,000 user visits per year demonstrate its amazing success.
A partnership consisting of Transport Canada, Yukon Energy Corporation, and the Rotary Clubs of Whitehorse along with other sponsors, provided funding specifically for the building of a non-motorized bridge.
The new Snowmobile Bylaw and the ATV Bylaw prohibit use of the bridge and the Millennium Trail by ORVs (ATVs and snowmobiles).
Ask yourself what your experience of the Millennium Trail would look like if the bridge becomes a designated motorized route for ORVs. Will you be comfortable relying on traffic lights to regulate who can cross the bridge at any given time? Would you enjoy navigating the trail alongside the Yukon Energy property fence amidst ATVs in summer and snowmobiles in winter? How safely will young children on bikes, or running ahead of parents, be able to perceive and react to ORVs approaching from behind?
Consider everything that makes the experience of the Millennium Trail and the bridge enjoyable and appealing for such a huge number of citizens and tourists. Join with those who are urging Mayor and Council to protect the non-motorized status of the bridge, and put this “idea” of opening the bridge to ORV traffic to rest once and for all.
Lynn Poile (Vice President)
Active Trails Whitehorse Association
www.activetwa.org.
The following "Package of Information" was delivered to Mayor and Council on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 with information concerning the Rotary Centennial Bridge:
To: Mayor and Council
From: Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
Date: October 28, 2014
Topic: CASM meeting of October 30th, 2014
The Rotary Centennial Bridge is the topic of Thursday’s CASM. Administration will provide several recommendations as to the future of the bridge. In a December 2013 briefing note administration presented to Council four options concerning the bridge:
1. status quo,
2. new gates,
3. camera, or
4. designate Centennial Bridge as MMU route (with triggered flashing lights to aid non-motorized traffic).
You will note that ATWA’s request to effectively block the illegal trail (now trails) west of the bridge in order to discourage use of the bridge by ORVs was not one of the recommendations. (Six years of asking have failed to produce results.)
The issue was discussed at the June 19th, 2014 meeting of the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee the minutes of which were released in mid-September. Another “special” WTGC meeting on the subject was held on the 23rd of September, but this meeting was not open to observers. Minutes of this meeting have not been released.
Ideas presented at the June 19th WTGC meeting and others that may come up at the CASM:
1. Consider “a new pedestrian bridge across the river.” As this suggestion is not explained in more detail one can only assume that the idea would be to turn the RCB into a motorized bridge and then build a second bridge for pedestrians only.
Comment: We already have a pedestrian bridge across the Yukon and that bridge is the RCB. It was built for the use of pedestrians and cyclists - not for ORV use. The City is committed to promoting active forms of recreation and to do what it can to cut down on greenhouse gases. It should not be building bridges or adding bridge capacity to accommodate ORVs.
Comment: Although we have heard from the KSA president that the bridge was supposed to be motorized when it was originally planned, I have failed to find any references to support this claim in newspaper articles or documents of the time.
Mr. Hnatiuk suggested to me that the idea may have been discussed at the administration level, but if so the idea was obviously rejected. The bridge was built by the City as part of its Urban Transportation Showcase Project. All the monies given to build the pedestrian and cycling bridge were provided in order to reduce greenhouse gases in the transportation sector by providing an attractive alternate route to the downtown area for Riverdale residents, as well as to help eliminate barriers to active transportation.
2. It was mentioned at the June 19th meeting that “due to meager EYR MMU routes, [the City should] provide MMU access across the RCB with a limited route (whatever that means) [and that the] trail on west side to be upgraded to accommodate MMU and speed control.”
Comment: These statements defy logic. The public decided what it wanted with regard to motorized (out and away) routes on the East side of the Yukon River. None of us got everything that we wanted. To suggest changing the bridge into a MMU route to satisfy the perceived (by some) injustice to ORV users is simply ridiculous. In addition, one must not forget that snowmobile users are not confined to the EYR trails. They can use any trail not specifically mentioned as non-motorized in the Snowmobile Bylaw.
Comment: The suggestion of changing the illegal trail west of the RCB into a legal trail in order to accommodate ORVs lacks reason. As Duncan Miller, President of the Wolf Creek Community Association, said in his March 04, 2014 letter to the WTGC, this step “would be a victory for the vandals and a punishment for the legitimate trail users. Simply put, it would be a way out for enforcement. To cross the river, motorized trail users must trailer their vehicles or build a 2nd bridge and leave the beauty of this trail to the majority non-motorized users.”
Now we learn from the KSA in an article entitled No charity from bylaw and written by Mark Daniels, that “many Whitehorse-based sledders rarely ride within city limits. They prefer the backcountry and only ride in town a couple of times per year, including at the poker run.” (KSA Spring 2014 Newsletter) (The Run was cancelled in 2014, so now City trail use by sledders is down to once a year.) If this is the case, then snowmobilers have no need at all for additional motorized trails within the City.
As well, since Whitehorse sledders prefer the backcountry then they must have trailers. If their one or two uses of City trails in the winter involve getting to the opposite side of the river, then they have the ability to do so without using the RCB.
3. The installation of “better gates” to deter ORV traffic was another suggestion at the June 19th meeting. ATWA has suggested the use of a different type of wheelchair accessible gate located not on the bridge itself, but at the corner of Yukon Energy property on the west side. (There is a gate there now, one of a number placed in or near the bridge. However, none of these deter ORV traffic.) We forwarded these suggestions to City Administration, City Council, the Yukon Council on disABILITY, and to the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee.
Comment: Administration always mentions that the bridge must be accessible for “emergency truck access.” (Administration report: CASM Jan. 07, 2014) However, a check with our City Fire Department determined that the only machine that could possibly be used on the bridge was their Kubota vehicle. This is an ATV type vehicle used for rescue purposes on City trails in both summer and winter.
The gate ATWA recommended could be easily opened to accommodate such a vehicle. However, it seems doubtful that the vehicle would ever be used on the bridge as it would probably be quicker to employ a stretcher to take someone off the bridge to a waiting ambulance.
