City of Whitehorse to decide on MacBride Museum expansion

The federal and territorial governments mayhave approved a $6-million plan to expandYukon's MacBride Museum of Yukon History,but theCity of Whitehorse hasn't signed on yet.

Whitehorse's manager for planning & building services, Pat Ross, delivered a report to council Sept. 6.

It recommends the project proceed overall.Nevertheless, it says some of the design does not meet the city's guidelines.

One concern is aflat side of the building "creating an imposing wall face."Another is that the building wouldn't have a front yard as isrequired by city bylaws for buildings near the waterfront.

The report also says someparking requirements will have to be waived, as the museum's expansion isn't being coupled with new parking.

City zoning bylaws would have to be amended by a council vote. Exceptions are allowed for "unique circumstances."

On Sept 6 one councillorsaid she didn't like the building's angular design.

"Who actually approved the design of this building when it really doesn't have any relationship to cultural or historical appearance of the property as it is now?" asked Betty Irwin.

Irwin later told CBC that her lack of enthusiasm forthe design wouldnot mean a vote against the project, addingshe didn't want to send the project "back to the drawing board."

Construction for the new project has been promised for the fall.

Yet the city's schedule says the project could not get city approval from the planning committee until at least October 24.

Museum urges cooperation

Patricia Cunning is the museum's executive director.

This week she asked city councillorsto approve the project.

"It's public architecture, so people are going to have differing opinions about public architecture," she said.

"Projects like this in the provinces only fly when the three governments come together with cash. But the other two partners recognize that the city of Whitehorse cannot make that kind of cash commitment and the city support for our project will be in kind."

Architect says design evokes industrial history

Jack Kobayashi says the building is indeed "boxy" but says it does reflect Yukon's history.

He says the flat side of the building will be covered in reclaimed industrial tin, which would evoke the waterfront's industrial history.

Furthermore, a lack of windows on the upper level is necessary so that natural light does not damage exhibits. One benefit of the building's shape is that it will block wind for acourtyard at the rear, which will be used to host public events in winter.

The City has promised a public meeting on October 11 to discuss the application.

In 2015, city council voted against re-zoning sought by the territorial government, effectively quashing plans for a $5.5-million outdoor soccer complex in Whitehorse.