VILLAGE OF HAINES JUNCTION

1

VILLAGE OF HAINES JUNCTION OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN REWRITE

Background ReportJanuary 2019

HISTORICALLY-GROUNDED.FUTURE-READY.

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN

2

Da Kų Cultural Centre

Landfill

Dezadeash River

Kluane National Park

College/Library

St. Elias Convention

Centre

Health Centre

3

Introduction 6

Involving Residents 16

Existing Conditions of Haines Junction 26

Existing Documents 34Elements of a Great Community 40

Table of Contents1.0

2.0

3.0

4.05.0

Population

Housing

Employment Industry

3.1

3.2

3.3

Haines Junction Airport

What’s Next for Haines Junction 466.0

Community Facilities + Institutions

Shopping + Retail

3.4

3.5

Shaping the Built Environment

A Place to Gather

Supporting a Good Quality of Life

5.1

5.2

5.3

About this Report

Emerging Themes + Guiding Principles

1.1

1.2

Appendix A – Open House + Workshop Display PanelsAppendix B – Pop-Up Consultation Display PanelsAppendix C – Information PostcardAppendix D – Preliminary Survey ResultsAppendix E – OCP Rewrite Survey ResultsAppendix F – Open House + Workshop Participant FeedbackAppendix G - Business Stakeholder InterviewsAppendix H - Themes from Open House

AP

PEN

DIC

ES

HISTORICALLY-GROUNDED.FUTURE-READY.For the first time in over five years, the Village of Haines Junction is undertaking a major rewrite of its key future land use and public policy document - the Official Community Plan (OCP). An OCP may be amended from time to time, as needed, in accordance with the Yukon Municipal Act and depending on the changes a municipality is experiencing. Ultimately, an updated OCP provides Mayor and Council with the guidance required for clear and informed decision-making that is relevant to the current and future state of the community. The process of developing the updated OCP requires acknowledgment of the rich and rooted history behind this young village, recognition of current community values and objectives, and the establishment of a collective community vision to empower the future – both short and long term.

Haines Junction’s updated OCP will include objectives and policies that will guide community growth into a healthy future, while honouring existing community values, and the community’s accomplished past. Objectives and policy must be relevant, realistic, and timebound. They must balance the goals of economic prosperity, community vitality, environmental responsibility, valuable Champagne and Aishihik First Nation cultural identity, and infrastructure sustainability. The culmination of the Haines Junction OCP and its path forward is founded on this primary statement; Historically-Grounded. Future-Ready.

Haines Junction is envisioning a new future with the creation of this Official Community Plan (OCP). “HISTORICALLY GROUNDED. FUTURE READY.” is the statement guiding this project’s process, and is worded as such for several reasons:

HISTORICALLYGROUNDED

FUTUREREADY

Haines Junction is a young municipality, but it still has the desire to keep its community-feel and respect the traditional Champagne and Aishihik Land it sits on.

The new OCP will propose several new goals and visions for the village, but they will be ensured to remain relevant and achievable so that we are “grounded” when looking ahead.

Your OCP will guide decision-making for 20 years to come. The OCP will detail how the village should grow and develop in the time to come, as well as envision a better Haines Junction for the future.

It is time for Haines Junction to have a concrete foundation for guiding the direction the village will go in the future. The village is ready for action, and this is the first step to a prosperous future.

Credit: Marty Samis

INTRODUCTION

6

1.0

7

Haines Junction is a tight-knit community surrounded by wilderness and touted as the gateway to the Kluane National Park and Reserve. Located at the junction of the Haines and Alaska highways, Haines Junction is a hub for those seeking nature hikes nearby, or those just stopping by on their road trip. The community offers a variety of services and amenities to suit residents and visitors alike, and is a scenic 160 km drive from Whitehorse.

Haines Junction, also known as Dakwäkäda, is situated within the traditional lands of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation where Southern Tutchone people lived for thousands of years. It was not until 1942 with the construction of the Alaska Highway that development spurred in the area. The next year, a connection was made to Haines, Alaska forming a junction, where the village is currently located.

The village has been experiencing positive growth and is consistently a hotspot for visitors interested in wilderness exploration. It has come time for the Village to reassess its goals and strategies for the future to determine how best to accommodate both residents and visitors alike.

In working with Village staff and Council, it was determined that the existing OCP and relevant municipal documents are no longer serving them as originally intended. The Village is therefore undergoing a complete rewrite of its Official Community Plan, and the “Historically-Grounded. Future-Ready.” Background Report serves to provide a high-level background overview of the village. This includes relevant documents related to the development of the new OCP, as well as statistics, the current economic state, existing plans and strategies, and what is next for the Village.

8

The “Historically-Grounded. Future-Ready.” Background Report is a document that provides insight into the preliminary consultation activities, statistics, existing documents, and general background information as part of the Village of Haines Junction’s Official Community Plan (OCP) rewrite. The Background Report further highlights what is to come in the next steps of the OCP Rewrite project and is a basis for the foundation of the OCP. Accordingly, the Background Report is not a policy document, and does not provide guiding steps and direction for the future.

This document contains a variety of historical information and data. This information is assumed to be correct as of its publication date of January 2019. Historical information about the village has been obtained through online research including the Village of Haines Junction Website and Yukon Government. Statistics within this document are taken from Statistics Canada and the Yukon Bureau of Statistics.

The release of the “Historically-Grounded. Future-Ready.” Background Report serves as an initial step in the OCP Rewrite process. Preliminary consultation occurred prior to the background report preparation to gain an understanding of the community’s thoughts and feedback on how their village may shape in the future.

After the release of the Background Report, draft policy and vision statements will be created utilizing the input of the community received so far. Further consultation will occur in the Spring where feedback can be given on the draft policies and vision statement.

From there, work will begin on drafting the new OCP. Additional opportunities will be provided for members of the community to offer feedback on draft OCP policies as they are developed. Additionally, there will be a variety of informal opportunities to provide feedback throughout the project’s lifecycle.

1.1 About this Report

9

1

WE ARE HERE!

BackgroundStudy 2 3Project Launch Public

Consultation 4 OCP Background Report

5 Draft Vision + Goals 6 Complete Draft OCP 7 Adoption

MAY - AUGUST 2018 SEPT. 2018 - FEB. 2019

MARCH 2019 - SEPT. 2019

10

A variety of feedback and opinions were shared through the various methods of engagement occurring prior to the creation of the Background Report. Several high-level themes were identified after considering all engagement feedback received. The emerging themes may not encompass all the feedback received (all feedback will be summarized and included as appendices). Instead, the most common topics that were identified and prioritized at all engagement events, including online surveys, informal public discussion, and scheduled stakeholder interviews, with Village staff.

HousingThe housing and rental market in Haines Junction is faced with varying degrees of challenges, including limited housing supply, housing variety, and limited supply of rental options. Although the community encounters housing challenges year-round, it is especially evident during summer months when the population swells. The increased population during summer months is directly correlated to tourism activity.

Initial housing background research and reconnaissance completed by the project team demonstrated the community faced various housing challenges. However,

1.2 Emerging Themes + Guiding Principles

densification

11

this finding was further intensified through all consultation and engagement efforts (Section 2.0). For example, when reviewing the results of the online survey, 84% of survey respondents believe that additional housing options and variety is required. Further, 70% of respondents believe the quality of housing in Haines Junction was medium to low. It is noteworthy to include that survey results indicated 68% of respondents own their home in comparison to the 27% that rent.

Outside of the online survey results, residents and the business community clearly articulated the immediate need for additional housing options. For example, and from the residents’ perspective, there is a clear desire to live and work within Haines Junction. However, limited housing supply and stock will often prevent this aspiration. From a business perspective, employers have difficulties hiring employees, as locating adequate housing (specifically for small families) is so challenging.

Collectively, the community expressed a general desire for the community to grow and prosper. It is also evident that Haines Junction is an attractive community offering lifestyles for a range of individuals, young families, and

12

retirees. Further, the Village is optimistic of increased population growth to enhance the variety of services and supports currently offered. However, the growth and prosperity of the community, specifically as it relates to increased housing options, will require effective and consistent communication, dialogue, and collaboration with the Yukon Government. This is especially true given residential development within Yukon communities is predominantly coordinated and led by Yukon Government.

Parks, Recreation + TrailsSince the project’s inception, formal parks and other passive recreation features have been highly regarded. Amenities such as parks, trails, and local pathways hold significant lifestyle value to residents and businesses. Accordingly, residents placed a strong emphasis on the need for additional support to improve current recreation opportunities within the village. To-date, the consultation and engagement results clearly conclude that the community generally believes the park and recreation features and amenities offered by Haines Junction significantly contribute to the “Haines Junction experience”. However, residents expressed the need for several improvements. Such examples include, but are not limited to:

• Enhanced maintenance of the existing parks and trail network;• Enhanced access and connectivity, with explicit purpose of achieving a seamless

network connection;• Enhanced park and trail network signage (i.e. wayfinding signage), to assist users

(i.e. residents and visitors).

13

While the results and analysis of the consultation data clearly point to a high-valued community park and trail network, and survey data results indicate over 30% of residents are within walking distance to the community shopping and amenities, less than 20% of residents use walking as their mode of transportation within the village.

Established Village CentreA village or town centre is generally known as being a walkable, integrated, and open-air mixed-use development that is centered around a clearly identifiable and activated public realm, such as a small park or town square. It is often anchored by retail, dining, leisure, office, and residential uses. Over time, a town or village centre should naturally evolve into a dense, compact, and most diverse part of the community, having strong connections to its surroundings.

