The City of Whitehorse is in the final stages of establishing a master plan to guide the development of an industrial/commercial complex at the south end of Ice Lake off the Alaska Highway.

The city is now offering residents a chance to express their thoughts via an online survey.

In a prepared statement, the city explains, “In 2020, a detailed study was conducted to identify pieces of land owned by the City, Government of Yukon and First Nations that could be considered for light and heavy industrial development. 

“In 2021, a preliminary review was completed to refine the list of potential areas. The feasibility studies identify that the ‘Ice Lake Road South Area’ should be the priority area for further planning to get land to the market with a future project intended for Ice Lake Road North.”

The area in question is next to the weigh station on the Alaska Highway, near Robert Service Way. It’s currently a popular walking and hiking destination, along with being a busy snowmobiling area in the winter.

Ice Lake is also known as an important nesting area for birds, including red-necked grebes.

The ILRS Planning Area (planning area) is located within the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (TKC).

The planning area is approximately 32.42 ha, and includes vacant Yukon government Commissioner’s land, KDFN Settlement Land (C-86B), and surveyed land (the weigh station).

The planning area occupies a strip of highway frontage on the west side of the Alaska Highway north of the Robert Service Way/Alaska Highway intersection.

In August 2023, the city collected feedback from the public on the preliminary land use scenario. Based on that feedback and further studies, the project team has developed the land use concept.

“Now, we’re looking for your feedback on the draft master plan,” the city said. “Your input will help us refine the plan before we present it to council for consideration.”

The city’s consultant is working to incorporate the public feedback to create the final land use concept and draft master plan,” the city said.

“Stay tuned for more details on a public engagement opportunity to take place in June.”