There are numerous examples of gates that are designed to stop most or all ORVs and yet permit the passage of wheelchairs, and baby/children strollers of various types. The placement of one such gate would help to curtail the illegal use of the bridge by ORVs. However, the placement of the gate should go hand in hand with the effective blocking of the illegal trail.
4. The installation of cameras in order to “catch” those illegally riding ORVs across the bridge was suggested. Unfortunately, the chance of identifying those riders even with video footage is remote. Riders wear helmets so their faces cannot be seen and their vehicles will probably not have licence plates. In addition, people who vandalize gates, and ignore City bylaws, will probably vandalize cameras. However, one camera placed inside the Yukon Energy Fence and pointed at the new gate might well discourage attempts to vandalize the new structure.
Comment: Cameras are a needless expense and are not likely to be effective. One camera positioned as mentioned above would be worthwhile if a new and better designed and better placed gate was installed.
5. It was suggested at the meeting that “limiting access on the west side of the bridge” would be helpful. Unfortunately, the minutes fail to convey what is actually meant by this statement. However, there are only two ways to limit access and that is to effectively block the illegal trail(s) on the west side, and/or install a better designed gate.
Comment: Ideally do both. However, the illegal trail(s) on the west side of the bridge will continue to attract the operators of ORVs unless it/they are effectively blocked. Therefore, if the City decides not to install a gate then it must block the trail(s).
6. There was a suggestion to put “lights on the bridge to denote MMU travel and warn all users on the bridge.”
Comment: One doubts that the above action would be well received by the public and by tourists. The “flashing lights” and the noise of machines would certainly detract from the peaceful enjoyment of the bridge and trail. (The City should be aware of the medical condition of photosensitive epilepsy which may be triggered by flashing lights at certain intensities.)
7. Another suggestion made at the meeting was that the “City should provide a way across the river for MMU traffic but do not recommend use of RCB due to mixing of uses.”
Comment: Yes, mixing of pedestrians, cyclists, walkers, runners, people with mobility issues, skiers, ATVs, and snowmobiles together on a bridge four metres in width would certainly be fraught with challenges, one being safety.
There was no safe or legal way for ORV operators to cross the river before the bridge was built. There was no safe or legal way for ORV operators to cross the river after the bridge was built. Anyone in Whitehorse who has ever purchased an ORV is aware of this fact. The vast majority of ORV operators have the means to trailer their vehicle to opposite sides of the river.
The dam is off-limits to private vehicle use, and the downtown area is off-limits to ORVs for obvious reasons, and the proposal of an ice bridge across Schwatka Lake has huge cost and liability issues. If the ORV community wants a bridge then it should raise the money to investigate the possibility. The City (which supposedly supports active recreation and the reduction of greenhouse gases) should not be tasked with providing river crossing alternatives for ORV owners.
8. The minutes of the June 19th meeting indicate that both the Riverdale Community Association (one of the original partners involved in the RCB project) and the Porter Creek Community Association are opposed to the motorization of the bridge. What the minutes do not tell you is that the Wolfe Creek Association made its opposition to the possible motorization of the bridge clear in a March 04, 2014 letter to the WTGC.
Comment: The above speaks for itself.
9. Other considerations. The newly reviewed and passed ATV and Snowmobile Bylaws prohibit the use of the RCB/Millennium Trail by ORVs.
The Persons with Disability Advisory Committee was established as a result of the building of the Millennium Trail. Both the RCB and the Millennium Trail tried to eliminate barriers to active transportation. A wheelchair accessible gate in the proper location would not detract from this effort. Opening the RCB to ORVs would certainly put all citizens with mobility challenges at increased risk. Indeed, it would put all non-motorized users at increased risk.
No mention was made at the June 19th meeting of the environmental damage caused by the illegal use of the bridge by ORV operators. The illegal trail(s) on the west side of the bridge is an example of this damage.
10. At the CASM meeting it will probably be mentioned that PDAC supports the motorization of the bridge.
Comment: I was at the January meeting 20th meeting where this support was given. There was no discussion of the November letter I sent to Lisa Rawlings Bird (Yukon Council on disABILITY) and which was forwarded on to the chairperson of PDAC. (See attachment) Unfortunately, Ms Rawlings Bird was not at the January meeting. I am sure she would have mentioned the letter and its contents, and that some discussion would have taken place on the subject. No background information was given as to the history of the RCB and/or Millennium Trail. Ms Rawlings Bird might well have mentioned the support the Yukon Council on disABILITY gave to the bridge effort and to "non-motorized transportation".
A total of four members of PDAC ended up supporting the motion without any informed discussion. Of course, the impression given is that the all community members with disabilities support the motorization of the bridge. Certainly some may support motorization as they operate ATVs and or snowmobiles despite their mobility concerns. Unfortunately, they may have limited knowledge of the subject and not be aware of from where the monies came to support its construction, or for what purpose(s) it was built.
Members of both Council and PDAC might do well to read the letter sent from Jon Breen of the Yukon Council on DisABILITY to the City of Whitehorse dated May 12, 2003. (This letter is found at the end of this article.)
Recommendations:
a) Effectively block the main illegal trail(s) on the west side of the bridge and try to restore the greenspace in the area. This could be done NOW, before the winter season actually begins. However, if this is not possible the main trail could be blocked by snow where it reaches the South Access Road and then permanently blocked in the spring.
b) Place a well-designed wheelchair accessible gate not on the bridge, but on the west side of the bridge at the corner of the Yukon Energy fence. ATWA has sent photos to the City illustrating the location and possible designs.
c) Place a camera (with Yukon Energy permission) inside their fence and pointing at the new gate. This might discourage vandalism of the gate.
d) More signage on the bridge and on the Millennium Trail to indicate that both are off limits to ORV use, and more public education directed at ORV operators to respect the Snowmobile and ATV Bylaws concerning the RCB and the Millennium Trail would be of benefit.
e) Do not open the RCB to ORV traffic.
Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
www.activetwa.org
[email protected]
Urban Transportation Showcase Program Stage 2: Detailed Proposal
Yukon Council On Disability
May 12, 2003
City of Whitehorse 2121 Second Avenue Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1C2
ATTENTION: HONOURABLE ERNIE BOURASSA, MAYOR
RE: URBAN TRANSPORTATION SHOWCASE PROGRAM
The Yukon Council On Disability(YCOD) would like to lend its support to the City of Whitehorse’s application for the Urban Transportation Showcase Program. We strongly support the goals and objectives of the Program. We also believe that this initiative will meet the needs of community members with disabilities as well as the general public for appropriate, non-motorized transportation.
As you are aware, YCOD, the City of Whitehorse and Yukon Energy formed a partnership three years ago to complete the construction and paving of the “Millennium Trail”. The Trail has been immensely successful in providing a pedestrian corridor for community members and tourists. Completing this accessible route by constructing a pedestrian bridge over the Yukon River will greatly enhance its availability to the general public. It will also be of special value to community members with mobility disabilities, families with strollers, and others who cannot manage a longer, more circuitous route.
The development of the Millennium Bridge will meet the Urban Transportation Showcase Program’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by completing the Millennium Trail, thereby providing a viable walking/rolling/wheeling option to community members and visitors to our city. It also falls within the program objectives by building onto existing municipal initiatives and fits well within the City’s current land use and transportation plans.
Sincerely, YCOD
Jon Breen Executive Director
The following is the information we sent to both Mayor and Council and the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee in February of 2014:
Open letter to Mayor and Council
There is an idea revving up to motorize the Rotary Centennial Bridge. This seems to be a rather strange reaction to the many attempts by concerned citizens to have the City deal with the illegal trail located on the west side of the river. This trail cuts through the greenbelt, and allows ORVs to illegally access both Robert Service Way and the Riverdale area via the pedestrian bridge. The trail was first noted and reported in 2008. However, the City did not take action and close off this trail. As a result, there are now two illegal trails and a third one in the formation stage, which run through the greenbelt on the west side of the Millennium Trail.
If the City had dealt with this situation when originally reported and effectively blocked the initial illegal trail, it is possible that the use of the bridge by ORVs would have been curtailed to some degree. As well, a little enforcement and a little education at the time may have done much to discourage ORV owners from trespassing on the bridge. City bylaws (Snowmobile and ATV) indicate that the Millennium Trail and its pedestrian footbridge are non-motorized both in summer and in winter.
The legal and considerate way that ORV owners can gain access to permitted trails on either side of the river is to load up their off road vehicles and transport them to the desired location. Anyone who purchased an ORV either before or after the construction of the Rotary Centennial Bridge was certainly aware that there was no safe or legal way of getting across the river without using some form of transport.
An effort was made in August, 2013, to place experimental staggered gates on the bridge. This was done as a result of the illegal use of the bridge by ORVs in both summer and winter, which created a potential safety concern to pedestrians many of whom are children, and led to the damage of greenbelt areas on both sides of the bridge.
Active Trails Whitehorse Association (ATWA) suggested that the blocking of the illegal trails should be done at the same time as the installation of an effective gate system that would allow access for people with disabilities. The City decided to go the gate route and did not block the trails.
ATWA believes the staggered gate system placed on the bridge was not well designed and was inconvenient to some users. They were vandalized within two weeks of their installation and removed by the City. ATWA has suggested the use of a different type of gate located at an alternative location, suggestions which have been forwarded to City administration, City Council, to the Yukon Council on disABILITY, and to the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee.
No one likes to install a gate, but this has become an environmental, quality of life, and safety issue and it needs to be addressed. Other jurisdictions have dealt with such concerns by installing gate systems that conform to international standards in that they block most ORVs, but allow wheelchair access.
On January 7th, 2014, at a Council and Senior Management Meeting, administration listed four options presented to Council in a December briefing note: status quo, new gates, camera, or “designate Centennial Bridge as [a] MMU (motorized multi-use) route (with triggered flashing lights to aid non-motorized traffic).” The latter option would “require [that] additional trail [be built] adjacent to YEC property on [the] West side to connect to MMU trails.” In other words, make the illegal trails legal. Unfortunately, effectively blocking the trails (which was the original request of citizens) was not presented as an option. Council told administration that it “needs additional information” before considering any of the options.
Rewarding vandalism and the illegal use of the bridge by legalizing the illegal trails and opening the pedestrian bridge to ORVs is the worst possible kind of message to send to our community. City administration has a fiduciary responsibility to effectively deal with public safety concerns and to maintain the Millennium Trail's designation for users who value quiet enjoyment of active recreational activities.
There are other problems with motorizing the bridge besides the environmental, quality of life, and safety issues already mentioned. The bridge has close to 315,000 user visits each year. It is a City icon, and is much used by tourists in the summer and winter. The Millennium Trail is marketed as a pedestrian non-motorized trail, and it helps to promote our City’s image as an active recreation mecca. Allowing motorized use of the bridge would severely detract from that image.
The bridge was built by the City as part of its Urban Transportation Showcase Project. “Building a new pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Yukon River as an attractive and additional access to Downtown for pedestrians and cyclists of the City’s Riverdale community, [was seen as a way to] reduce green house gases in the transportation sector,” [and to aid in the elimination of] barriers to active transportation.” (Whitehorse Moves 2004-2007 Final Report/Wayne Tuck and Sabine Schweiger p. i)
A partnership consisting of Transport Canada’s Urban Transportation Showcase Program, Yukon Energy Corporation, and the Rotary Clubs of Whitehorse along with other sponsors, funded the construction of the bridge. Letters of support from the major funding bodies all mention that the pedestrian bridge would both help to promote active forms of recreation and reduce greenhouse gases. Please refer to the following site: http://ww3.whitehorse.ca/pdf%20files/engineering/Whitehorse%20Showcase%20Proposal.pdf (The letters of support are found at the end of this article.)
What kind of a message will be sent to those who help sponsor City projects if the latter changes the intent of those projects after the money has been granted and spent?