When asking residents about the Haines Junction Village Centre, consensus was established regarding the need for a formal location to gather, congregate, and host formal and informal events, such as a farmer’s market. However, when asking residents if the village had an established Village Centre and its location, ambiguity was the theme.

Residents expressed mixed responses, specifically as it related to: whether a Village Centre existed; and the current location of Haines Junction’s Village Centre. While some communicated that the Village Centre was located on Kluane Street, several identified the highway corridor as their Village Centre. Despite the divide, the general sentiment expressed by residents and members of the business community is that a Village Centre “feel” is absent and should be formally established.

14

A determination will need to be made whether the community would prefer a Village Centre located along the highway corridor or on one of the collector streets. Various benefits come with a main street being located off the highway, notably allowing for visitors to spend more time in the area by exploring and walking compared to only making a ‘pit-stop’ on the highway.

Strengthening CAFN RelationsResults and feedback from the consultation and engagement program indicated the relationship between Village of Haines Junction and Champagne and Aishihik First Nation (CAFN) is wholesome and effective and valued. Residents noted their support of the relationship and further added that the existing relationship must continue to foster trust and confidence. Such a relationship will assist with future community ventures and benefit the Village of Haines Junction and Champagne and Aishihik First Nation as one collective community.

In an effort to strengthen their relationship, CAFN and the Village signed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) outlining high-level goals and guidelines that will aid in enhanced participation and collaboration on future community

15

endeavours. Additionally, collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Working Group (to be established) will offer the ability to share information about the goals and objectives that are to be achieved through the AIP and which may be addressed within the OCP.

INVOLVING RESIDENTS

16

2.0

17

OCP’s are important policy documents that provide direction and guidance for how a community should evolve. For this reason, it is critical that the OCP process includes opportunities for public input and comment. To meet this standard, the OCP has included multiple consultation and engagement opportunities with varying mediums to best capture community feedback and sentiment that is exclusive to Haines Junction.

Phase 1 of the Haines Junction OCP Rewrite process included a variety of consultation and engagement. In addition to public consultation pursuits previously implemented, further opportunities will be made available.

To-date, the formats of engagement included open house initiatives as well as pop-up style events to encourage community involvement at various frequented locations throughout Haines Junction. Further engagement initiatives included Municipal Staff and Council Workshops, one-on-one meetings with members of the public, email updates, postcard handouts, online surveys, social media platforms, and posts to the Village website.

The purpose of the initial engagement events was to provide the public with sufficient background on the project and ask preliminary questions about the community. This includes general opinions on the current state of Haines Junction, and some thoughts or ideas as to what direction the village should be moving in the next 20 years.

The purpose of the foregoing consultation and engagement approaches was two-fold: 1) obtain high participation rates, thus mitigating against a limited sample pool; and 2) gain an understanding of the variety of perspectives and opinions within the community, specifically as it related to the OCP Rewrite.

Several methods of engagement will continue to be used by the Village throughout the OCP Rewrite project. At this stage, the input received to-date will be utilized along with the background research undertaken to develop guidelines and principles relevant to Haines Junction. While consultation at this stage was higher level and focused on how people feel about where they live, future opportunities will look more closely at the specifics of land use and economics for the Village.

18

DURING PRELIMINARY CONSULTATION:

OPENHOUSES2

COUNCILWORKSHOP

POP-UPEVENTS 150+

COMMUNITYBBQs

19

DURING PRELIMINARY CONSULTATION:

ONLINESURVEYS2

FACE-TO-FACEDIALOGUE

STAKEHOLDERINTERVIEWS13PEOPLE

ENGAGED

20

Open Houses + WorkshopsTwo public open houses and workshops were held in July 2018. The open house and workshop event was a combined event and offered a community BBQ to incentivize participation. The first open house was held at the St. Elias Convention Centre and was attended by approximately 40 people. The second open house was held at the Da Kų Cultural Centre and was attended by approximately 26 people.

Several themes emerged from the comments and feedback received during each open house, as identified below. In addition to the themes collected from the event participation exercises, one particular exercise was deployed at each of the open houses and workshops where participant responses were immediately posted in the form of a “wordle” (see facing page). A “wordle” is a live representation of responses that participants can submit via text or online. Larger words indicated more frequency in response from the public. While the wordle did not provide significant volumes of feedback, it provided the project team with a supplemental understanding of public perception and priority.

• Age-friendly planning/development/infrastructure

• Healthy relationships with CAFN• Environmental preservation• Land Development (housing, downtown

identification

• Integration with CAFN• Parks, trails, public art• Land development (infrastructure,

roundabouts, grocery stores)• Tax incentives for new businesses• Agricultural land to produce food for Village

OPEN HOUSE 1 THEMES OPEN HOUSE 2 THEMES

The Open Houses provided multiple opportunities for the public to provide their feedback on specific topic areas, as well as for general comments about anything related to the OCP. This included asking questions about the Village, such as what people liked, what might need improvement, and what they see for the future of Haines Junction. A full summary of these details heard from the Open Houses are contained within the appendix.

21

The number one priority that needs to be considered in this OCP Rewrite process is:

densification

22

“Pop-Up” EngagementInformal “pop-up” styles of consultation occurred at various points throughout the first phase of this project. Beginning with a pop-up stand at the Village’s Canada Day event, and continuing with various pop-up stations throughout the community, municipal staff engaged with the public to initiate a conversation about the future OCP. Each pop-up stand also provided the public with an opportunity to fill out a survey in addition to learning more about the project overall.

Online SurveysA Preliminary survey, consisting of six questions, was deployed prior to the first open house. The survey asked very high-level questions to help establish a baseline for the deployment of an effective consultation program and identify key areas to address within project.

The purpose of the preliminary survey was to generate excitement around the OCP Rewrite project by serving as a first introduction of the upcoming process, while also collecting a baseline idea for what residents’ believe is most important to be addressed through this project. The survey received 38 responses.

23

A more comprehensive survey, consisting of fifty questions, was deployed after the first open house. The purpose of this survey was to analyze the specifics of resident lifestyle in Haines Junction, including recreation, housing, taxes, and the economy. While the preliminary survey provided a baseline of information, this second survey was more thorough in understanding what priorities exist for residents. This survey included questions regarding traditional elements of an OCP - quality of life, residential, commercial, and industrial land use and development, natural environment, recreation, and tourism. The survey received 42 responses.

24

Staff + Council WorkshopA workshop that engaged municipal staff and council members took place in July with the intent of gaining a better understanding of the current state of the OCP from their perspective. Each participating staff and council member was asked questions about the benefits of the existing OCP, as well as what direction they see Haines Junction moving in the next 5-10 years.

This exercise brought department heads and Council to the table to provide clarity to the coming OCP Rewrite process. Opportunities and challenges that currently exist with the bylaw were discussed, in addition to potential issues and solutions. Discussion was generated among participants to suggest areas for bylaw improvement.

Supplemental Community EngagementConsulting the community about their OCP is essential. During Phase I, we deployed numerous engagement initiatives to capture as large an audience as possible from the community. This included a variety of notification methods and styles, such as via an email list, social media, postcard handouts, and pop-up events to initiate “word of mouth” contact.

We understand the summer months are a difficult time to host engagement events due to the number of residents that travel during this time of year. We ensured there were various other ways to remain engaged and to provide feedback even if not in-person. This included the several methods to provide feedback via phone, email, or by participating in the online surveys. Additionally, further engagement will continue into the fall, giving more opportunities for the community to provide feedback and opinions.

Business Stakeholder InterviewsIn an effort to bolster participation within the business community, an opportunity was offered to business stakeholders to participate in an informal interview. A defined set of questions were developed and each participant was asked the same questions. Despite this, participants were not prohibited from deviating away from questions. Rather, participants were encouraged to express their opinion and provide comment and feedback beyond the questions asked within the interview.

A total of 13 interviews were hosted. A summary of the themes stemming from the business stakeholder interviews, identified by each topic, can be found on the facing page. Appendix G includes a comprehensive review of the business stakeholder interviews.

25

IDENTITY• Destination for nature, scenery, and adventure

DOWNTOWN• Could be considered along highway or where bank and post

office is located• Still require some sort of central core or square for gathering.

Town is too spread out • Age-friendly planning/development/infrastructure

CURRENT STATE• CAFN relationship needs work, but is improving• Improvements needed for the landfill and fees for servicing• Food desert; access to food is difficult and requires regular

trips to Whitehorse

WHAT SHOULD STAY• Small town feel, continuation of cultural events• Access to nature and wilderness

WHAT SHOULD CHANGE• Limited housing issue needs to be addressed• Demolition of various aging unsightly buildings

VISION• Small growth, investing in local business offerings for locals

and tourists• Self-sufficient, economically viable to support population

increases

HOUSING• Need smaller more affordable housing that can also

contribute to struggling rental market• Higher density residential that caters to both young and

elderly people

BUSINESS• Need financial incentives to support existing businesses and

encourage new businesses• Economic development and tourism will help support

businesses

INFRASTRUCTURE• Water and sewer needs improvement (costs) as well as waste

management• Better internet and cellular service, infrastructure to support

more residents and businesses

RECREATION• Improvement of trails in and around the community • Promote recreation activities in the Village

BYLAWS• Enforcement of bylaws needed• Many bylaws are outdated and need reworking

OCP• Incorporate sustainability and economic development as a

priority• Create realistic guidelines and goals with the engagement of

a wide variety of people

See Appendix G for a summary of all recorded themes.

