Topic: Valleyview South Master Plan Public Input Session
Name: Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
Date: April 22, 2024
Valleyview South Master Plan
The Master Plan gives people the impression that it will not result in (and I quote) “direct further expansion of the City’s motorized trail network.” This statement defies reality and needs to be corrected.
As you all know, the City has yet to amend the Snowmobile Bylaw, despite administration’s confirmation to Councillor Boyd on December 7th 2020, that “a top priority [would be] to identify the policies and bylaws that need to be updated” [in order to reflect] the intentions of the 2020 Trail Plan. (City Council meeting of Dec. 7, 2020)
As a result, despite the Trail Plan’s definition of a non-motorized multiple use trail as being one that is “to be used by a variety of non-motorized users,” we still have an existing Snowmobile Bylaw which ignores that definition, and so unless Valleyview South’s proposed paved and unpaved trails are included in the bylaw’s Excluded trails section, they will be open to snowmobile use in winter, and the City’s motorized trail network will expand once again. (See Schedule “E” of the bylaw.)
The plan’s Executive Summary says “the [Valleyview South Master] Plan . . . envisions a robust network of multi-use pathways throughout the new neighbourhood to connect residents with the City’s existing active transportation network.”
The 2020 Trail Plan defines active transportation as “Any form of human-powered travel, such as walking, cycling, skateboarding, cross-country skiing and more.” (2020 Trail Plan/Glossary) Active transportation does not involve motorized activities. (All three classes of E-Bikes can use non-motorized trails as per the E-Bike Bylaw.)
The Snowmobile Bylaw also ignores this definition, so unless a trail is included in the bylaw’s Excluded trails section it cannot be considered as an active transportation trail, as it will be open to snowmobile use in winter. (See Schedule “E” of the bylaw.)
Presently, outside of the downtown core there are only three trails that could be considered as being both truly non-motorized and active transportation trails.
One can only conclude that outside of the downtown core the existing active transportation network of the City of Whitehorse consists of three or perhaps four trails and if none of the proposed trails in Valleyview South are added to the Excluded trails section of the Snowmobile Bylaw, that’s the way it will remain.
The Master Plan proposes an “an East-West path to connect Hamilton Boulevard motorized multi-use path to the Airport trail.” I am not clear as to where this East-West path is illustrated in the plan, although part of the proposed Multi-Use paved pathway seems to be an East-West route that would connect the two, but if this East-West path is to be a truly non-motorized paved active transportation trail, then it would not accommodate snowmachines. (See Appendix B2. Transportation Map)
Therefore, the question must be asked as to why one would want to connect a motorized trail (Hamilton Blvd MMU) with a non-motorized multiple use trail, where motorized vehicles are not permitted at any time, and do it via a proposed non-motorized paved trail. It does not make sense.
The new 4.9 km multiple use paved pathway mentioned in the plan looks to be a great alternative to the MMU Hamilton Blvd paved trail for non-motorized users and, among other benefits, would better connect those users to the currently truly non-motorized Airport Trail. However, if not listed in the Excluded trail section of the Snowmobile Bylaw, it too would be open to motorized use in the winter.
As well, if any of the proposed paved routes are to be considered accessible trails as per the 2010 Trail Plan definition, then they would have to be closed to motorized use all year and listed in the Excluded trail section of the Snowmobile Bylaw.
The plan itself eventually admits that “Snowmobiles are generally allowed on trails, subject to the Snowmobile Bylaw.” (p. 38 of plan). Unfortunately, no explanation is provided as to how this could be rectified.
So, why does the plan give the impression that the area will have non-motorized trails, active transportation trails, and even accessible trails, and that there will be no “further expansion of the City’s motorized trail network?”
The public should be informed as to whether or not the City will add all proposed new paved and unpaved trails in Valleyview South to the Excluded trail section of the Snowmobile Bylaw, in order to ensure that they will be truly non-motorized multiple use active transportation trails.
Of course, a better solution would be to amend the Snowmobile Bylaw to restrict snowmobiles to designed and designated motorized multiple use trails.
