All Yukoners are invited to attend a drop-in open house about relocation plans for the future École Whitehorse Elementary School in Takhini on April 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Takhini Elementary School.
In advance of this event, the Government of Yukon is releasing the results of the Traffic Impact Assessment Study that was conducted in order to better understand how the construction of this new school in the Takhini North neighbourhood will affect traffic.
The study concluded that the development of the school would have minimal impact on traffic in the area. It also looked at nearby roads and intersections to further study existing conditions, anticipate potential impacts and identify opportunities for improvements to support safe and efficient travel around the new school site.
Recommendations from the traffic study include the construction of new mini-roundabouts to calm traffic and improve safety, extended school zones, new pedestrian crosswalks and bike lanes and the creation of a detailed parking and student drop-off and pick-up plan for the school.
The April 10 open house will include information stations that will provide more information to the community and solicit their feedback. Information stations will highlight the findings of the traffic study, inform about upcoming project phases and provide information about transportation and busing details and planned sports facility investments.
An executive summary and the complete traffic assessment are available on open.yukon.ca.
Our government is proud to invest in a modern facility that supports the growing needs of young French language learners, Yukon families and our community overall. This project is more than just a new building – it's about creating a safe, accessible and sustainable learning environment where every child can learn, grow and thrive. With upgraded sports facilities and improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, the benefits will reach beyond the school to enhance the entire community.
The new École Whitehorse Elementary School will include the Yukon's largest elementary school gymnasium – a large-sized facility with appropriate sidelines and bleacher space accessible to sports groups evenings and weekends. Through partnerships with Sport Yukon, this gymnasium will expand capacity for volleyball tournaments and youth programming, while our agreement with Softball Yukon maintains access for their 2,000 members through upgraded facilities. These investments address record participation growth across Yukon sports while delivering modern educational infrastructure. Nearby residents will benefit from enhanced recreational opportunities and a vibrant community hub steps from their doorstep.
Gyms, sport facilities and recreation spaces make the territory a more attractive place for people to put down roots; support Yukoners in living active, healthy lives; promote tourism and stimulate our local economy. Whitehorse needs more sports and recreation facilities to support its growing population and we are pleased to be working collaboratively across the Yukon government and with Sport Yukon and Softball Yukon to use the École Whitehorse Elementary School relocation project as an opportunity to build new sport infrastructure and upgrade existing facilities.
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The drop-in open house will be held on April 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Takhini Elementary School in Whitehorse.
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The Government of Yukon has committed to including a gymnasium inside the new École Whitehorse Elementary School that will be available to sports groups outside of school hours and to invest in upgrades for nearby softball diamonds.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
867-471-0902
[email protected]
Brittany Cross
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-4601
[email protected]
John Tonin
Communications, Community Services
867-334-5816
[email protected]