EXISTING CONDITIONS OF HAINES JUNCTION

26

3.0

27

Prior to establishing a new OCP vision for the village, an understanding of Haines Junction’s current position and profile is required. Section 3.0 of the Background Report summarizes key statistics of Haines Junction in comparison to Whitehorse and the collective Territory.

Statistical topics include population, housing, and industry. Statistics are from various sources which are identified where needed, however it is primarily from Yukon Government. In addition to statistics, Section 3.0 also covers some of the existing conditions in Haines Junction, based on research and various walking and driving tours undertaken by the project team within the village. The purpose of this was to provide context on the existing shops, businesses, community facilities, institutions, and infrastructure in the area.

28

The population of Haines Junction according to the 2016 Census was 613 people. However, the most recent statistical estimate by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics states the population being 911 people as of December 2017. This larger number is a statistical estimate, and also includes populations that live in the immediate surrounding area.

According to the 2016 Census, 31% of the population of Haines Junction were aged 55 years and over, and 25% of the population of Haines Junction were aged under 19 years. This is compared to only 27% of the total Yukon population being over the age of 55 and only 22% of the total Yukon population being under the age of 19. This has various implications in terms of the services offered for these age groups making up a significant amount of the total village population.

Encompassing a total area of 34.49 km2, Haines Junction has a population density of 17.8 people per square kilometre. The village had a population of 593 at the time of the 2011 Census, representing a 3.4% growth from 2011 to 2016; therefore, the Village has been experiencing a relatively slow and steady growth rate. Comparatively, the Yukon as a whole experienced a 5.8% population growth from 2011 to 2016.

3.1 Population

61331% AGE

55+

25% AGE <19

3.4%GROWTH SINCE 2011

17.8PEOPLE/KM2

HAINES JUNCTION

61334.49km2

17.8/km2

3.4%

35,874474,712.68km2

0.1/km2

5.8%

Haines Junction YukonPOPULATION

TOTAL LAND AREA

POPULATION DENSITY

POPULATION GROWTH SINCE 2011

POPULATION

TOTAL LAND AREA

POPULATION DENSITY

POPULATION GROWTH SINCE 2011

*2016 Stats Canada Census

29

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

200

1

2003

200

5

200

7

200

9

2011

2013

2015

2017

200

400

600

800

1000

Haines Junction Population Estimates, 1985-2017*YUKON BUREAU OF STATISTICS, POPULATION ESTIMATES

PO

PU

LATI

ON

YEAR

556

911

30

According to the 2016 Census, Haines Junction had a total of 280 occupied private dwellings, with 220 of those dwellings representing single detached houses. 36% of those dwellings were occupied by only one person, where as only 14% of total dwellings were occupied by four or more people per dwelling.

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, 65% of dwellings were owner occupied and 25% were renter occupied. The vast majority of housing in Haines Junction (85%) was constructed prior to the year 2000.

Since 2011, an average of 27 residential building permits were issued each year. However during 2016 and 2017 only 19 and 20 building permits were issued respectively. The residential building permits from 2017 totaled a value of $1,421,000, a significant increase from 2015 and 2016.

3.2 Housing

28079% SINGLE

DETACHED

9% MOVABLEDWELLING

7% APARTMENT

5% ROW HOUSE

TOTA

L D

WE

LLIN

GS

$1.42M2017 BUILDING PERMIT VALUE

65%OWNER

25%RENTER

*2016 Stats Canada Census

*2011 National Household Survey

31

According to the National Household Survey 2011, there were a total of 390 individuals considered “Labour force population” (individuals over the age of 15 eligible to work). The statistics divided various industries based on categories from the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

The most represented industry was Public Administration with 42% of the working population employed in this sector. The second highest industry was Accommodation and Food Services with 12% of the working population being employed in this sector. Other industries represented well in Haines Junction include Construction, Arts/ Entertainment/Recreation, and Educational Services.

In 2017, according to the Yukon Business Survey, there were a total of 79 businesses existing within the community, with a total of 232 workers reported for these businesses. While the number of businesses have decreased since 2015, the number of reporting workers has been increasing.

With improvements to economic development, it is likely that increases to employment and demand for further services and amenities in the area would follow. However, this is also dependent on the overall state of the regional economy and what demands exist for certain types of labour.

3.3 Employment Industry

39042% PUBLIC

ADMIN.

LABOUR FORCE POP.

2. Accommodation + Food Services (12%)3. Construction (9%)4. Arts/Entertainment/ Recreation (8%)5. Educational Services (5%)

79 TOTALBUSINESSES

*2011 National Household Survey

Credit: John Thomas

32

Haines Junction is host to a variety of facilities and institutions to serve the community. The following is a list of some prominent facilities and institutions located within the community:

3.4 Community Facilities and Institutions

P

Bill Brewster ArenaDa Kų Cultural CentreForestry OfficeHaines Junction Health CentreHaines Junction Public LibraryParks Canada Kluane National Park OfficeRCMP Haines Junction OfficeShakwak Valley Community PoolSocial Services OfficeSt. Elias Community SchoolSt. Elias Convention Centre and Municipal OfficesYESAB OfficeYukon College - Haines Junction Campus

Some of these facilities are aging rapidly and will inevitably require repair or replacement. Consideration will be made during the creation of the new OCP to emphasize the need for community facilities that are not in disrepair. While not directly influenced by the Haines Junction OCP, there are also commonly used facilities and amenities located outside the Village boundaries, including Pine Lake, Kluane National Park/Alsek Valley, Kathleen Lake, Kluane Lake, and Dezadeash Lake.

33

Haines Junction has a relatively limited supply of shopping and retail operations. This leads to a need for residents to drive to Whitehorse to acquire a full supply of their needs. The Haines Junction community is served by one small grocery store, and was not served by any grocer between October 2011 and April 2016 according to the Yukon Community Spatial Price Index Survey.

There is a selection of small boutiques with craft and artisan goods that cater to the community as well as tourists. Typical household items and other non-perishable goods are primarily sourced from Whitehorse and are typically unavailable for purchase in the village.

The Yukon Community Spatial Price Index Survey also determined the pricing index of goods in Haines Junction compared to the price of goods in Whitehorse. For this index, the price of goods in Whitehorse is considered 100, and the scale factor for the price of goods in Haines Junction is compared to this base line of 100. For example, if the price of bananas in Whitehorse were x, then the price in Haines Junction would be on average 1.2x (or a grocery index of 120). The results are as follows:

3.5 Shopping and Retail

Year2018 April2017 October2017 April2016 October2011 April2010 October

Index of Groceries Surveyed120.5123.6--124.9116.0115.2

*2018 Yukon Community Spatial Price Index Survey

EXISTING DOCUMENTS

34

4.0

EXISTING DOCUMENTS

35

As part of the Haines Junction OCP Rewrite process, it is important to review and acknowledge the relevant existing plans and strategies that have already been created for the municipality. In most cases, such documents are out-of-date and therefore a review of these documents is necessary to understand what remains relevant and what is no longer applicable to the community’s vision for the next 20 years.

This section outlines the existing documents and provides a brief summary of each document’s contents, and how they might be used to inform the creation of the new Haines Junction OCP.

36

The Village of Haines Junction’s most recent Zoning Bylaw was adopted by Council in 1996, and will be subject to a complete rewrite following the creation of the new OCP during this project. The purpose of the 1996 bylaw was as follows:• Divide the village into zones;• Prescribe and regulate for each zone the purpose for which buildings and land may be

used;• Prohibit the use of such land or buildings for any other purposes; and• Prescribe and regulate standards for outdoor commercial advertising and off street parking

in the interests of the amenity and safety of the Village’s residents.

The zoning bylaw contained 15 zones to accommodate the various types of development in Haines Junction. The 15 zones were as follows:

ZONING BYLAW (1996)

• (R-1) Single Family Residential• (R-2) Multiple Family Residential• (R-3) Mobile Home Residential• (R-4) Country Residential• (C-1) Civil Commercial• (C-2) Tourist Commercial• (C-3) Commercial Mixed• (M-1) Light (Service) Industrial

• (M-2) Heavy Industrial• (PD) Public Use Community• (PDx) Restricted Public Use Community• (PR) Parks & Recreation Community• (GB) Greenbelt Community• (OS) Open Space• (LA) Limited Agricultural

37

Haines Junction’s existing Official Community Plan was approved in 2012 and its purpose was to present an updated long-term vision for the community. The plan is intended to reflect the values and goals of the community, guiding the future growth and development of Haines Junction. The existing OCP vision statement was the following:

“ Create and support the development of a sustainable and diversified economy predicated on socially and environmentally responsible industries/businesses that generate slow but steady population growth for the benefit of the greater community, and respect our rural character and the beautiful area in which we live.”

The existing OCP emphasized various focus areas, including five new “values” that were to be implemented in the community. The five values included

1. Community Values2. Economic Values3. Lifestyle Values4. Cultural and Heritage Values5. Environmental Values

The status of existing values will be considered along with extensive public engagement to create a new list of OCP values and priorities for the community.

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN (2012)

38

The following list of existing plans and strategies have been created for the Village and we will acknowledge their existence within this document. However, the following plans and strategies are no longer utilized to a significant extent by the Village, and are therefore considered “legacy documents”. • Haines Junction Community Recreation Plan (2015)• Infrastructure Prioritization (2010)• Streetscape, Trail, & Signage Strategy (2006)• Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (2007)

OTHER PLANS AND STRATEGIES

39

This page is intentionally left blank.

