Fedoriak challenges Buckway for Whitehorse mayor

Retired Whitehorse businessman Al Fedoriak says he will run against incumbent Mayor Bev Buckway for the city's top job in next month's civic election.

Fedoriak, a longtime resident of the Yukon capital, filed his papers in advance of Thursday's nomination deadline. Buckway has already declared her intentions to seek another term as mayor.

Among other things, Fedoriak said he's concerned that Whitehorse city hall has been telling residents what they want and need instead of asking them.

"I think that we have to make the citizens feel that we are working for them, providing the services they want and need and pay for, rather than telling them what they need," he told CBC News on Tuesday.

As an example, Fedoriak pointed to future development plans that call for smaller residential lots. Yukoners need bigger lots to accommodate outdoor recreational vehicles and other gear, he said.

"We really have to look at what we're doing with the sizes of lots that we're putting on the market," he said. "I think they're far too small to accommodate family life."

Fedoriak said Whitehorse should also diversify its economy and do more to encourage seasonal workers to live in the city year-round.

"We cannot all work for the government. We have to bring in other areas that will provide employment and there's only so much capacity for retail outlets," he said.

Nominations for mayor and council in Whitehorse close at noon PT on Thursday. Election day is Oct. 15.