The bridge is a place where people stop to view the scenery, watch birds, and listen to the river. In summer one of the treats is to watch kayakers play in the waters directly beneath the bridge. One wonders how non-motorized users, and particularly tourists, would react to having dirt bikes, ATVs, (and in the winter snowmobiles) pass by, especially in such a confined area.
Our association respectfully asks our Mayor and City Council to ensure that the Rotary Centennial Bridge remains non-motorized both in summer and in winter. It also asks that the illegal trails west of the Millennium Trail be effectively blocked as soon as weather permits in the spring. In addition, we ask that the option of installing an effective wheelchair accessible gate on the west side of the Millennium Trail (but not on the bridge itself) should be explored further.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Keith Lay
Active Trails Whitehorse Association (ATWA)
___________________________________________________________
To see the results of our collective voice on this issue, check this Whitehorse Star article entitled:
“Support Overwhelming for pedestrian-only bridge”.
http://whitehorsestar.com/News/support-overwhelming-for-pedestrian-only-bridge
Monday April 13, 2015: City Council will announce its decision about the bridge at City Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
March 2015 - Urgent message to Whitehorse residents :
The City is considering motorizing the Rotary Centennial (Pedestrian) Bridge and significant portions of the Millennium Trail.March 25, 2015 - To all users of the Millennium Trail and Rotary Centennial (Pedestrian) Bridge:
Active Trails Whitehorse Association urges the City to maintain the pedestrian status of the Rotary Centennial Bridge (RCB) and all portions of the Millennium Trail.
The Rotary Centennial Bridge was planned, designed, and funded as a pedestrian bridge specifically to promote active living and reduce greenhouse gases.
The following have stated their opposition to the proposed motorization: the Riverdale Community Association, Downtown Residents’ Association, Porter Creek Community Association, Crestview Community Association, Wolf Creek Community Association, the Yukon Bird Club, Active Trails Whitehorse Association, the Whitehorse Rotary Club, the Rendezvous Rotary Club of Whitehorse, and Doug Hamilton.
The Whitehorse Rotary Club, the Rendezvous Rotary Club, and Doug Hamilton were major sponsors of the RCB.
Many people don’t realize that opening the RCB to ORV traffic would mean that portions of the Millennium Trail on each side would also have to be motorized, in order to allow ORVs to access the bridge. These portions include several blind corners and narrow sections.
In addition, new motorized trails would be cut through greenbelts on both sides of the Yukon River to provide motorized access to the Millennium Trail and its footbridge. All of this would be done through one of the most popular and scenic portions of the Millennium Trail. Motorized users would also need to cross Robert Service Way and Nisutlin Drive to get to the Millennium Trail.
The City has a responsibility to fully inform residents of all implications prior to contemplating changing the status of public assets as important as the Rotary Centennial (Pedestrian) Bridge and the Millennium Trail.
Motorization will involve significant costs. Typically, motorized trails are more expensive to establish and maintain than non-motorized trails. City resources would be better used for other critical priorities.
It is possible that the City may propose a trial motorization of the RCB and adjacent Millennium Trail. Such a trial would involve significant costs to the public and will expose citizens to summer and winter ORV use of this City showcase trail.
There is no compelling reason to motorize the Rotary Centennial Bridge and portions of the Millennium Trail. There are already significant networks of accessible motorized trails on either side of the river. A large number of motorized users have the means to transport their ORVs “out and away”.
We have heard the argument that Rotary Centennial Bridge and Millennium Trail users should share this City showcase trail with ORV operators. However, sharing should not mean the degradation of the experience presently enjoyed by current users, and the potential increase in their exposure to injury. That’s not what we feel sharing is all about.
We are sure that many responsible ORV operators enjoy the RCB and Millennium Trail as walkers, runners, or cyclists, and recognize that there are some places where such vehicles should not venture.
The RCB celebrates its 10th anniversary in July. Let’s give it a well-deserved present and maintain its non-motorized designation.
We urge concerned residents to send written comments to [email protected], and to speak up at the 5:30 p.m. City Hall meeting of April 7, 2015.
Rob McClure
Pat Milligan
Members, Active Trails Whitehorse Association
Check out this January 30, 2015 Yukon News article concerning the Whitehorse Trail & Greenways Committee meeting of January 22, and the possible motorization of the Rotary Centennial Bridge:
http://yukon-news.com/news/committee-brainstorms-solutions-to-footbridge-conflicts/
OF IMMEDIATE CONCERN TO MILLENNIUM TRAIL USERS
The City is considering allowing motorized vehicles to use the Rotary Centennial Bridge and part of the adjacent Millennium Trail. Those of us who value and use the Millennium Trail and Rotary Centennial Bridge as a summer and winter NON-MOTORIZED trail must take action.
Speak up by phoning the mayor and councillors, OR by e-mailing them with your message. Contact phone numbers and email addresses are attached. You could also send a short letter to our newspapers expressing your concern. In addition, it would be most helpful if you would take the time to go to City Hall when the bridge subject comes before Council (Tuesday, April 7, and Monday, April 13) and express your concerns.
Councillor Kirk Cameron explained the two step process as follows:
“At the Committee meeting individuals can come forward either as delegates at the outset of the meeting, or when the Committee Chair asks "does anyone wish to speak to this Committee?" If you were to choose the latter, you would have heard the Council discussion on the matter first before speaking to the Committee. When the matter is before full Council individuals can speak to Council as delegates at the outset of the meeting. You'll need to inform the City Clerk” (Norma Felker 668-8622) before the meeting starts at 5:30.” (Note: It is best to call the Thursday or Friday before to register as a delegate, as it makes things easier for all concerned.)
Some possible talking/writing points follow. Be selective; only use 2 or 3 points.
- the Rotary Centennial Bridge was conceived as a “pedestrian/cycling” bridge to join both sides of the river and provide a route to downtown. (“Whitehorse Moves”)
- the original sponsors - Yukon Energy, the Rotary Clubs, the hundreds of citizens who bought planks, etc. - supported the construction of a PEDESTRIAN bridge. The City of Whitehorse accessed funding from the federal government (Urban Transportation Showcase Program) on the basis of a non-motorized bridge.