ELEMENTS OF A GREAT COMMUNITY

40

5.0

41

What makes a community truly great? The answer will vary depending on the community of course. For a village like Haines Junction, a variety of factors must be considered that would make the community “great”, as the area possesses a significant amount of opportunity.

This section will review what makes communities great, specifically with regard to Haines Junction and its size as a village. By understanding what is “great”, we are better suited to create a plan that will lay the framework to achieve greatness in community building.

42

The built environment represents the structures and development that make up the community. This includes the institutional buildings, recreational amenities, shops, eateries, and any other structure or development in Haines Junction. When planning a community, consideration of the spatial organization of buildings, and how the space could be better organized. This involves classifying certain areas to encompass a single overarching land use, such as Industrial. This way, areas more suited for one use will contain primarily those uses as part of its built environment. This organization of space ensures the best quality of life and less conflicting uses within the same area.

Ensuring key services are located in a central area that is easily accessible via all modes of transportation is key to building a strong community. Well-planned areas also ensure a high level of connectivity so that pedestrians can safely and easily navigate the area. The Alaska Highway creates an existing disconnect between the village, effectively dividing it. This can cause difficulty for pedestrians to safely access the opposite side of the highway, especially for the accessibly-challenged and for children. However, the highway cannot be removed, so other initiatives will be needed to ensure there is proper accessibility to connect the divided sides of the village.

5.1 Shaping the Built Environment

43

Great communities foster social connectedness and strengthen the relationships between residents of the community. This can be achieved by having a central “meeting area” or space where the community can gather and interact with each other. In some areas, for example, this may include a park or plaza. Providing opportunities for people to interact with each other helps to increase quality of life, and can be beneficial for a community in numerous ways.

Through the OCP Rewrite process, consideration of Haines Junction’s “village centre” or “Main Street” must be completed so the area can be comprehensively planned from a land use perspective. Further, OCP policy and objectives will be development in the identified areas, thus encouraging the development of a Village Centre that supports the congregation of residents.

5.2 A Place to Gather

Credit: Chantal Pellerin

Credit: John Thomas

44

Unlike the built environment, a great community is also influenced by some aspects you may not see every day. Infrastructure and servicing need to be sufficient to support the daily activities of residents. This includes ensuring that lots within Haines Junction have access to water and sewer servicing, as well as ensuring the existing servicing has capacity to support growth.

In addition to sufficient servicing, a municipality needs to have efficiency in costing for providing these services, which ultimately affect the Village’s bottom line and the taxes paid by the residents. Budget relevancies will be addressed in the OCP in relation to servicing needs and high-priority areas as identified by the Village and Council.

A diversity in housing options is also needed in order to cater to the varying needs of current and future residents. Some individuals need a certain type of housing to meet their standard to achieve a good quality of life. This may include housing for purchase as well as increasing the rental housing supply. Housing variety includes single family homes, townhouses, apartments, and secondary suites. Being clear and detailed in designating certain land uses to include certain housing types will help shape Haines Junction as a village that can accommodate to the housing needs of all residents.

5.3 Supporting a Good Quality of Life

Credit: John Thomas

45

This page is intentionally left blank.

6.0 WHAT’S NEXT FOR HAINES JUNCTION

46

Credit: Tatsuya Yamamoto

47

The OCP Rewrite process for Haines Junction is an exciting time for the community. This section summarizes where we are in the process and what is to come next.

Be sure to stay involved in consultation activities and continue to provide your feedback for how you would like Haines Junction to be shaped for the future!

48

This Background Report is the final stage of initial research and consultation in preparation for drafting the new OCP. The next steps for the OCP Rewrite project are to begin assembling OCP goals and vision statements based on the consultation and community input over the summer. A second round of open houses will take place in Winter 2019 to further garner feedback on some of the draft goals and vision statements created. The OCP document will commence in Spring 2019, with an anticipated adoption in early Fall 2019 (see schedule on facing page).

Looking Ahead - Project Timeline

▶ Webpage: hainesjunctionyukon.com/index.php/ocp ▶ Email: [email protected] ▶ Phone: 867-634-7100 ▶ Online surveys: Access most-current link through the OCP Rewrite webpage.

STAY INVOLVED

49

Project Schedule

1

WE ARE HERE!

BackgroundStudy 2 3Project Launch Public

Consultation 4 OCP Background Report

5 Draft Vision + Goals 6 Complete Draft OCP 7 Adoption

MAY - AUGUST 2018 SEPT. 2018 - FEB. 2019

MARCH 2019 - SEPT. 2019

HISTORICALLY-GROUNDED.FUTURE-READY.

Credit: Marty Samis

Appendix AOpen House + Workshop Display Panels


WELCOME!PurposeThe primary purpose of this evening’s Open House is to provide residents and stakeholders with information on the current Official Community Plan (OCP) Rewrite and offer opportunities for public input through various engagement activities. All public input will be collected by a consultant, reviewed, and evaluated for consideration into the updated Haines Junction OCP.

What does this mean for Haines Junction?Over the course of the next 12 months, the Village, in partnership with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and professional consultants, will be working with the community of Haines Junction to best understand the community’s goals, objectives, and overall vision for how the community will grow over the next 20 years.

The Official Community Plan Rewrite process is an opportunity for the community to start an in-depth conversation about the future of Haines Junction. As part of this initiative, you will see many community consultation and engagement events occurring over the summer. Some events are scheduled (i.e. open houses), some will occur as impromptu casual “pop-up” events (e.g. at the local bakery), and others can be completed on your own time (i.e. online surveys).

Through the consultation process, the community will collectively discuss “big and small moves” that can enhance the community as an even better place to live, work, play, move, and care. Participants’ ideas will be used by the Village to help shape a new Official Community Plan.

Project ContactJohn ThomasManager, Public Policy & Strategic InitiativesPhone: 867-634-7100 ext. 104Email: [email protected]: hainesjunctionyukon.com


WHAT IS AN OCP?OCPs ESTABLISH:

An OCP is the future planning policy document of a municipality.

• A long term vision for the community• A statement of goals, objectives, and policies

OCPs GUIDE DECISIONS ON:• Land use• Fiscal spending• Environment

• Housing• Economic development• Social issues, and more!

OCPs ARE A GUIDE FOR:• Local Government• Landowners• Businesses

• Community organizations• Residents


1

WE ARE HERE!

COMMUNITY AT A GLANCECURRENT POPULATIONAs of the 2016 Census, Haines Junction had a population of 613. This is a 3.4% growth from the 2011 Census.

BackgroundStudy 2 3Project

LaunchPublic ConsultationPublic Engagement 4 OCP Background

Report 5 Draft Vision + GoalsDraft Land Use Map 6 Complete Draft

OCP 7 Adoption

AGE DISTRIBUTION0 - 14 Years: 20%15-24 Years: 10%25-34 Years: 11%35-44 Years: 13%45-54 Years: 15%55-64 Years: 16%65+ Years: 15%

HOUSING STOCKTotal dwellings: 280Single-detached house: 220Row house: 15Apartment less than 5 storeys: 20Movable dwelling: 25

ADDITIONAL STATISTICSLand area (sq. km): 34.49Population density per sq. km: 17.8Primary mode of Commute: DrivingSecondary mode of Commute: Walking

HJ

PROJECT SCHEDULE

MAY - JULY 2018 JULY - OCT. 2018 OCT. 2018 - MARCH 2019


KEY OCP POLICY AREASThere are several important matters that will need to be addressed as part of the OCP Rewrite. Based on the input already received by the community, the majority of the policy areas can be summarized into the six main categories, shown below:

Others? Jot it down on a “sticky note” for us!

Future Land UseLand Use policy (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) will focus on innovative opportunities for growing the community’s economic development and tax base through a mix of housing types, commercial, and industrial development, etc.

Environment + FoodEnvironmental and Food policies will focus on reducing the impact of development on the natural environment and the emission of greenhouse gases. Food policies focus on supporting local food production and distribution to support community resiliency.

Transportation + InfrastructureTransportation policies will focus on walking, cycling, road systems that move people and goods within the village and across the region. Infrastructure policies focus on sanitary and storm water collection systems, streetlights, as well as traffic signals and signage.

Arts, Culture + HeritageArts, Culture & Heritage policies will focus on encouragement of public art, retaining and enhancing heritage values and character, and the importance of festivals and events in the community’s cultural development.

Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development policies will focus on business attraction and expansion, revitalization of commercial and industrial areas, and promotion of tourism opportunities.

Parks + RecreationPark and Recreation policies will focus on promoting health and wellness of residents, and preserving and enhancing the Village’s parks, open spaces, and recreational areas.

$


WE NEED YOUR INPUT!What do you like about living/working/doing business in Haines Junction?

What do you think needs improvement about living/working/doing business in Haines Junction?

What do you see for the future of Haines Junction? (small, large, and out-of-this world ideas!)

X

?


HAINES HOT SPOTSWhere do you live, work, play and recreate? For this exercise, use the stickers to tell us more about you and all the great places you frequent within Haines Junction. Specifically, place the corresponding coloured sticker on one of the maps to show:• Where you live• Where you work• Where you play and recreate

Logan St

Kennedy St

Lowell St

Kluane St

Kathleen St

Luciana St

Backe St

Dalton St

Aishihik St

Marshall Creek Rd

Bates St

Martin St

Karm

an St

Rainbow St

Alaska H

wy

LOCAL MAP REGIONAL MAP

KLOO LAKE

CANYON

CHAMPAGNE LANDING

HAINES JUNCTION

HAINES HIGHWAY

ALASKA HIGHWAY

ALASKA HIGHWAY

N N


MY FUTURE HAINES JUNCTION VISIONThere are compelling reasons that attracted you to live, work, and play within the community. Help us understand what your vision and aspirations are for Haines Junction. Using a ‘sticky note’, write down a short statement describing your 20-year vision for Haines Junction. Some themes to help you get started might include: strong and diverse neighbourhoods, robust and prominent community, established ‘downtown area’, mobility without vehicles, diverse economy, age-friendly, rich in parks and recreation, etc.

