Whitehorse must be firmer with rogue trail builders, critics say

The city of Whitehorse is looking toreviseits trails policyto more effectively deal with people who build trails without proper authorization.

But not everybody thinks the proposed policy goes far enough, to deter rogue builders.

The city's parks and community development manager,Douglas Hnatiuk, says there have been a few recent incidents where people have blazed newtrails through the city's green spaces.

The city wants to discourage that, and the new policy provides "a mechanism to be able to do that," he said.

"Essentially, we're not looking at trying to slap people with fines straight away.What we want to do is educate the public and bring them into compliance, through working with the city of Whitehorse."

The policy spells out how and when an unauthorizedtrail should be closed and marked with signs. It also refers to "consultation and cooperation" with rogue trail builders, to determine any remediation work.

"The intent of the administration is to work with the community," Hnatiuk said.

Policy encourages rogue builders, says trail association

Councillor Dan Boyd thinks that sends a mixed message city bylaws forbid roguetrail building, so why "cooperation" with scofflaws?

"If you do it, we'll consult with you and we'll work with you and we'll do all these things. I'm concerned it might set some confusion," he said.

Keith Lay of the Active Trails Whitehorse Association, a group that promotes non-motorized trail networks in the city, agrees with Boyd, saying the new policy "would only encourage the cutting of more trails.

"Are we to conclude that the city would actually consult and cooperate with those who defy city bylaws and recklessly vandalise our public, open spaces?"

Councillors will vote on the new policy next week.