- pedestrian use reduces greenhouse gases, even more urgent according to the latest U.N. Climate Change Report.
- having a pedestrian bridge encourages active transportation such as walking, running and cycling in a safe environment. Active transportation is a long-held value of this wilderness city.
- the trail and bridge provide a wilderness-like setting for the recreation and enjoyment of all in the midst of a city.
- Millennium Trail/Centennial Bridge is promoted in city literature as a pedestrian route.
- trail/bridge are heavily used by pedestrians (walkers, runners, parents with children in strollers, people with disabilities, dog walkers, cyclists etc.). 315,000 visits per year.
- mixed use would be risky and dangerous*, creating major liability risks for the city and obvious risks for pedestrian users. (* a 90 degree turn at the western end of the bridge and another 100 metres along the trail create blind spots).
- ATV and Snowmobile Bylaws, and trail signage, prohibit motorized vehicles on the Centennial Bridge and Millennium Trail.
- bridge is a place to stop and pause, admire the scenery, listen to the river, watch birds and kayakers etc.
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Home Phone: (867) 336-3867
[email protected]
City Hall: 668-8626
Home Phone: 667-7315
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Home Phone: (867) 633-5499
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Cell Phone: (867) 336-4113
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
[email protected]
City Hall: (867) 668-8626
Home Phone: (867) 668-3358
The following is a letter by Pat Milligan which was published in the November 14th, 2014 edition of the Whitehorse Star. Mr. Milligan has given us permission to place his letter on the ATWA website.
Who Killed the Rotary Centennial Bridge?
Mayor and Council will soon decide if the non-motorized Rotary Centennial Bridge and adjacent sections of the Millennium Trail will become motorized. If this concerns you please let them know.
The Rotary Centennial Bridge and Millennium Trail are the fulfillment of a long-time dream of Father Jean-Marie Mouchet. Father Mouchet's special mission was to bring hope and health to our communities through active living. He envisioned a trail that would allow everyone, regardless of his or her abilities, the opportunity to get out and be active.
The Rotary Centennial Bridge provides non-motorized access from Riverdale across the Yukon River to the area near Yukon Energy and allows trail users to complete a loop around the Yukon River. Use of the Millennium trail and Rotary Centennial Bridge has grown immensely over the last decade. Approximately 315,000 annual visits involve walking, jogging, biking, roller blading, cross country skiing, bird watching, and many other forms of active recreation. We are very fortunate to have a showcase trail like this in our community.
You can view Chinook salmon at the Whitehorse Rapids Fishway, walk or bike a short distance to see kayakers below the Rotary Centennial Bridge, and occasionally see harlequin ducks feeding a short distance downstream. I often see people spending quiet moments on the bridge and trail with older relatives and children. Where else can you find a city which has the vision to develop a non-motorized loop trail along a river?
The Riverdale Community Association and a number of other associations on the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee oppose allowing Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) on the Rotary Centennial Bridge and adjacent sections of the Millennium Trail. The City is seriously considering allowing ORV traffic on the pedestrian bridge. This will require many modifications which include “traffic lights”, warning signs, trail relocation, additional paving, and perhaps a crosswalk (for ORVs) across the South Access Road. The estimated cost is close to $50,000.
You cannot, of course, kill a bridge- but you can kill the enjoyment this bridge and trail give to many active residents and visitors by motorizing it.
The fate of this bridge and trail is now in the hands of Mayor and Council. It’s unfortunate that more people are not aware of what may soon be taken away from them. Please let Mayor and Council know how important this non-motorized bridge and trail is to you.
Patrick Milligan, Whitehorse
The following is a letter sent by ATWA to both the Yukon News and the Whitehorse Star on October 27th, 2014:
On Thursday, October 30th a Council and Senior Management (CASM) meeting at noon in the Heritage Room of Whitehorse City Hall, may well determine the fate of the Rotary Centennial Bridge (“the bridge”). At that meeting (which is open to the public) options with regard to the future of the bridge will be presented.
The main topic of the June 19, 2014 meeting of the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee (WTGC) was the bridge. The suggestion of motorizing the bridge was raised. See City website:
http://www.whitehorse.ca/home/showdocument?id=4688
We hope that common sense has prevailed and that discussions held by members of the WTGC at a “special” September 23rd meeting will have put to rest the idea of “motorizing” the bridge, and that this flawed concept will not be presented at the CASM meeting of October 30.
The Riverdale Community Association, Porter Creek Community Association, and Wolf Creek Community Association (as well as Active Trails Whitehorse Association), all of which are current or previous members of the WTGC, have stated their opposition to the possible motorization of the bridge.
Earlier this year Active Trails Whitehorse Association sent a letter to the WTGC and Mayor and Council in an effort to provide background information concerning the bridge and Millennium Trail. This letter can be read by visiting our website at www.activetwa.org. Go to “What’s Up” and click on Millennium Trail.
The pedestrian and cycling bridge was built by the City as part of its Urban Transportation Showcase Project in order to reduce greenhouse gases in the transportation sector by providing an attractive alternate route to the downtown area for Riverdale residents, as well as to help eliminate barriers to active transportation. The 315,000 user visits per year demonstrate its amazing success.
A partnership consisting of Transport Canada, Yukon Energy Corporation, and the Rotary Clubs of Whitehorse along with other sponsors, provided funding specifically for the building of a non-motorized bridge.
The new Snowmobile Bylaw and the ATV Bylaw prohibit use of the bridge and the Millennium Trail by ORVs (ATVs and snowmobiles).
Ask yourself what your experience of the Millennium Trail would look like if the bridge becomes a designated motorized route for ORVs. Will you be comfortable relying on traffic lights to regulate who can cross the bridge at any given time? Would you enjoy navigating the trail alongside the Yukon Energy property fence amidst ATVs in summer and snowmobiles in winter? How safely will young children on bikes, or running ahead of parents, be able to perceive and react to ORVs approaching from behind?