My vision statement...


MY HOPES + FEARSIn consideration of the OCP Rewrite and the potential influence it has on the community, what are your hopes and fears? Some examples of hopes might include: ‘A walkable community’, ‘Seniors housing’, and ‘Youth friendly activities’. Examples of fears could include: ‘Loss of agriculture land’, ‘Loss of community identity’, and ‘Decline in population’. Record your ‘hopes’ and ‘fears’ on a sticky note and stick it on this page. Has someone already posted the same or similar hope or fear as yours? Place a small sticker on the edge of the sticky note.

MY HOPES MY FEARS !


JUNCTION-BUCKSThe following elements are a major part of your community and will inevitably be a part of the Haines Junction OCP:

Housing + Land Use

Environment + Food

Arts, Culture + Heritage

Economic Development

Agriculture Parks, Recreation + Trails

Age-Friendly Initiatives Public Realm (i.e. sidewalks, pedestrian amenities, etc.)

Using the “Junction-Bucks” provided to you, allocate your ‘bucks’ to the potential spending opportunities based on what you believe should be the highest spending priorities. *Note: you don’t have to equally distribute your ‘bucks’. You can spend them all on one opportunity or distribute among three or four areas – it’s your choice!$

0 100


Thank you for coming to the Open House. Your comments and feedback will be helpful as we move through the project.

NEXT STEPSOur project team will be busy reviewing all of your comments and feedback. We will then consider this information to form the background report.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!Before leaving the Open House, please complete and submit the exit survey to one of our representatives. All results are confidential and anonymous.

Thank you and we look forward to receiving your comments!

▶ Webpage: hainesjunctionyukon.com/index.php/ocp ▶ Email: [email protected] ▶ Phone: 867-634-7100 ▶ Online survey: Access link through the OCP Rewrite webpage.

STAY INVOLVED

John ThomasManager, Public Policy & Strategic InitiativesPhone: 867-634-7100 ext. 104Email: [email protected]

PROJECT CONTACT

THANK YOU

1

WE ARE HERE!

BackgroundStudy 2 3Project

LaunchPublic ConsultationPublic Engagement 4 OCP Background

Report 5 Draft Vision + GoalsDraft Land Use Map 6 Complete Draft

OCP 7 Adoption

MAY - JULY 2018 JULY - OCT. 2018 OCT. 2018 - MARCH 2019

PROJECT SCHEDULE

Appendix BPop-Up Consultation Display Panels


What is the future of OUR COMMUNITY?It’s time to update our Official Community Plan (OCP) and we need your help! The OCP is the policy document that sets out the vision, goals and objectives for the future of Haines Junction.

Haines Junction’s current OCP was created in 2003. Since this time, local, regional, territory, and national contexts have influenced our community. The updated OCP will provide a renewed vision for Haines Junction, and the regulatory framework to guide growth toward that vision.

The OCP will contain policies on housing, parks & open space, arts & culture, heritage, energy, utility services, transportation, well-being, hazards, economy and environment. The OCP will also include a land use designation map, which will indicate the future land uses that would be supported by Council.

The land use designations will determine future development and redevelopment of property within the city. The policies and map, together with tools and actions for implementation, will help to shape the future growth of the community.


What is an OCP?

OCPs Establish: ▶ A long term vision for the community ▶ A statement of goals, objectives, and policies ▶ Maps (land use, transportation, parks, etc.)

OCPs guide decisions on: ▶ Land use ▶ Spending ▶ Environment ▶ Housing ▶ Economic development ▶ Social issues, and more!

OCPs are a guide for: ▶ Local Government ▶ Landowners ▶ Businesses ▶ Community Organizations ▶ Residents

Why update the OCP?

Every 5-10 years a community should update its Official Community Plan to respond to changing conditions. Some reasons for updating or reviewing an OCP are:

▶ To respond to changing community values; ▶ To address internal and external changes (i.e. local growth) ▶ To adapt to regional, provincial, and national trends.

What does this mean for Haines Junction?

Over the course of the next 12 months, the Village, in partnership with professional consultants, will be working with the community of Haines Junction to best understand the community’s goals, objectives, and overall vision for how the community will grow over the next 20 years.

The Official Community Plan Rewrite process is an opportunity for the community, Council and Village staff to start an in-depth conversation about the future of Haines Junction. As part of this initiative, you will see many community consultation and engagement events occurring over the summer. Some events are scheduled (i.e. open houses), some will occur as an impromptu casual ‘pop-up’ events (i.e. at the local bakery), and others can be completed on your own time (i.e. online surveys).

Through the consultation process, the community will collectively discuss “big and small moves” that can enhance the community as an even better place to live, work, play, move, and care. Participants’ ideas will be used by the Village to help shape a new Official Community.


How do I get involved?

SurveyGreat question? Obtain an OCP Rewrite postcard from a Vil-lage staff representative, follow the link to the website, and complete our first (very) short survey!

Photo ContestCheck out the Village’s OCP Rewrite webpage to see how your local photo can make its way into the new OCP and win one of three prizes!

Stay TunedThe Village will be notifying residents (via newspaper, online, mailouts, etc.) of when and where evvents and consultation opportunities will be possible.

Project Contact

John Thomas Manager of Public Policy & Strategic InitiativesT: 867-634-7100 ex. 104E: [email protected]

Appendix CInformation Postcard

VILLAGE OF HAINES JUNCTION OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN REWRITEWhat is an OCP?An Official Community Plan (OCP) is a strategic document that governs how Haines Junction will grow and develop in the future. Its goals, strategies, and guidelines will direct the future of the Village, specifically regarding land use and development.

Why a “rewrite”?Once a municipality’s original goals and objectives have been achieved, or there is a desire for a new direction for the future of the area, an OCP will go through a review process and be rewritten with new goals and objectives to guide the future of the municipality.

Where can I get more info? ▶ Visit the Village of Haines Junction OCP Rewrite webpage:

hainesjunctionyukon.com/index.php/ocp ▶ Email [email protected] ▶ Phone 867-634-7100 (Village Administration) ▶ Get involved with our various engagement events over the summer!

Visit the Village of Haines Junction Facebook page for updated info on our engagement initiatives.

▶ Participate in our survey! Access link through the OCP Rewrite webpage.


Appendix DPreliminary Survey Results

35.90% 14

56.41% 22

5.13% 2

2.56% 1

0.00% 0

Q1 How important is the OCP Rewrite to you and the local community?Answered: 39 Skipped: 0

TOTAL 39

Extremelyimportant

Very important

Somewhatimportant/in...

Not veryimportant

Not at allimportant

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Extremely important

Very important

Somewhat important/indifferent

Not very important

Not at all important

1 / 12

Village of Haines Junction OCP Rewrite Preliminary Survey SurveyMonkey

Q2 As part of the OCP Rewrite, our community needs to prioritize the following topics as theyare challenges that we face (choose up to 5):

Answered: 39 Skipped: 0

Affordablehousing

EnvironmentalProtection

Infrastructure(water,...

Collaborationwith Champag...

Climate Change

Hazard andEmergency...

EconomicDevelopment ...

SupportingLocal...

DowntownImprovement ...

Transportation

Parks,Recreation,...

CommunityHealth

Heritage and

2 / 12


30.77% 12

38.46% 15

33.33% 13

58.97% 23

20.51% 8

15.38% 6

35.90% 14

43.59% 17

38.46% 15

7.69% 3

56.41% 22

20.51% 8

15.38% 6

Heritage andCulture

Age-FriendlyPlanning

Energy andGreenhouse G...

Enhancedbuilding des...

Populationtrends (i.e....

Other (pleasespecify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Affordable housing

Environmental Protection

Infrastructure (water, sanitary sewer, stormwater servicing, etc.)

Collaboration with Champagne and Aishihik First Nation community

Climate Change

Hazard and Emergency Planning

Economic Development and Diversification

Supporting Local Businesses

Downtown Improvement and Investment

Transportation

Parks, Recreation, Trails, etc.

Community Health

Heritage and Culture

3 / 12


17.95% 7

12.82% 5

5.13% 2

5.13% 2

20.51% 8

Total Respondents: 39

# OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE

1 accessibility issues 7/10/2018 1:42 PM

2 community activities 7/10/2018 1:38 PM

3 gender neutral washrooms and other inclusive acts 7/10/2018 1:35 PM

4 Roads paved and build an actual grocery store 7/9/2018 8:44 AM

5 Land development; incremental population growth 7/4/2018 6:53 AM

6 Boy there are a lot of items on that list that I do not see as Municipal responsibilities at all. One glaring long term liability that hasbeen staring us in the face for years is the landfill. YTG, CAFN, and VOHJ need to find a suitable location, and solution to this.The location is absurd being so close to town. It seems like no Government wants the responsibility of dealing with this becauseof costs probably, but those discussions really need to start today. Not sexy, but essential.

