Whitehorse Municipal Election Questionnaire 2024

October 15, 2024

Ahead of this year’s City of Whitehorse municipal election, we posed five environmental questions to all candidates. The purpose of this questionnaire is to inform voters about where they stand on a range of important environmental issues.

All candidates were given a 500 character limit to their answers but many candidates went over this limit. As a result, we have decided to include full responses, but please consider this as you notice differences in response length.

Mayoral Candidates

Stephen Kwok

No Response Provided from:

Kirk Cameron

Dino Rudiniski

Dan Bushnell

Jack Bogaard

Council Candidates

Ken Schick

The draft Climate Action Plan is a 61 page document prepared by professional and extremely knowledgeable people. I have perused it but not read the entire draft. Climate Change is upon us whether we like it or not. I DO support the draft and at this time do not have any specific policies to add or prioritize.
Tony Lundgaard
Sarah Newton
Anne Middler

Yes I support the City’s draft CAP. I will ensure to prioritize actions that have co-benefits such as building local energy- and food-security, and promoting/building safe active transportation infrastructure to build the health and resilience of the population as well as reducing GHGs. We need to make sure we’re prepared for the impacts of climate change that are here and coming regardless of our territory’s success in mitigation. Adaptation, to increase the resilience of our infrastructure and systems to reduce our vulnerabilities, will be important in the coming years.

The City needs to look at its own operations and energy use, to see where it can displace imported fossil fuels with local renewable energy. I’d also love to see the Summerside PEI model studied to assess the feasibility of a wind-ETS program here, to maximize the use of local intermittent renewable energy and match it with the significant heating load to reduce GHGs and save money, and perhaps generate revenue, in that energy intensive sector.
Jenny Hamilton

My main concern is safety, for all citizens. Wildfire and flooding are a reality. We must prepare. I do support many of the draft recommendations and will consult with experts as to any issues that they may see in the plans. Being in draft, changes can be made.
Evacuation plans are a concern of mine, and many others. Public awareness is important. We need to know these plans if they exist.
Our Emergency Response teams must be adequately trained and equipped to handle emergencies. This, I have been told is lacking and may even had it’s budgets cut. If this is true, it is unacceptable.
Anything the City does needs to have the climate crisis in mind. Plans should not be temporary, they should be long term, generational.
Prevention and preparation is the key to safety.
Paolo Gallina

I fully support strong climate mitigation efforts and share the urgency of addressing climate change, however, I am unable to fully support the Yukon Climate Emergency Declaration in its current form for several reasons:

1. Focus on a Collaborative and Balanced Approach
While I agree that urgent action is required, I believe this declaration lacks a clear, collaborative framework that considers the specific realities and challenges faced by different communities in Yukon. Climate policy needs to be inclusive, respecting the voices of all stakeholders—especially those whose livelihoods are intertwined with resource industries. I support solutions that integrate diverse perspectives, including traditional knowledge, but also modern economic needs.

2. Potential Negative Economic Impact
The declaration calls for the immediate end of fossil fuel subsidies and a rapid transition to a zero-emission economy. While I agree that transitioning away from fossil fuels is vital, this needs to be done in a way that protects jobs and supports a just transition for workers in affected sectors. An overly hasty shift could risk destabilizing our local economy, particularly in industries like aviation, transportation, and energy, which are critical in a remote and vast territory like Yukon.