Consider everything that makes the experience of the Millennium Trail and the bridge enjoyable and appealing for such a huge number of citizens and tourists. Join with those who are urging Mayor and Council to protect the non-motorized status of the bridge, and put this “idea” of opening the bridge to ORV traffic to rest once and for all.
Lynn Poile (Vice President)
Active Trails Whitehorse Association
www.activetwa.org.
The following "Package of Information" was delivered to Mayor and Council on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 with information concerning the Rotary Centennial Bridge:
To: Mayor and Council
From: Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
Date: October 28, 2014
Topic: CASM meeting of October 30th, 2014
The Rotary Centennial Bridge is the topic of Thursday’s CASM. Administration will provide several recommendations as to the future of the bridge. In a December 2013 briefing note administration presented to Council four options concerning the bridge:
1. status quo,
2. new gates,
3. camera, or
4. designate Centennial Bridge as MMU route (with triggered flashing lights to aid non-motorized traffic).
You will note that ATWA’s request to effectively block the illegal trail (now trails) west of the bridge in order to discourage use of the bridge by ORVs was not one of the recommendations. (Six years of asking have failed to produce results.)
The issue was discussed at the June 19th, 2014 meeting of the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee the minutes of which were released in mid-September. Another “special” WTGC meeting on the subject was held on the 23rd of September, but this meeting was not open to observers. Minutes of this meeting have not been released.
Ideas presented at the June 19th WTGC meeting and others that may come up at the CASM:
1. Consider “a new pedestrian bridge across the river.” As this suggestion is not explained in more detail one can only assume that the idea would be to turn the RCB into a motorized bridge and then build a second bridge for pedestrians only.
Comment: We already have a pedestrian bridge across the Yukon and that bridge is the RCB. It was built for the use of pedestrians and cyclists - not for ORV use. The City is committed to promoting active forms of recreation and to do what it can to cut down on greenhouse gases. It should not be building bridges or adding bridge capacity to accommodate ORVs.
Comment: Although we have heard from the KSA president that the bridge was supposed to be motorized when it was originally planned, I have failed to find any references to support this claim in newspaper articles or documents of the time.
Mr. Hnatiuk suggested to me that the idea may have been discussed at the administration level, but if so the idea was obviously rejected. The bridge was built by the City as part of its Urban Transportation Showcase Project. All the monies given to build the pedestrian and cycling bridge were provided in order to reduce greenhouse gases in the transportation sector by providing an attractive alternate route to the downtown area for Riverdale residents, as well as to help eliminate barriers to active transportation.
2. It was mentioned at the June 19th meeting that “due to meager EYR MMU routes, [the City should] provide MMU access across the RCB with a limited route (whatever that means) [and that the] trail on west side to be upgraded to accommodate MMU and speed control.”
Comment: These statements defy logic. The public decided what it wanted with regard to motorized (out and away) routes on the East side of the Yukon River. None of us got everything that we wanted. To suggest changing the bridge into a MMU route to satisfy the perceived (by some) injustice to ORV users is simply ridiculous. In addition, one must not forget that snowmobile users are not confined to the EYR trails. They can use any trail not specifically mentioned as non-motorized in the Snowmobile Bylaw.
Comment: The suggestion of changing the illegal trail west of the RCB into a legal trail in order to accommodate ORVs lacks reason. As Duncan Miller, President of the Wolf Creek Community Association, said in his March 04, 2014 letter to the WTGC, this step “would be a victory for the vandals and a punishment for the legitimate trail users. Simply put, it would be a way out for enforcement. To cross the river, motorized trail users must trailer their vehicles or build a 2nd bridge and leave the beauty of this trail to the majority non-motorized users.”
Now we learn from the KSA in an article entitled No charity from bylaw and written by Mark Daniels, that “many Whitehorse-based sledders rarely ride within city limits. They prefer the backcountry and only ride in town a couple of times per year, including at the poker run.” (KSA Spring 2014 Newsletter) (The Run was cancelled in 2014, so now City trail use by sledders is down to once a year.) If this is the case, then snowmobilers have no need at all for additional motorized trails within the City.
As well, since Whitehorse sledders prefer the backcountry then they must have trailers. If their one or two uses of City trails in the winter involve getting to the opposite side of the river, then they have the ability to do so without using the RCB.
3. The installation of “better gates” to deter ORV traffic was another suggestion at the June 19th meeting. ATWA has suggested the use of a different type of wheelchair accessible gate located not on the bridge itself, but at the corner of Yukon Energy property on the west side. (There is a gate there now, one of a number placed in or near the bridge. However, none of these deter ORV traffic.) We forwarded these suggestions to City Administration, City Council, the Yukon Council on disABILITY, and to the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee.
Comment: Administration always mentions that the bridge must be accessible for “emergency truck access.” (Administration report: CASM Jan. 07, 2014) However, a check with our City Fire Department determined that the only machine that could possibly be used on the bridge was their Kubota vehicle. This is an ATV type vehicle used for rescue purposes on City trails in both summer and winter.
The gate ATWA recommended could be easily opened to accommodate such a vehicle. However, it seems doubtful that the vehicle would ever be used on the bridge as it would probably be quicker to employ a stretcher to take someone off the bridge to a waiting ambulance.
There are numerous examples of gates that are designed to stop most or all ORVs and yet permit the passage of wheelchairs, and baby/children strollers of various types. The placement of one such gate would help to curtail the illegal use of the bridge by ORVs. However, the placement of the gate should go hand in hand with the effective blocking of the illegal trail.
4. The installation of cameras in order to “catch” those illegally riding ORVs across the bridge was suggested. Unfortunately, the chance of identifying those riders even with video footage is remote. Riders wear helmets so their faces cannot be seen and their vehicles will probably not have licence plates. In addition, people who vandalize gates, and ignore City bylaws, will probably vandalize cameras. However, one camera placed inside the Yukon Energy Fence and pointed at the new gate might well discourage attempts to vandalize the new structure.