7/2/2018 9:17 AM

7 Recreation and events coordinator 6/29/2018 10:45 PM

8 Recycling 6/29/2018 7:05 PM

Age-Friendly Planning

Energy and Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Enhanced building design (i.e. form and character)

Population trends (i.e. growth, decline, densification, etc.)

Other (please specify)

4 / 12


100.00% 39

56.41% 22

46.15% 18

Q3 As part of this community's OCP Rewrite, what other topics and matters would you be mostinterested in learning more about? (Please mention up to 3 topics)


# 1 DATE

1 Property bylaws and taxation 7/18/2018 9:54 AM

2 maintenance of existing infrastructure i.e. pool 7/18/2018 9:03 AM

3 Crime prevention 7/11/2018 4:24 PM

4 History of HJ 7/10/2018 1:49 PM

5 Restoration of council committees 7/10/2018 1:48 PM

6 n/a 7/10/2018 1:47 PM

7 waste management on landfill 7/10/2018 1:47 PM

8 Attracting new residents 7/10/2018 1:46 PM

9 Opportunities for post-secondary education 7/10/2018 1:45 PM

10 Getting the CAFN village opened more so they are included 7/10/2018 1:44 PM

11 n/a 7/10/2018 1:42 PM

12 business/tourism development and coordination 7/10/2018 1:42 PM

13 n/a 7/10/2018 1:41 PM

14 n/a 7/10/2018 1:40 PM

15 By-laws 7/10/2018 1:40 PM

16 Recreation 7/10/2018 1:39 PM

17 n/a 7/10/2018 1:38 PM

18 Local trails to hike 7/10/2018 1:38 PM


1

2

3

5 / 12


19 Family fun activities 7/10/2018 1:37 PM

20 Family events 7/10/2018 1:36 PM

21 n/a 7/10/2018 1:35 PM

22 Long term plans for landfill - specifically compost 7/10/2018 1:34 PM

23 Safety improvements to existing swimming pool or a timeline for new pool 7/10/2018 1:33 PM

24 n/a 7/10/2018 1:32 PM

25 Affordable housing 7/9/2018 8:44 AM

26 Family activities 7/4/2018 9:18 AM

27 Zoning and proactive land development 7/4/2018 6:53 AM

28 short and long term land development 7/2/2018 9:17 AM

29 New infrastructure 7/1/2018 10:03 PM

30 spaces for health specialist clinics and travel support for them to come to Haines Junction 6/30/2018 10:57 AM

31 More access to Kluane park - road to see a glacier? 6/29/2018 10:45 PM

32 Age-Friendly Planning 6/29/2018 10:02 PM

33 The towns Actions currently undertaken or in the works with regards to sustainability 6/29/2018 7:32 PM

34 Recycling 6/29/2018 7:05 PM

35 infrastructure improvements 6/29/2018 6:22 PM

36 Expansion of the official HJ website to make it more interactive. Currrently HJ information about HJ events and resources arespread over several different media and they all contain different information with little overlap.

6/29/2018 5:23 PM

37 Beautification of the town, give people a reason to stop 6/29/2018 5:07 PM

38 Food security 6/29/2018 5:05 PM

39 Health center services/development 6/29/2018 4:59 PM

# 2 DATE

1 Food security 7/11/2018 4:24 PM

2 Parks and Rec 7/10/2018 1:49 PM

3 Land zoning to allow densification 7/10/2018 1:46 PM

4 New forms of clean, sustainable energy 7/10/2018 1:45 PM

5 Develop and maintain multi-use trails 7/10/2018 1:44 PM

6 Committees 7/10/2018 1:40 PM

7 Available/affordable commercial properties 7/10/2018 1:39 PM

6 / 12


8 Where restaurants are located 7/10/2018 1:38 PM

9 faith encouragement 7/10/2018 1:37 PM

10 music 7/10/2018 1:36 PM

11 How to educate the community about recycling and composting 7/10/2018 1:34 PM

12 Paved roads and walking trails 7/9/2018 8:44 AM

13 City finances 7/4/2018 9:18 AM

14 Planning with settlement land claims 7/4/2018 6:53 AM

15 I wonder if its time for a regional "Council" made up of the three Government representatives, that essentially communicate whatis happening, not a decision making body, and how the three parties can work together in resolving regional issues, andleveraging funding more effectively. Not really an OCP discussion item, but maybe.

7/2/2018 9:17 AM

16 Tourism 7/1/2018 10:03 PM

17 smart trail markers and online map- people will use trails and stay longer in HJ if it's easy. Check out https://bendtrails.org-mainly a clickable map with trail descriptions that people can use on their smart phones. Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA)has excellent trail markers that are easy and fast to read.

6/30/2018 10:57 AM

18 How to create a unique brand name for our town to keep visitors here 6/29/2018 10:45 PM

19 Environmental Protection 6/29/2018 10:02 PM

20 trails 6/29/2018 6:22 PM

21 Compact, connected and complete neighborhood 6/29/2018 5:05 PM

22 emergency services/development 6/29/2018 4:59 PM

# 3 DATE

1 Women’s health 7/11/2018 4:24 PM

2 Fishing and Hunting 7/10/2018 1:49 PM

3 Supporting tourism 7/10/2018 1:46 PM

4 Keeping the local wilderness pristine 7/10/2018 1:45 PM

5 Youth skills development programs, self sustaining skills i.e. gardening, food preservation, harvesting 7/10/2018 1:44 PM

6 Business plan 7/10/2018 1:40 PM

7 Maps of the town, shops, etc. 7/10/2018 1:38 PM

8 music for community/family friendly 7/10/2018 1:37 PM

9 faith 7/10/2018 1:36 PM

10 Look at making community a zero waste community 7/10/2018 1:34 PM

11 Health care improvements 7/9/2018 8:44 AM

7 / 12


12 Trails and parks 7/4/2018 6:53 AM

13 History 7/1/2018 10:03 PM

14 adopt-a-trail or adopt-a-garden volunteer opportunity (maybe instead of the garden contest), as well as a "birth forest". In Calgarythey planted a tree for every baby born, and you can go and visit "your" tree decades later.

6/30/2018 10:57 AM

15 Change our towns name!! We're more than just a junction of two roads 6/29/2018 10:45 PM

16 Transportation 6/29/2018 10:02 PM

17 education/learning investment 6/29/2018 6:22 PM

18 Social wellbeing and accessible recreation 6/29/2018 5:05 PM

8 / 12


Q4 What would encourage you to get involved and participate within the upcoming OCP publicconsultation process that is occurring this summer?


# RESPONSES DATE

1 Ggg 7/18/2018 9:54 AM

2 openess 7/18/2018 9:03 AM

3 Knowing about it in advance 7/11/2018 4:24 PM

4 Interest in service clubs 7/10/2018 1:49 PM

5 Not necessary to reward 7/10/2018 1:48 PM

6 n/a 7/10/2018 1:47 PM

7 try several methods and be aggressive as it will be difficult to get participation during the summer 7/10/2018 1:47 PM

8 What you're doing now 7/10/2018 1:46 PM

9 A flexible schedule to account for work and the like. Have it often so people can come when they can 7/10/2018 1:45 PM

10 n/a 7/10/2018 1:44 PM

11 n/a 7/10/2018 1:42 PM

12 n/a 7/10/2018 1:42 PM

13 n/a 7/10/2018 1:41 PM

14 n/a 7/10/2018 1:40 PM

15 Open house and pop up 7/10/2018 1:40 PM

16 I'll be involved 7/10/2018 1:39 PM

17 Kid-friendly timing (evening/weekend) 7/10/2018 1:38 PM

18 Events that are clean and family friendly 7/10/2018 1:38 PM

19 n/a 7/10/2018 1:37 PM

20 n/a 7/10/2018 1:36 PM

21 Free food, positive atmosphere, no tolerance for discrimination 7/10/2018 1:35 PM

22 n/a 7/10/2018 1:34 PM

23 Discussions on specific topics. Zero intolerance, only positive. Looking forward to improve 7/10/2018 1:33 PM

9 / 12


24 Social event with brainstorming and idea sharing 7/10/2018 1:32 PM

25 Community updates and presentations about future plans and developments 7/9/2018 8:44 AM

26 fun activities 7/4/2018 9:18 AM

27 I’m not available this summer. Work work work 7/4/2018 6:53 AM

28 Summer is a tough season to commit time for community involvement. 7/2/2018 9:17 AM

29 Being let know when its happening (good communication) 7/1/2018 10:03 PM

30 surveys like this, maybe a big physical board or timeline where the public can write ideas and what they will sign up for to workon (maybe for every idea, write your name an equal number of times to sign up for working groups or other volunteeropportunities).

6/30/2018 10:57 AM

31 Do it in the fall 6/29/2018 10:45 PM

32 Collaboration with CAFN 6/29/2018 10:02 PM

33 Open discussion forum 6/29/2018 7:32 PM

34 Lots of advertising and time before meetings 6/29/2018 7:05 PM

35 Invitation, committees that need members, 6/29/2018 6:22 PM

36 Maybe if actual topics listed in the calendar. Who has time for all those pop-ups? 6/29/2018 5:23 PM

37 Pizza! Already want to be involved 6/29/2018 5:07 PM

38 Feeling heard, respected. Seeing the community open to change and making decisions that are't just NIMBY 6/29/2018 5:05 PM

39 online communication like this 6/29/2018 4:59 PM

10 / 12


46.15% 18

61.54% 24

5.13% 2

15.38% 6

Q5 The best way to obtain your feedback and participation throughout this process is via(choose up to 3):


Social media

Email

Text message

Informationposted on th...