3. Lack of Flexibility in Implementation
The call for binding annual carbon budgets and reporting across all sectors, without considering the unique needs of certain industries or the realities of the northern climate, may be overly rigid. While setting emissions targets is essential, it’s important to account for the unique challenges of Yukon, such as our dependence on aviation, long winters that require substantial home heating, and the high costs of transitioning to new technologies in remote areas. A more flexible, phased approach could yield better results without creating unintended hardships.
Eileen Melnychuk

I support the City’s draft climate action plan; however, I would push for stronger building efficiency standards, community renewable energy projects in collaboration with partners such as Yukon First Nations. We also need to look at ways to provide improved public transit. We need urgent action and collaboration with residents and businesses to meet climate goals and protect our future. The city needs to be proactive in reducing emissions while also preparing for the impacts we are already facing.
Lenore Morris

I support all of the Draft Goals listed in the City’s draft Climate Action Plan (CAP). The draft CAP is a detailed, comprehensive, aspirational document. It is not what I would call a plan however, even with respect to the areas where the City has direct control. The final version must have the lead department and time frames to implement the CAP determined. Key will be the bi-annual report to citizens from the City of Whitehorse on how the CAP is being implemented and working. Mayor and Council must be held accountable by voters for their actions on this important file.

No Response Provided from:

Gary Smith

Daniel Schneider

Andrew Robulack

Nesty Paron

Norma Felker

Jay Wilneff

Michelle Stimson

Marta Rogers

Jean-Sébastien Blais

Dan Boyd

Mayoral Candidates

Stephen Kwok

No Response Provided from:

Kirk Cameron

Dino Rudiniski

Dan Bushnell

Jack Bogaard

Council Candidates

Ken Schick
Tony Lundgaard
Sarah Newton
Anne Middler

Chasàn Chùa is a critical wildlife corridor and special place for Ta’an and Kwanlin Dun people, as well as settlers who appreciate the urban nature connection opportunities and who recognize the importance of this wildlife habitat within the City of Whitehorse. McIntyre Creek is one of many common interests that the City will be working with TKC and KDFN on. I commit to assess, improve and foster where possible the quality of the relationship on all files, and in particular this one, and ensure that the FNs feel supported in finalizing the plan with shared priorities of protecting the ecological and cultural values – including making sure that proposed future developments or other threats, from housing infill to industrial activity, can not and do not encroach into the corridor.
Jenny Hamilton

I will happily work with the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First and Government of Yukon to establish a protected area within Chasàn Chùa. I fully respect their wants and needs to choose what happens to their land. If it is decided that the area is to be protected and never developed, then that is what I will support.
I do know many want a road built through the area, there may be a compromise and there may not be one. There may be environmental impacts to developing in the area as well.

Until we can all sit down together and work these issues out as a collective, any answer I give is moot. It is not my personal wants that matter here. It is truly about respect and partnership with the First Nation Government, Environmental Experts, First Responders and City of Whitehorse.
Paolo Gallina

A top priority for me is strong collaboration between the municipality and Yukon First Nations, federal and territorial governments and community partners.

I will work to establish strong working relations with Yukon First Nations governments, territorial and federal governments, Whitehorse Mayor and Councillors, Yukon communities, community partners and community associations.

On Chasàn Chùa – McIntyre Creek specifically I would:

Establish regular meetings or forums to engage in open, transparent communication with all levels of government and community groups.

Develop formal agreements (e.g., Memorandums of Understanding) with Yukon First Nations and other governments to collaborate on shared priorities such as land use, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.

Identify and pursue joint projects – including Chasàn Chùa – McIntyre Creek, as well as housing developments, infrastructure upgrades, or social services.
Eileen Melnychuk

I would meet each partner individually then together to affirm their vision for this special place. I would maintain regular contact with all partners to build respectful collaboration with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and Yukon government to protect Chasàn Chùa’s ecological and cultural significance. By building trust and working together we can establish a protected area that safeguards its wildlife, supports cultural traditions, and ensures long-term environmental stewardship.
Lenore Morris

For the new Council, meeting with the other leaders and representatives of the involved governments will be key, for introductions then meeting regularly and consistently. Meeting and talking though is only part of it though. Action is required, and if elected I want be part of a Council that establishes Chasàn Chùa, as a park within the new council’s term.
Jay Wilneff

No Response Provided from:

Gary Smith

Daniel Schneider

Andrew Robulack

Nesty Paron

Norma Felker

Michelle Stimson

Marta Rogers

Jean-Sébastien Blais

Dan Boyd

Mayoral Candidates

Stephen Kwok

I will make sure to work closely with KDFN and TKC to understand what their priorities are and when they would like to see in the city. I need to understand from our community about all the issues before making a decision and how this would affect the City, the environment and the citizens. If the zoning bylaw were to pass I would ensure the safety of the citizens and environment is of high importance.

