Whitehorse city staff, mayor back plan for storefront in 1940s log cabins
Cabins on Lambert Street were created by same man who built log skyscrapers
A tourist outfitter's plans to operate from a historic site in downtown Whitehorse is gaining support from city councillors.
Yukon Wide Adventures wants to establish a storefront in three log cabins on Lambert Street near Second Avenue that were once a well-known bootleg spot in the city. All three were built in the 1940s by Martin Berrigan, builder of the city's famed log skyscrapers.
The set of five log buildings is thought to be the largest existing collection of log buildings built by a single person in Whitehorse.
Residents of neighbouring Closeleigh Manor have petitioned against the proposal, citing noise and vandalism concerns.
But Mayor Dan Curtis says the three buildings in question have been abandoned the past five years.
"To me, it's almost like a fire hazard because it's weedy and the door has been kicked in a few times," he says. "I think it's wonderful that we have an entrepreneur who's willing to invest in our historic sites."
City planning manager Pat Ross said he also thinks the concerns are unfounded.
"It is a quiet spot but we feel as this was developed you would have more eyes on the site."
The proponent says he plans to move the three buildings to the streetfront and have them refurbished to house his business.
City councillors will vote on the operator's zoning request next week.
Yukon Wide Adventures offers guided paddling, ATV, and snowmobile tours.