Newspaper/Flyers/Radio

Online/hardcopysurveys

CommunityEvents (i.e....

Other (pleasespecify)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Social media

Email

Text message

Information posted on the webpage

11 / 12


17.95% 7

12.82% 5

30.77% 12

12.82% 5

Total Respondents: 39

# OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE

1 Regular mail is best option 7/10/2018 1:48 PM

2 community meetings to acquire public's interest 7/10/2018 1:40 PM

3 Working group in the fall winter 7/4/2018 6:53 AM

4 phone survey 6/30/2018 10:57 AM

5 The Happenings of HJ Fb page.... but then they can’t block HJ folks, which they do. 6/29/2018 5:23 PM

Newspaper/Flyers/Radio

Online/hardcopy surveys

Community Events (i.e. open houses, pop-up events, community BBQ, etc.)

Other (please specify)

12 / 12


Appendix EOCP Rewrite Survey Results

Appendix FOpen House + Workshop Participant Feedback

Open House 1

Open House 2

Appendix GBusiness Stakeholder Interviews

Respondent # 1 Theme – Community Identity:

• Either a stop along the highway to refuel or a beautiful mountain town with access to nature and wildlife. Main street is a highway and should have a lower limit, because kids are crossing it.

Theme – Vision for the Community:

• Continuing small growth with structured offerings for locals and tourists. The town becoming big enough to support a grocery store. The resources for CAFN and VHA are pooled and play a part in the Municipality. Haines Junction offers something that people come and stay for. It has a more defined attraction than just a pretty view and can retain some tourists to support the business community.

Theme – What needs changing:

• The housing. “if we want the town to grow and prosper, we need places for people to live!” Lots needs to be made available, smaller, affordable housing and some buildings in town need to be dealt with that either need to be torn down or renovated. Haines Junction needs more daycare with potential funding from the Municipality. The amount of free running dogs in town should be regulated.

Theme – Future Business Priorities:

• Allowing adequate signage for businesses who are not located on the highway.

Theme – Future Infrastructure Desires:

• Faster internet options need to be made available. Theme – Community Recreation:

• Establish guided tours and equipment rental for back country tours, more options for people to hang out in town, mountain bike rentals, frisbee golf and more serious sporting options, so that more people show up. Also, the hiking trail network could be more known/obvious to the public. Maybe to share it with a map or an app.

Theme – Bylaws (current and moving forward): • There is lots of outdated ones, need bylaws to not have woodsmoke all over

town and a height bylaw. But they need to be enforceable and should apply to everybody, so the First Nation should be involved in it. Change hurts but some of it is necessary.

Theme – Importance of OCP:

• Sustainable initiatives! Hope to see a change, because the OCP from 2004/05 didn’t have much impact on what actually happened.


• Haines Junction is not just a Gateway, but a destination, because all the adventure starts here. A downtown is just not here. A possible one could be from Fas Gas to the Junction. There could be a Souvenir shop established across from Frosty`s.

Theme – Current State of the Community:

• Segregated relationship between CAFN and the village of Haines Junction. Haines Junction is similar to Nelson or Banff 25 years ago, need to be careful not to turn into them. “Small town syndrome” pushes on employment and population trends.

• What should stay the same? The two-dog limit Theme – Vision for the Community:

• The First Nation Villages are better integrated in the community with more roads and somebody who is able to demonstrate how homes can be constructed safely in a 100-mile economic solution. There is lots of standing deadwood that can be turned into affordable homes.


• There is lots of tours here that are not a fair representation of the first nation and the area. Those are not helping the community. Trap line tours to engage and educate the pubic could bring economic development. A local person/real bush person brings the group close to an animal as if you were

harvesting, but only pictures are taken. Land based information from local people who know the area well.

• Housing:

o The biggest disadvantage to affordable homes in Haines Junction is the current building codes. Why do we need to put $6000 on the outside of the house for insolation if a wood stove could do the work? Hydro Yukon Energy is very expensive.


• We need to protect off-road vehicle access from the community, so those won`t get changed or influenced with future lot purchases. The Quads and Snowmobiles are important for the youth.

Theme – Community Recreation:

• Community garden, mountain bike trails, cross country skiing is already here. Shared trails for snowmobile and cross-country ski work perfectly. What could be established is a heated ski shack on hotspots on the track ski trail. Also, it would be good to engage the youth in the summer in self-sufficiency skills. A large skill set is where we need to start.

Theme – Bylaws (current and moving forward):

• Time and goals change, it is time to review them as some don’t apply anymore.


• Important to also fit in the working-class people. Transparency is important. Respondent # 3 Theme – Community Identity:

• Haines Junction need a precise regional area.


• Poor waste management especially for compost as it is landfilled, not composted. Water and sewer are the most expensive but work well. The zoning bylaw only allows one dwelling on property.

Theme – Vision for the Community: • To have a landfill regionalization: household one time a week, metal on

another, etc. and co-manage this with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.

• Look into renewable energy, PV or hydronic to get to know the fees, stake holders.

• To be able to have more than one dwelling to offer workers housing on the property.

Theme – Importance of OCP: • Waste diversion for our community, tipping fees, scale house and waste

management should be addressed.


• How to keep the laid-back tone of our community? Tricky balance on what to regulate and what not. Awareness is important.

Theme – Vision for the Community: • Haines Junction grows and is more independent (never completely self-

sufficient from Whitehorse) investing in its community and supporting local businesses. Haines Junction distinguishes itself a unique destination and a realistic option for a year-round residency. Existing businesses are able to thrive and go in the future, more start-ups appear, supporting growth and help Haines Junction develop its own identity. The diversity in the population is embraced and there is more diversity in businesses. The more people can access here the less dependent we are from Whitehorse.


• Housing! First and foremost. Variety of housing options. Clarity of what kinds of demands there is currently and in the future on commercial and industrial spots and the village has to be responsive to that. How do we monitor the current vacancy rate? Renting a space at the moment is only through word of mouth.

• Housing: let people live small! A greater range of option needs to be made available. More small homes and opportunities for tiny homes to have a wider diversity in housing stock. Housing under the aspect of densification, because spreading out is harder for a downtown area and gives a harder access to wilderness. Empowering people with different housing options, empowers them with life options. Empowering people is empowering the community.

• Business: Haines Junction needs to grow in order to establish more diverse business. A skilled workforce is important, but also having a place to stay for those seasonal workers. Its hard to find funding for businesses. Maybe establish a loan-program for supporting a physical development in Haines Junction. Offering development attached to a property, recoverable if the start-up doesn’t work out.

• Establish the Model of Yukonstruct or co-space in Haines Junction. Would help businesses to get a start to getting property or renting something permanently. Would have a big value in the Junction supporting its economic development. The Village could play a role in it. YuKonstruct could have a place here. People are sharing things, but it would be great if there were the channels there. It needs an organizing body. Models to consider. Give people options, gives the community options as well.


• For businesses working remotely, we need to make sure to have a good infrastructure for them to do so.

Theme – Bylaw (current and moving forward) • Municipality: needs to consider compliance, education enforcement.

Community needs to take time ahead and need to plan what is going to happen. It needs a grounded approach. The public needs to be considered and consulted for input. The municipality needs to own its position and stand up to the public after it has consulted.

• Decision making needs to be evidence based. Municipality should bundle issues. How do we approach enforcement? Enforcement is by complaint or by people being mindful. Depersonalising things, neutralising it to look at the broader picture involved. Having simplified conversations are important. Bylaws can’t be looked at in isolation of one another, because things are so interrelated. Consider in complexity.

• Consistency is the key! Structure in zoning, transitional plan. Can there be flexibility in the bylaws? How much Airbnb is ok? Making an income from something they already have, without taking those places away from locals looking for a permanent rental? There needs to be a delicate balance in the zoning bylaw: How to support home-based businesses without deluding and dispersing the commercial landscape and our potential for establishing a hub.

• Doing what you can with what you have. Minimum dwellings: what lies behind the requirements? In Whitehorse there is no minimum dwelling size, but it is hard to find a lot.

• Lots of cars and trailers parked on streets around town which affects the optics, but how much do we want to regulate it?

• Zoning: Must have a consistent intentional approach. There is a lack of intentionality. What are the values behind our residential zones? Are we going to thrive to have a downtown area or do we have hubs of businesses? Intentionality: do we need more structure in zoning? It needs a purpose behind it. There is a lack of logic behind a lot of things. Logic, consistency, intentionality and rationality create clarity. How do the values align with the zoning?


• Important to gather input widely from people across the community. We only benefit if we hear widely and engage disengaged people. Having a collective vision and using this opportunity to create bridges. The plan will be less resisted when it covers all the concerns.

• Opportunities to challenge our assumptions. Breaking things down. What do we want for our friends and neighbours, next generation? People express their preferences, shift perspectives. Might not change their minds but might give them a more open perspective. Not alienate our community. Sustainable processes


• The downtown core at the moment is Frosty`s to the Village Bakery. It is spread out. Water and sewer will develop those properties. That will really help and then the main drag will go to the post office, bakery and bank.


• Training people for homecare and that needs to continue. Another senior center needs to be built. We need to keep the seniors in our community, because they carry all our history. They know things. Homecare is a big thing, there is a new daycare and a baby boom. There is a waiting list on the daycare! Lots of things have happened, we got a grocery store that could be bigger, it needs to carry more things. But they are looking into it now on what locals are actually buying. Physio comes here every two weeks, we have a doctor here.

