Change Starts Now!
Add your name if you will stand with Currie Dixon and the Yukon Party!
WHITEHORSE - In February, the Yukon Party called for the Liberal government to work with communities to prepare for this upcoming flood season. In addition, the party presented several community-based solutions to help prepare for any potential flooding this year in light of heavy snow this winter.
In response, the Minister of Community Services told media the situation was distinctly different from last year. He said the majority of the snow was concentrated in lowland areas where a lot of snow is very obvious to the public, and the alpine areas have seen less snow than last year. He also said the government was well prepared for flooding.
However, recent media reports indicate with a record snowpack in eight of 11 watersheds in the territory, a rapid snowmelt could potentially lead to widespread flooding. The report also said officials are watching ice conditions in Dawson City and Old Crow for the potential of high water affecting those two communities, and that flooding is already occurring on parts of the North Klondike Highway. Flooding on Takhini River Road is already affecting properties and buildings, and road access to several dozen homes.
“We brought the concerns and suggestions of Yukoners impacted by last year’s flooding to the attention of the government in February, and also during the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly,” said Lake Laberge MLA Brad Cathers. “At that time, the Minister told Yukoners government was prepared. Yukoners want more information about what that actually means, and what the government will do in response to flooding.”
The government has outlined some measures. Those include the release of a flood map, the ordering of sandbags and conducting several community Zoom calls. However, the Yukon Party highlighted that better communication was a priority, and Yukoners need to hear a detailed plan and more information, rather than opaque assurances from the Minister that government is “ready”.
Actions suggested by the Yukon Party included setting aside an area in Whitehorse easily accessible for residents to help fill sandbags for transport where needed and identifying roads and other government infrastructure that would benefit from improvements early in the summer.
Property owners who want to do their own groundwork preparation need certainty that they are able to do so. The Liberals need to ensure there are no bureaucratic hurdles in the way as Yukoners prepare for a flood season that is rapidly approaching.
See backgrounder.
-30-
Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026
Backgrounder:
Proposed Yukon Party community-sourced flood preparation measures:
Change Starts Now!
Add your name if you will stand with Currie Dixon and the Yukon Party!