No Response Provided from:

Kirk Cameron

Dino Rudiniski

Dan Bushnell

Jack Bogaard

Council Candidates

Ken Schick

My understanding is that Bylaw 2024-014 “Mineral exploration and mine development within the City of Whitehorse is prohibited. This applies to all classes of exploration activities, as well as the development of a mine, but does not apply to remediation activities being undertaken to address environmental impacts from past mining activities.” deals with this.
Tony Lundgaard
Sarah Newton
Anne Middler

I don’t think mining should happen in city limits. It’s one thing to have housing infill in a greenspace in your neighbourhood and quite another to have an industrial development. If elected I would work with YG to extend the mining staking ban within city limits to cover the entire city, then Whitehorse must work with YG to expropriate existing claims. I have always said that exploration leads to expectation, so if it’s not an appropriate location for a mine, why bother bothering the land searching for minerals.
Jenny Hamilton

Yes, I would support an amendment to the zoning bylaw or a new bylaw to address residents’ concerns about mining activities within city limits.
My personal opinion is as such:
I am not opposed to mining in general, but I am opposed to it within Whitehorse city limits, and to be frank, in any town or village within the territory. I agree completely with YCS that appropriate areas need to be used. The City is not an appropriate area. That environmental considerations must take precedence and that a comprehensive and adequately funded closure plan must be in place before mining should happen anywhere. I have not seen this happen yet within our territory. We foot the bill and reap few if any benefits every time.

I would not let anyone come into my yard, dig up what they wanted and then leave a costly mess for me and my family to clean up and fix; while they left town and made money off of whatever they decided to take. That is how big mining companies have been treating our territory for decades. I would not allow this on my property, I will not vote for it in OUR city.
Paolo Gallina

I would adopt a balanced approach to address concerns around mining within municipal boundaries. I would prioritize transparency and dialogue with residents to understand their concerns about environmental impacts, safety, and sustainability.

My approach would include:

Consultation with Residents: Hosting public forums to gather input from citizens and local stakeholders on how mining impacts the environment, property values, and public health. I would ensure that residents’ concerns are integrated into decision-making.

Environmental and Economic Assessments: Advocating for thorough environmental impact assessments and transparent reporting before any mining project is considered. This ensures that projects align with the city’s sustainability goals, while also considering the potential economic benefits.

Sustainability Framework: Ensuring that any proposed mining projects adhere to strict environmental sustainability standards, with a focus on minimizing disruption to ecosystems, wildlife, and recreational areas within the city.

Collaboration with Industry and Yukon First Nations: Working closely with both industry leaders and Yukon First Nations to understand the potential benefits and risks of mining projects. This would ensure that the economic contributions of mining are balanced with respect for traditional land uses and cultural significance.
Eileen Melnychuk

I would strongly support amending the zoning bylaw to address concerns about mining activities in Whitehorse. I would also press for updated zoning bylaws to address this issue while taking into consideration our city’s growth and citizens’ concerns. I would also push for stronger regulations, environmental assessments, and community consultation are needed to manage mining within city limits and protect sensitive areas, ensuring resident concerns are addressed.
Lenore Morris

Yes. I believe it is time that mining activities were ended within City boundaries. I recognize that mining claims are in place, and that the City has a limited role in dealing with them given as this is Yukon Government jurisdiction under the Quartz Mining Act. The City must fully participate however in the new mineral legislation creation process that the Yukon and First Nation governments are currently working on, the goal being for municipalities to have the right to decide for themselves what level, if any, of mining they want.
Jay Wilneff