Taking either of these steps would help prevent a repeat of the controversy that surrounded the designation of the Perimeter Trail in Whistle Bend, or the recent rejection by citizens of Whitehorse North of a City Council approved trail plan for that area.
Thank you.
Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
687-8500
https://www.activetwa.org
*Is the City using Section 29 of the Snowmobile Bylaw in order to allow it to close both the paved section and the unpaved section of the Airport Trail from snowmobile use, and do so without including it/them in the Excluded trails section of the Snowmobile Bylaw? Or, is there some other City authority/regulation/bylaw that allows it/them to be closed to snowmobiles and the resulting circumvention of the Snowmobile Bylaw? Is there a “Grandfather” clause in play?
Other Relevant Points:
Note: Under the E-Bike Regulation Bylaw all three classes of e-bikes are not considered as being a motor vehicle. This includes Adaptive Mountain Bikes. (aMTBs)
Note: The 2020 Trail Plan says an accessible trail is one that provides “safe . . . options for all to walk, cycle or wheel on the trails” [and that such trails] “will be increasingly important to support older adults, families with young children and those with mobility constraints.” (See page 2 of 2020 Trail Plan.) Obviously, for safety reasons such trails would be closed to motorized use, otherwise they could not be considered as accessible trails.
Note: Once again, we have a plan that does not define the term passive recreation, or Greenspace.
Note: In 2018, according to the Bicycle Network Plan, a kilometre of 3-metre-wide paved trail would cost some $600,000 to build. It would seem obvious that costs would have increased since then. However, using the 2018 figure, 4.9 kilometres of paved trail would cost $2,940,000. This does not include the cost of maintenance, or the cost of clearing snow and ice in the winter. From where is the money to come for such a project?
Note: Under Recreational Motor Vehicles the plan says that All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can use City streets for the purposes of connecting to the nearest motorized multi-use trail and/or permitted open space.” However, the ATV Bylaw distinctly says that such vehicles are not permitted in open spaces, or for that matter, in Greenbelts, or on non-motorized trails, so correction is needed.
Name: Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
Date: April 22, 2024
Valleyview South Master Plan
The Master Plan gives people the impression that it will not result in (and I quote) “direct further expansion of the City’s motorized trail network.” This statement defies reality and needs to be corrected.
As you all know, the City has yet to amend the Snowmobile Bylaw, despite administration’s confirmation to Councillor Boyd on December 7th 2020, that “a top priority [would be] to identify the policies and bylaws that need to be updated” [in order to reflect] the intentions of the 2020 Trail Plan. (City Council meeting of Dec. 7, 2020)
As a result, despite the Trail Plan’s definition of a non-motorized multiple use trail as being one that is “to be used by a variety of non-motorized users,” we still have an existing Snowmobile Bylaw which ignores that definition, and so unless Valleyview South’s proposed paved and unpaved trails are included in the bylaw’s Excluded trails section, they will be open to snowmobile use in winter, and the City’s motorized trail network will expand once again. (See Schedule “E” of the bylaw.)
The plan’s Executive Summary says “the [Valleyview South Master] Plan . . . envisions a robust network of multi-use pathways throughout the new neighbourhood to connect residents with the City’s existing active transportation network.”
The 2020 Trail Plan defines active transportation as “Any form of human-powered travel, such as walking, cycling, skateboarding, cross-country skiing and more.” (2020 Trail Plan/Glossary) Active transportation does not involve motorized activities. (All three classes of E-Bikes can use non-motorized trails as per the E-Bike Bylaw.)
The Snowmobile Bylaw also ignores this definition, so unless a trail is included in the bylaw’s Excluded trails section it cannot be considered as an active transportation trail, as it will be open to snowmobile use in winter. (See Schedule “E” of the bylaw.)
Presently, outside of the downtown core there are only three trails that could be considered as being both truly non-motorized and active transportation trails.
- Birch Loop Trail (Crestview)
- Millennium Trail
- Whistle Bend Paved Perimeter Trail (Whistle Bend)
One can only conclude that outside of the downtown core the existing active transportation network of the City of Whitehorse consists of three or perhaps four trails and if none of the proposed trails in Valleyview South are added to the Excluded trails section of the Snowmobile Bylaw, that’s the way it will remain.