Comment: Cameras are a needless expense and are not likely to be effective. One camera positioned as mentioned above would be worthwhile if a new and better designed and better placed gate was installed.
5. It was suggested at the meeting that “limiting access on the west side of the bridge” would be helpful. Unfortunately, the minutes fail to convey what is actually meant by this statement. However, there are only two ways to limit access and that is to effectively block the illegal trail(s) on the west side, and/or install a better designed gate.
Comment: Ideally do both. However, the illegal trail(s) on the west side of the bridge will continue to attract the operators of ORVs unless it/they are effectively blocked. Therefore, if the City decides not to install a gate then it must block the trail(s).
6. There was a suggestion to put “lights on the bridge to denote MMU travel and warn all users on the bridge.”
Comment: One doubts that the above action would be well received by the public and by tourists. The “flashing lights” and the noise of machines would certainly detract from the peaceful enjoyment of the bridge and trail. (The City should be aware of the medical condition of photosensitive epilepsy which may be triggered by flashing lights at certain intensities.)
7. Another suggestion made at the meeting was that the “City should provide a way across the river for MMU traffic but do not recommend use of RCB due to mixing of uses.”
Comment: Yes, mixing of pedestrians, cyclists, walkers, runners, people with mobility issues, skiers, ATVs, and snowmobiles together on a bridge four metres in width would certainly be fraught with challenges, one being safety.
There was no safe or legal way for ORV operators to cross the river before the bridge was built. There was no safe or legal way for ORV operators to cross the river after the bridge was built. Anyone in Whitehorse who has ever purchased an ORV is aware of this fact. The vast majority of ORV operators have the means to trailer their vehicle to opposite sides of the river.
The dam is off-limits to private vehicle use, and the downtown area is off-limits to ORVs for obvious reasons, and the proposal of an ice bridge across Schwatka Lake has huge cost and liability issues. If the ORV community wants a bridge then it should raise the money to investigate the possibility. The City (which supposedly supports active recreation and the reduction of greenhouse gases) should not be tasked with providing river crossing alternatives for ORV owners.
8. The minutes of the June 19th meeting indicate that both the Riverdale Community Association (one of the original partners involved in the RCB project) and the Porter Creek Community Association are opposed to the motorization of the bridge. What the minutes do not tell you is that the Wolfe Creek Association made its opposition to the possible motorization of the bridge clear in a March 04, 2014 letter to the WTGC.
Comment: The above speaks for itself.
9. Other considerations. The newly reviewed and passed ATV and Snowmobile Bylaws prohibit the use of the RCB/Millennium Trail by ORVs.
The Persons with Disability Advisory Committee was established as a result of the building of the Millennium Trail. Both the RCB and the Millennium Trail tried to eliminate barriers to active transportation. A wheelchair accessible gate in the proper location would not detract from this effort. Opening the RCB to ORVs would certainly put all citizens with mobility challenges at increased risk. Indeed, it would put all non-motorized users at increased risk.
No mention was made at the June 19th meeting of the environmental damage caused by the illegal use of the bridge by ORV operators. The illegal trail(s) on the west side of the bridge is an example of this damage.
10. At the CASM meeting it will probably be mentioned that PDAC supports the motorization of the bridge.
Comment: I was at the January meeting 20th meeting where this support was given. There was no discussion of the November letter I sent to Lisa Rawlings Bird (Yukon Council on disABILITY) and which was forwarded on to the chairperson of PDAC. (See attachment) Unfortunately, Ms Rawlings Bird was not at the January meeting. I am sure she would have mentioned the letter and its contents, and that some discussion would have taken place on the subject. No background information was given as to the history of the RCB and/or Millennium Trail. Ms Rawlings Bird might well have mentioned the support the Yukon Council on disABILITY gave to the bridge effort and to "non-motorized transportation".
A total of four members of PDAC ended up supporting the motion without any informed discussion. Of course, the impression given is that the all community members with disabilities support the motorization of the bridge. Certainly some may support motorization as they operate ATVs and or snowmobiles despite their mobility concerns. Unfortunately, they may have limited knowledge of the subject and not be aware of from where the monies came to support its construction, or for what purpose(s) it was built.
Members of both Council and PDAC might do well to read the letter sent from Jon Breen of the Yukon Council on DisABILITY to the City of Whitehorse dated May 12, 2003. (This letter is found at the end of this article.)
Recommendations:
a) Effectively block the main illegal trail(s) on the west side of the bridge and try to restore the greenspace in the area. This could be done NOW, before the winter season actually begins. However, if this is not possible the main trail could be blocked by snow where it reaches the South Access Road and then permanently blocked in the spring.
b) Place a well-designed wheelchair accessible gate not on the bridge, but on the west side of the bridge at the corner of the Yukon Energy fence. ATWA has sent photos to the City illustrating the location and possible designs.
c) Place a camera (with Yukon Energy permission) inside their fence and pointing at the new gate. This might discourage vandalism of the gate.
d) More signage on the bridge and on the Millennium Trail to indicate that both are off limits to ORV use, and more public education directed at ORV operators to respect the Snowmobile and ATV Bylaws concerning the RCB and the Millennium Trail would be of benefit.
e) Do not open the RCB to ORV traffic.
Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
www.activetwa.org
[email protected]
Urban Transportation Showcase Program Stage 2: Detailed Proposal
Yukon Council On Disability
May 12, 2003
City of Whitehorse 2121 Second Avenue Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1C2
ATTENTION: HONOURABLE ERNIE BOURASSA, MAYOR
RE: URBAN TRANSPORTATION SHOWCASE PROGRAM
The Yukon Council On Disability(YCOD) would like to lend its support to the City of Whitehorse’s application for the Urban Transportation Showcase Program. We strongly support the goals and objectives of the Program. We also believe that this initiative will meet the needs of community members with disabilities as well as the general public for appropriate, non-motorized transportation.