On a case by case basis in collaboration with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First nation and the Yukon government. Yes I would support a bylaw providing it states that any mining within city limits needs approval of the affected First Nation(s) as well as the city of Whitehorse. Accountability and approvals would be stringent if permitting was allowed.
Michelle Stimson

Building relationships is so crucial for a healthy community in my opinion- having open house discussions and debates help eliminate these surprise announcements. Which are frankly disturbing. I can understand ground testing- especially water and soil tests – mercury that is seeping perhaps from the melting of permafrost-
Dedicating a page on the city website can keep us informed and well as information sessions for those without internet.

No Response Provided from:

Gary Smith

Daniel Schneider

Andrew Robulack

Nesty Paron

Norma Felker

Jay Wilneff

Marta Rogers

Jean-Sébastien Blais

Dan Boyd

Mayoral Candidates

Stephen Kwok

For the short term we need to density in certain neighbourhoods that is more feasible. We need to ensure there are green spaces, park and space for recreation in each neighbourhood. It is also important to know the urgency of the housing demand and the capacity issues and challenges of our underground infrastructure if we were to expand to another subdivision. There are areas downtown that can be developed and the City will be able to support developments by issuing quicker permits and ensuring zoning amendments include residential.

No Response Provided from:

Kirk Cameron

Dino Rudiniski

Dan Bushnell

Jack Bogaard

Council Candidates

Ken Schick

As a member of an elected council of six and mayor we will need to examine this concern collectively. I do not profess to have all the answers and know that I don’t need to know everything, I just need to know who to ask for assistance. I believe THAT we be the key to a successful city council.
Tony Lundgaard

1.I want to change the cities property tax from a land value tax to a land use efficiency tax. Where peoples tax is biased on the number of units in their area so the more units the less they pay yearly.
2. I want to tie the number of short term rentals to the number of construction the year prier. By making them to get a license after being inspected, if there is more people getting a license it would change to a lottery draw. All the money collected by this system would be lend out to private induvial or corporations to build out more housing without using taxpayers money.
3. I want to overhaul the zoning code to more reflect the needs of the modern population. including but not limited to, making a new mixed use zoning, making ADU approved by default, ect..
Sarah Newton
Anne Middler

The City doesn’t need more sprawl. We need to densify and revitalize downtown to address the safety issue – more people downtown will support more vibrant businesses and improve peoples sense of safety and community. Downtown densification will also address traffic congestion and will provide a larger percentage of the population the ability to easily choose walking and cycling. I will encourage a mix of housing opportunities to ensure a diversity in the population, and find ways to make sure owners of vacant lots and derelict buildings are signaled that their inaction will have financial consequences. The Valleyview South master plan, the Kejan and Rogers (5th and Rogers) and Range Point will all provide new land for housing. Ideally on top of this, we will find brownfield sites to densify, as we need to maintain the character and the wilderness that we all love. We have existing and proposed neighbourhoods too. I’d like to ensure they have complete walkable centres with public spaces, services, and businesses so that a vehicle trip into downtown isn’t necessary every time a household needs a jug of milk.
Jenny Hamilton

Housing in Whitehorse is missing the affordable part. We have some low income housing and then a lot of extremely expensive housing. I have watched money from multiple governments be spent on building “affordable housing” to just turn in to expensive homes or condos. I would like to sit down with Contractors, Yukon Government, First Nation Governments, Local NGO’s, Environmental Experts and City Planners to re-evaluate what is needed. What are the issues? How can the City help relieve issues? Can we look to other cities and learn from their mistakes and their successes?
What is happening is not working for citizens. I do not have the answers but i do know the answers are out there. It is a matter of communicating and working with all involved to find them.
Jay Wilneff

Increase the height allowance for builders. This will have a smaller footprint while increasing the number of units available. These units are normally less expensive and can be the foundation of a vibrant downtown sector. With commercial and office on the bottom floor and apartments or condos above. This solves the drastic need for office and commercial space along with the needs for less expensive housing.
Paolo Gallina

I would address housing densification by focusing on smart growth principles that maximize land use while maintaining the city’s character and sustainability.

