Outdoor sports complex supporters pack Whitehorse public hearing

About 40 people, mostly supporters of a new outdoor sports complex in the Whistle Bend subdivision, attended a public hearing last night at Whitehorse city council.

Many said the state of outdoor Whitehorse track and soccer facilities is currently deplorable.

"All of our fields here are pretty much dirt and occasionally some grass patches," said Malorie Hanson, a soccer player.

Hanson says the outdoor complex will give Whitehorse an edge.

Do you believe if you build it, they will come?- City councillor Dave Stockdale

City council has to change the land zoning before construction can start. The Yukon government has said it will fund the construction.

The complex would be built in phases, but the final proposed product would be two regulation-sized soccer pitches with artificial turf and an eight-lane rubberized running track.

Whitehorse city council has been skeptical of the need for the new facility. 

"I'm reminded of the Field of Dreams," said Councillor Dave Stockdale. "Do you believe if you build it, they will come?"

Don White, a coach with Athletics Yukon, responded "Yes," and said outdoor sports will flourish with proper facilities.

The Yukon Outdoor Sports Complex Association will run the facility. Operation of it is expected to be funded through user groups and corporate sponsors. 

Tony Gaw, a representative of the Yukon Soccer Association and president of the Yukon Outdoor Sports Complex Association, said, "We have never run a facility like this before, so we're a little bit in the dark."