The contract for construction of the new Whitehorse Skate Park has been awarded to Castle Rock Enterprises. Construction work is expected to begin next week, at which time the existing park will be closed.
Awarding the design contract is the latest milestone for this community-driven project. The new skate park designed was created by Stantec after a series of consultations with skateboard park users and the Skate for Life Alliance in 2018.
The project is expected to take around six months to complete. The new park will be wheelchair accessible and inclusive for skateboards, bikes, scooters, wheelchairs and spectators.
The budget for the new park is $3.5 million. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada, which announced its contribution of $2.6 million in 2019 through the Community, Culture and Recreation Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Yukon will provide the remainder of the funding. The City of Whitehorse has agreed to take over the ownership and operation of the skate park once it is built.
I’m super excited to see the construction of the new Whitehorse Skate Park begin. This project has developed through a great collaboration with the local skateboarding community, the City of Whitehorse and Canada. I’m proud we can help provide a safer, more inclusive park for those who ride skateboards, roller blades, bikes and scooters. I look forward to seeing the park in use.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
On behalf of City Council, I would like to acknowledge the hard work over the years from community organizations and youth groups such as the Whitehorse Lions Club, Skate For Life Alliance and skaters-r-us society. Various levels of government have also recognized the importance and suitability of the existing site for a skateboard park. I am excited to see people of all ages and abilities enjoy this safe and modern facility in the near future.
Mayor of Whitehorse Dan Curtis
The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse to build a new skate park in Whitehorse. This has been a grass roots projects with great engagement from various user groups in the territory. The new, enhanced facility will support active living in an inclusive way that brings the community together.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell
The skate park will be closed starting next week and will remain closed for the duration of construction. The project is expected to be complete by November 2020.
Construction is an essential service and many construction projects are proceeding during the COVID-19 pandemic, making necessary changes in order to run a safe workplace.
This is just one example of sport and recreation infrastructure projects that the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada are supporting around the territory. Others include the new arena in Carmacks and a new pool in Pelly Crossing.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Kara Johancsik
Communications, Community Services
867-332-1237
kara.johancsik@gov.yk.ca
Brad Weston
Office of Larry Bagnell
867-668-6565
Larry.Bagnell.A2@parl.gc.ca