I would:

Identify Key Growth Areas: Work with city planners and reference the OCP in identifying neighbourhoods that can support higher-density housing based on existing infrastructure, transportation access, and proximity to amenities.

Safeguard Green Spaces: Protect parks, natural habitats, and environmentally sensitive areas from overdevelopment to maintain Whitehorse’s wilderness city identity and provide recreational spaces for residents.

Community Consultation: Engage residents in identifying where densification would be most appropriate, ensuring new developments align with neighbourhood values and respect the needs of the community.

Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: Encourage development that supports sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient housing, walkability, and access to public transit, while also ensuring affordability across diverse income levels.

This balanced approach would allow for necessary housing growth while preserving the natural beauty and community spirit of Whitehorse.
Eileen Melnychuk

I will focus on increasing housing density in key areas where the city has residents’ support for densification. Any decisions to advance densification must consider and balance efforts to protect green spaces and ecological zones. By collaborating with contractors, streamlining our permitting process, and prioritizing housing in already developed areas, we can reduce sprawl and meet growing housing demands while safeguarding critical natural areas.
Lenore Morris

I would like to see much more housing downtown and in the neighbourhoods close to downtown. People who live close to work, school and businesses have the option of walking or cycle to those places. Downtown and near-to-downtown residents have more commuting options and, even for drivers, significantly lower commuting costs. For the city, since infrastructure – sewer and water, roads and sidewalks – are already in place in existing neighbourhoods, it will reduce the development costs. It will also reduce the need to build into existing undeveloped areas and green spaces.

No Response Provided from:

Gary Smith

Daniel Schneider

Andrew Robulack

Nesty Paron

Norma Felker

Michelle Stimson

Jay Wilneff

Marta Rogers

Jean-Sébastien Blais

Dan Boyd

Mayoral Candidates

Stephen Kwok

The recycling drop off at the waste management facility is only temporary and the cost are offset but Yuko Government. I will work to push for free recycling drop off during that time. Once EOR is in effect the producers will be responsible for the majority of the costs and citizens are left to cover the remaining for when curb side pick up is implemented. We will work closely with YG to ensure these costs stay down for Whitehorse residents.

No Response Provided from:

Kirk Cameron

Dino Rudiniski

Dan Bushnell

Jack Bogaard

Council Candidates

Ken Schick

Whitehorse is a unique city that brings with it unique situations. Our current recycling situation very much needs to be addressed. Whether the problem is to be solved by public or private sector means needs to be strongly considered. There IS going to be a solution, we just need to work together to determine which is the best and most feasible answer.
Tony Lundgaard
Sarah Newton
Anne Middler

I would like to know the status of Extended Producer Responsibility. I sat on EPR working groups in Whitehorse almost 15 years ago when I worked with the Yukon Conservation Society and we succeeded in stopping the territorial government from continuing the “waste management practice” of indiscriminately burning unsorted garbage in trenches at all the community dumps (except Mt Lorne, where that community rallied and got the practice stopped themselves because of the harm it was causing). Sadly, it seems like the volume of waste per capita since then has continued to increase. Hopefully, finally putting the onus on producers will reduce the packaging and waste associated their products, and hopefully will completely remove products that are designed for the dump (manufactured obsolescence). The city is on its way with curbside recycling pickup – they have hired a contractor to do the job and will bill residents for this service on their utility bills. Apparently it starts in December. I would love to see the city support widespread public education about ways people can reduce waste, and how to recycle properly.

Sometimes I feel cynical about recycling, and wonder if it was just a ploy by the plastics industry to continue to manufacture complete junk and make everyone feel like we were taking care of and not exacerbating the problem. But that is what happened. Sometimes i think we need to sort, stockpile and store materials here that some day might be useful to us instead of sending them down the highway and hope they’re dealt with properly and not ending up in shipping containers, or in the ocean.