The Master Plan proposes an “an East-West path to connect Hamilton Boulevard motorized multi-use path to the Airport trail.” I am not clear as to where this East-West path is illustrated in the plan, although part of the proposed Multi-Use paved pathway seems to be an East-West route that would connect the two, but if this East-West path is to be a truly non-motorized paved active transportation trail, then it would not accommodate snowmachines. (See Appendix B2. Transportation Map)
Therefore, the question must be asked as to why one would want to connect a motorized trail (Hamilton Blvd MMU) with a non-motorized multiple use trail, where motorized vehicles are not permitted at any time, and do it via a proposed non-motorized paved trail. It does not make sense.
The new 4.9 km multiple use paved pathway mentioned in the plan looks to be a great alternative to the MMU Hamilton Blvd paved trail for non-motorized users and, among other benefits, would better connect those users to the currently truly non-motorized Airport Trail. However, if not listed in the Excluded trail section of the Snowmobile Bylaw, it too would be open to motorized use in the winter.
As well, if any of the proposed paved routes are to be considered accessible trails as per the 2010 Trail Plan definition, then they would have to be closed to motorized use all year and listed in the Excluded trail section of the Snowmobile Bylaw.
The plan itself eventually admits that “Snowmobiles are generally allowed on trails, subject to the Snowmobile Bylaw.” (p. 38 of plan). Unfortunately, no explanation is provided as to how this could be rectified.
So, why does the plan give the impression that the area will have non-motorized trails, active transportation trails, and even accessible trails, and that there will be no “further expansion of the City’s motorized trail network?”
The public should be informed as to whether or not the City will add all proposed new paved and unpaved trails in Valleyview South to the Excluded trail section of the Snowmobile Bylaw, in order to ensure that they will be truly non-motorized multiple use active transportation trails.
Of course, a better solution would be to amend the Snowmobile Bylaw to restrict snowmobiles to designed and designated motorized multiple use trails.
Taking either of these steps would help prevent a repeat of the controversy that surrounded the designation of the Perimeter Trail in Whistle Bend, or the recent rejection by citizens of Whitehorse North of a City Council approved trail plan for that area.
Thank you.
Keith Lay (Active Trails Whitehorse Association)
687-8500
https://www.activetwa.org
*Is the City using Section 29 of the Snowmobile Bylaw in order to allow it to close both the paved section and the unpaved section of the Airport Trail from snowmobile use, and do so without including it/them in the Excluded trails section of the Snowmobile Bylaw? Or, is there some other City authority/regulation/bylaw that allows it/them to be closed to snowmobiles and the resulting circumvention of the Snowmobile Bylaw? Is there a “Grandfather” clause in play?
Other Relevant Points:
Note: Under the E-Bike Regulation Bylaw all three classes of e-bikes are not considered as being a motor vehicle. This includes Adaptive Mountain Bikes. (aMTBs)
Note: The 2020 Trail Plan says an accessible trail is one that provides “safe . . . options for all to walk, cycle or wheel on the trails” [and that such trails] “will be increasingly important to support older adults, families with young children and those with mobility constraints.” (See page 2 of 2020 Trail Plan.) Obviously, for safety reasons such trails would be closed to motorized use, otherwise they could not be considered as accessible trails.
Note: Once again, we have a plan that does not define the term passive recreation, or Greenspace.
Note: In 2018, according to the Bicycle Network Plan, a kilometre of 3-metre-wide paved trail would cost some $600,000 to build. It would seem obvious that costs would have increased since then. However, using the 2018 figure, 4.9 kilometres of paved trail would cost $2,940,000. This does not include the cost of maintenance, or the cost of clearing snow and ice in the winter. From where is the money to come for such a project?
Note: Under Recreational Motor Vehicles the plan says that All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can use City streets for the purposes of connecting to the nearest motorized multi-use trail and/or permitted open space.” However, the ATV Bylaw distinctly says that such vehicles are not permitted in open spaces, or for that matter, in Greenbelts, or on non-motorized trails, so correction is needed.