Whitehorse company has mineral rights in new subdivision

A Whitehorse company wants developers of Raven's Ridge subdivision to respect its mineral rights, prompting the city to look into the jurisdiction around mineral exploration beneath homes.

The owners of Raven's Ridge are currently applying to develop the second phase of the subdivision near the Fish Lake Road, but Coyne and Sons own mineral rights on two of the lots.

Jim Coyne took the issue to Whitehorse City Council Monday night.

"I think the mining rights in those crown grants has to be recognized otherwise we'll want compensation," Coyne said.

Whitehorse city manager Dennis Shewfelt said the city will need to do more research on this.

'I don't think we've ever come across a situation where we had one private owner owning the surface rights and another private holder owning the subsurface rights.' Dennis Shewfelt, Whitehorse city manager

"In my experience,I don't think we've ever come across a situation where we had one private owner owning the surface rights and another private holder owning the subsurface rights," Shewfelt said.

Mark Radke, a director with Raven's Ridge, said the Coynes do have mineral rights and he's willing to grant reasonable access.

"It seems to me this is something that could be worked out, perhaps in conjunction with the planning department," Radke said.

Radkesaid he's also willing to consider financial compensation.

"Certainly, I think we'd be prepared to pay fair compensation to purchase the mineral rights but I expect we have a very different view of what would be an appropriate amount," he said.