Yukon Plastics is a neat local company removing plastics from our waste stream and making new products. The new partnership between Raven Recentre and Lumel Glass is keeping glass out of the landfill. Thankfully glass is inert and doesnt add to air or water pollution, but it adds to volume in the landfill. Any chance we can get to take a waste material, divert it from the landfill and waste stream, to make products that we need, is a big win.

But conservation always comes first – the reduction of waste – not making waste in the first place is always paramount. Our landfill continues to fill up, so I will also do what I can to create disincentives for construction and demolition waste – the most voluminous waste in our landfill – from filling it up unnecessarily fast and wasting used materials that could be perfectly good in a future project. Contractors should not demolish buildings fast and badly, but instead demo buildings with the stated goal of salvaging as much materials as possible and to sort and store for reuse.

Thank you for these questions! I hope I have answered them adequately. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss please feel free to get in touch with me at annemiddler@gmail.com or (867) 332-4979. Please visit my campaign page on FB Anne Middler for Whitehorse City Council for more information. Thank you for your work in our community CPAWS, and for assisting electors to understand the values and positions of prospective local government!
Jenny Hamilton

Recycling is important, very important. We need to start thinking as if we were an island. Whatever comes in, we need to deal with. We are at a moment in history where we are now not able to afford shipping these things out. There may be ways we can upcycle, or process our recycling. I know other cities do this, why can’t we?
There are many experts in this city on this subject. I want to hear from them. I want the city to listen to them and act accordingly.
Working with Yukon Government and First nations Governments, NGO’s, Waste Management and Experts in the field of the Environment and Recycling is the only way we can come up with solutions.
This may be happening, it may not. As a citizen now I see a lack of caring about recycling from the city and Yukon Government. At least that is how it looks and feels at least. Until we are properly informed, look and feel is all we have to go on.
Real change needs to be made. We have one planet, one home and we are in this together. Let’s do what is best for all living things and future generations.
Jay Wilneff
Michelle Stimson

The responsibility of a successful recycling program lies in relationships developed with the city. Living in an apartment as I currently am without an effective recycling system is aggravating and unnecessary.
Together we can create a great system and develop perhaps a global example of what can be accomplished when different people have the will. I would tap into the youth and the university for innovation as well as the public- again big in town hall open house events to get this community involved.
Paolo Gallina

I support the temporary recycling depot and curb-side recycling initiatives as critical interim steps until the Yukon government implements an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. These programs ensure that residents continue to have access to recycling services, helping to reduce landfill pressure and environmental impacts. The new depot and curb-side collection are essential for increasing community participation in waste diversion while we await long-term systemic changes like EPR, which will shift more responsibility onto producers and reduce municipal costs.

These interim measures ensure we are actively managing waste responsibly and sustainably while continuing to push for broader, systemic solutions.
Eileen Melnychuk

As someone who consistently recycles, repurposes and reuses products, a recycling program that is user friendly, affordable, and accessible is a huge priority for me. I support transitioning recycling to a municipally managed system to ensure consistent, accessible curbside pickup. Expanding local processing and reducing shipping costs is key, alongside public education on waste reduction. Plus, making more bins available and expanded composting could lower our environmental and economic costs.
Lenore Morris

The current system under which households drive to the landfill to drop off recyclables for a small cost is – thankfully – temporary. The City will soon be going to a blue box type pickup system, with fees. I support this. In the longer term the Yukon Government will be implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility program. This long overdue change will put responsibility for ensuring that products and packaging are properly recycled upon the companies that produce the products. This change could occur as early as the end of 2025.

No Response Provided from:

Gary Smith

Daniel Schneider

Andrew Robulack

Nesty Paron

Norma Felker

Jay Wilneff

Marta Rogers

Jean-Sébastien Blais

Dan Boyd