As you are aware, YCOD, the City of Whitehorse and Yukon Energy formed a partnership three years ago to complete the construction and paving of the “Millennium Trail”. The Trail has been immensely successful in providing a pedestrian corridor for community members and tourists. Completing this accessible route by constructing a pedestrian bridge over the Yukon River will greatly enhance its availability to the general public. It will also be of special value to community members with mobility disabilities, families with strollers, and others who cannot manage a longer, more circuitous route.
The development of the Millennium Bridge will meet the Urban Transportation Showcase Program’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by completing the Millennium Trail, thereby providing a viable walking/rolling/wheeling option to community members and visitors to our city. It also falls within the program objectives by building onto existing municipal initiatives and fits well within the City’s current land use and transportation plans.
Sincerely, YCOD
Jon Breen Executive Director
The following is the information we sent to both Mayor and Council and the Whitehorse Trails and Greenways Committee in February of 2014:
Open letter to Mayor and Council
There is an idea revving up to motorize the Rotary Centennial Bridge. This seems to be a rather strange reaction to the many attempts by concerned citizens to have the City deal with the illegal trail located on the west side of the river. This trail cuts through the greenbelt, and allows ORVs to illegally access both Robert Service Way and the Riverdale area via the pedestrian bridge. The trail was first noted and reported in 2008. However, the City did not take action and close off this trail. As a result, there are now two illegal trails and a third one in the formation stage, which run through the greenbelt on the west side of the Millennium Trail.
If the City had dealt with this situation when originally reported and effectively blocked the initial illegal trail, it is possible that the use of the bridge by ORVs would have been curtailed to some degree. As well, a little enforcement and a little education at the time may have done much to discourage ORV owners from trespassing on the bridge. City bylaws (Snowmobile and ATV) indicate that the Millennium Trail and its pedestrian footbridge are non-motorized both in summer and in winter.
The legal and considerate way that ORV owners can gain access to permitted trails on either side of the river is to load up their off road vehicles and transport them to the desired location. Anyone who purchased an ORV either before or after the construction of the Rotary Centennial Bridge was certainly aware that there was no safe or legal way of getting across the river without using some form of transport.
An effort was made in August, 2013, to place experimental staggered gates on the bridge. This was done as a result of the illegal use of the bridge by ORVs in both summer and winter, which created a potential safety concern to pedestrians many of whom are children, and led to the damage of greenbelt areas on both sides of the bridge.
Active Trails Whitehorse Association (ATWA) suggested that the blocking of the illegal trails should be done at the same time as the installation of an effective gate system that would allow access for people with disabilities. The City decided to go the gate route and did not block the trails.
ATWA believes the staggered gate system placed on the bridge was not well designed and was inconvenient to some users. They were vandalized within two weeks of their installation and removed by the City. ATWA has suggested the use of a different type of gate located at an alternative location, suggestions which have been forwarded to City administration, City Council, to the Yukon Council on disABILITY, and to the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee.
No one likes to install a gate, but this has become an environmental, quality of life, and safety issue and it needs to be addressed. Other jurisdictions have dealt with such concerns by installing gate systems that conform to international standards in that they block most ORVs, but allow wheelchair access.
On January 7th, 2014, at a Council and Senior Management Meeting, administration listed four options presented to Council in a December briefing note: status quo, new gates, camera, or “designate Centennial Bridge as [a] MMU (motorized multi-use) route (with triggered flashing lights to aid non-motorized traffic).” The latter option would “require [that] additional trail [be built] adjacent to YEC property on [the] West side to connect to MMU trails.” In other words, make the illegal trails legal. Unfortunately, effectively blocking the trails (which was the original request of citizens) was not presented as an option. Council told administration that it “needs additional information” before considering any of the options.
Rewarding vandalism and the illegal use of the bridge by legalizing the illegal trails and opening the pedestrian bridge to ORVs is the worst possible kind of message to send to our community. City administration has a fiduciary responsibility to effectively deal with public safety concerns and to maintain the Millennium Trail's designation for users who value quiet enjoyment of active recreational activities.
There are other problems with motorizing the bridge besides the environmental, quality of life, and safety issues already mentioned. The bridge has close to 315,000 user visits each year. It is a City icon, and is much used by tourists in the summer and winter. The Millennium Trail is marketed as a pedestrian non-motorized trail, and it helps to promote our City’s image as an active recreation mecca. Allowing motorized use of the bridge would severely detract from that image.
The bridge was built by the City as part of its Urban Transportation Showcase Project. “Building a new pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Yukon River as an attractive and additional access to Downtown for pedestrians and cyclists of the City’s Riverdale community, [was seen as a way to] reduce green house gases in the transportation sector,” [and to aid in the elimination of] barriers to active transportation.” (Whitehorse Moves 2004-2007 Final Report/Wayne Tuck and Sabine Schweiger p. i)
A partnership consisting of Transport Canada’s Urban Transportation Showcase Program, Yukon Energy Corporation, and the Rotary Clubs of Whitehorse along with other sponsors, funded the construction of the bridge. Letters of support from the major funding bodies all mention that the pedestrian bridge would both help to promote active forms of recreation and reduce greenhouse gases. Please refer to the following site: http://ww3.whitehorse.ca/pdf%20files/engineering/Whitehorse%20Showcase%20Proposal.pdf (The letters of support are found at the end of this article.)
What kind of a message will be sent to those who help sponsor City projects if the latter changes the intent of those projects after the money has been granted and spent?
The bridge is a place where people stop to view the scenery, watch birds, and listen to the river. In summer one of the treats is to watch kayakers play in the waters directly beneath the bridge. One wonders how non-motorized users, and particularly tourists, would react to having dirt bikes, ATVs, (and in the winter snowmobiles) pass by, especially in such a confined area.
Our association respectfully asks our Mayor and City Council to ensure that the Rotary Centennial Bridge remains non-motorized both in summer and in winter. It also asks that the illegal trails west of the Millennium Trail be effectively blocked as soon as weather permits in the spring. In addition, we ask that the option of installing an effective wheelchair accessible gate on the west side of the Millennium Trail (but not on the bridge itself) should be explored further.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Keith Lay
Active Trails Whitehorse Association (ATWA)
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