Protesters hound Yukon premier at groundbreaking for new nursing home

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski was houndedby protesters at the official groundbreaking Monday of the Yukon Government's controversial new long-term care facility in the Whitehorse neighbourhood of Whistle Bend.

Protesters say the building is too big, and that Whistle Bend, a new neighbourhood located far from the city centre,is the wrong location, questioningthe planning process that led to the site's selection.

• Yukon premier defends Whistle Bend site for seniors home

As the premier spoke, jeering protesters called the facility a "welfare building" and a "hotel."

Protester Lillian Maguire said the lack of consultation is the biggest concern.

"I know people who are looking for that kind of care, and I do care about that community," she said. "To me, this doesn't feel right to me. It really doesn't."

Pasloskidefended plans for the facility,saying Whistle Bend is the best location available.

"The depth of analysis and the careful consideration that has gone into the development of this facility has been incredible," he said.

"We carried out a business case assessment for this facility, and the argument to build that we are beginning to build today could not be stronger."

Critics agree Yukon needs more space dedicated toits aging population,but some argue "warehousing" seniors in one large facility is a mistake.

• Whistle Bend care facility mismanaged, says Yukon opposition

Wayne MacNicol, Chief of Medical Staff for the Whitehorse General Hospital, said the need is urgent.

"As far as the need goes there's absolutely no question," he said. "We at the hospital are probably of the opinion that this should have been [built] several years ago."