• What should stay the same? Moved here because it is small. It shouldn’t get

big, but from a business perspective it would be good to increase the population a bit. But not much, maybe reach 1500 – 2000 people.


• Sensible population growth by attracting more qualified people. Becoming more self-sufficient as a community with the market garden, greenhouse which helps the local economy. We need to get what we need to not go to Whitehorse for everything.

• What needs changing? The internet access. Out of town doing e-file taxes

from 4 to 6 am hoping nobody is online. Some E-mails are three months late. It is hard to have a business with an internet access like this especially with clients not from the Yukon who don’t understand this problem. Haines Junction needs proper, reliable and affordable connectivity. Lots of businesses could do more online and grow their businesses if they had better internet.

• Number one priority is getting a better relationship with Champagne and Aishihik. “If we all start working together, we can make bigger things happen”. We also need to ensure that quality people come.

• Ecology is really instrumental!

• Everything seems to be taking forever! Make sure that meetings are happening, and deadlines set! And not putting them off, meet the deadlines and also push the politicians. The longer things get dragged out, the more it doesn’t get done. Yukon time is a big thing.

• Housing: Haines Junction needs more rental availabilities for housing and business to draw more people in.

• Business: We need work spaces for people to lease out. We need to develop some properties or establish co-spaces. Businesses would benefit from hiring First Nations People, because there are programs for it. More information needs to get out!


• A commercial airport would help for tourism and outfitters, connecting this territory together.


• There is a great trail system, but we need to promote it. There need to be more recreational things especially in winter like keeping the pool open year-round. Also offer tours to get people out in the bush, no cell reception so you can get things done in just a week.


• If they are restricting growth, they need to get changed.

Respondent # 6 Theme – Community’s Identity:

• Unclear. Retirement community was talked about; however, if this is the case the Municipality needs to promote it and stand for it.

Theme – Current State of the Community: • $70 for a round trip to Whitehorse (depending on vehicle and gas price). You

can buy lot of groceries. The Little Green Apple is great for when you run out of something. We have to support them [Little Green Apple], because we had nothing for a while. It appears First Nation People are supporting the local businesses way more than some non-First Nations people in town.

• What should stay the same? Seasonal swimming pool! Not worth it moneywise to keep it open year-round. We got what we got, let´s leave it alone!


• Haines Junction needs to grow very slowly. The goal is getting to 1000 people in ten years from 2018. 1000 people will justify having a store again. Small town Yukon is going to be dead. If everybody is living in Whitehorse, what is the sense of having a business here? It is harder to get a mortgage nowadays. Forget about the history and the old politics. Small towns die, they need support from the “mother” government to stay alive. Having more government jobs and a population from 1500 to 1800 people would be ideal in the next 20 years.

• What needs changing? Removing the buildings around the swimming pool

[old community hall], which is condemned. Also, having one water well, all the studies were done, and it was just thrown on the side and gone with the ice plant for heating. Start with major buildings, the pump would be there only to help.

• Housing: Condos for people 50+ with a wing of assisted living got shut down.

• Business: Governance needs to help finance the businesses and encourage

the village to support those places even though it costs a little more. E.g. built

in the town, not charge taxes for the building for 10 years. We need to promote this town a bit more, get some more businesses. Reduce the price, give a lot for 1$ as long as you build in the next 5 years, let go of taxes, …


• The Health center needs to be upgraded. First Nations don’t contribute to the tax base but pay the same amount for water. Short fall is payed by the tax bearers.

• If one lives outside the municipality, they should pay more for the services they use [ex. Water which will help cover operating and maintenance cost]. Also, why should I supply a garbage dumb for all the other places and pay for it with my tax money? Putting a card-lock or a tipping fee could help with that. It is our landfill, and something must be done in the light of the climate change. Big costs there.

• Better infrastructure in Haines Junction is needed. The cell network was down for a couple of hours (one of the lesser priorities)


• Don’t believe in them if you don’t enforce them. Less bylaws. Let us get rid of old bylaws if we can´t enforce them. Keep animal control and share the costs with the first nation.

Theme – Importance of OCP: • The cost of living is tied to the OCP. Push to get government jobs back here,

that is how to attract people to come here.

Respondent #7 Theme – Community’s Identity:

• People come here for the nature. We should protect the environment of Haines Junction.


• Doing a good part for compost at the school e.g. putting the compost right under the sink to put the paper towels. Everywhere else is garbage right under. Haines Junction is light polluting. They can see the lights of Haines Junction at Kathleen lake. People come here to see the northern lights and don’t want to see the lights of Haines Junction instead. Most people are only active when something happens in front of their door and they want to change. The first nation relationship: not an issue that solves itself over night. Needs the right people working on it. Keep trying and working at it with respectful mentions.


• Energy and greenhouse gas reduction is a priority! Efficient and long-term things. Replacing lights on some of the walking trails that don’t need to run all night. Every second one could come on, sensor activated. More efficient bulbs. Less light pollution.

• What needs changing: Landfill is an ongoing issue. Composting is a major

part of our garbage and it is not dealt with. Community needs to be educated. Somebody needs to do the education. Need to hear more what happened on the Zero-Waste-Conference, Transparency! Labels are important, put that in the policies to make it a no-brainer where to put the rubbish. Transition takes a while, but it needs to be started! Best do some education on big gatherings like July 1st, Halloween, …

• Housing: No rentable spaces in town -we should change that. Upkeep this

[Convention Centre] facility. Work on moving the swallows someplace else. Move them off, keep it clean.

• Business: Economic development is a hard one. Big tourism and lots of tourists coming through here. We should grab the tourists and enable lots of little businesses to open up. Supporting local businesses.


• Making recycling easier: Just accepting see-through garbage bags, so it doesn’t need to be opened to check.


• There was a trail-committee and people put time in it and part of that was to figure out what to do with trails, but it was put on hold because it needs to be done in partnership with the Champagne and Aishihik. Forestry could work on the trails as well, because there is a lot of resources on standby. Having an active ski club, education of kids, providing how to ski, etc. New swimming pool: build it right in the first place without light pollution and in a way that the swallows are not nesting there in the first place.

Theme – Importance of the OCP:

• It is a way to make changes. General guidance document but not with specifics. Can´t put target stuff in it unless you have somebody to do it and somebody to enforce it.


• The unspoiled wilderness (no urban sprawl) gives the underlying feeling that we are somehow all linked in some way. We are not a family by blood, we are a family by geography. Working through conflicts and building trust with people regardless where they are from.

• Haines Junction is only here because of the car. The only reason we are here is

the highway or trade routes historically speaking. This place is a military installation.

• There is no downtown and there will never be one. We need to figure out how to pull it away from the highway. Building a spread-out community with a defined non-core. We are not big enough to need everything to happen in one precise space. Building a main street somewhere would be unfair for those businesses who are not going to be on the “new main street”. How would a downtown be integrated into the community? Intentional decision of making one is a polarising topic within the community. A downtown core is defined by a main street. But does it have to be a line? Why can´t it be a circle? We don’t have to have a linear downtown core.


• There is lots of people here socially isolated. We want to develop but we don’t want them to break our inner walls. We haven’t had that civil pride as a full community. People want a pool, but they don’t want change. Fear of change of dynamic of the community. Maintain and preserve the character of Haines Junction, but also allow development which is change. How to achieve both? Heritage design. Chain stores should be prohibited. A very different dynamic comes in with box-stores.

• First Nation Relationship: There is a division between first nation and the

village of Haines Junction. Everybody is responsible for that, but leadership should initiate the conversation.

• We always called CAFN the “donut hole” and that is wrong. We are the donut hole in the traditional land. We are the village of Haines Junction within the traditional territory, within Yukon, within Canada.


• A vision of moving into a bilingual community Southern Tutchone and English. A real partnership with the first nation. Support and growth in community is only achievable together with the first nation. It should become common to meet with the council counterpart in the first nation that you wouldn’t think twice of calling to ask for their opinion on things. Freedom in meetings with them without those huge protocols. It requires a basic understanding to build a relationship. It is up to the politic leadership but for the position is a certain world-view required. Lots of baggage comes to all the meetings. We need to understand our shared history. It will be uncomfortable,

but it is needed. The Municipality should understand its trauma and let the community heal.

• Growing the community, lots of young families but also living a full life,

infrastructure growth, lots of opportunity for economy growth, diversify community moving away from the small businesses, people need to push what there is a market for, creating a new market. Ideal population growth 5-10% annually for the next 10 years. Greater growth welcome. Periphery growth greater than the core. Its hard to put a number on it, but at least 1500 people here year-round to open up potential for cottaging lots in the summer and get-away lots in the winter.

• What should stay the same? The access to the wilderness and living in a

community who shares that. The common interest: we love living here and that binds us together.

• What needs changing? Reconciliation and climate change can’t be its own stand-alone. Every single program area, policy area has to have a climate change aspect to it. It is the most important pressing issue of our time! We need to start proactively planning for this, we need to start being ready for it. Its here. More diversified community only works if you don’t need government help for income.

• Housing: Housing problem is the main issue. Opening up the low-density housing and getting a higher density and more options. Lots of opportunity for infill. Vertical density with shared walls to decrease cost and heating. Should be more accessible. Tower structures. A disability building comes hand in hand with families, who don’t want to go up the stairs with a stroller. Lots of money for it, good thing to target!

• Step one: looking for developers, developing properties for you to live in. We do need accessible affordable housing! Housing stock and defining the “honey pot” price and configuration of house style. We need that data.

• Business: Being a homeowner and a developer is too hard. Attracting developers and pulling them out here. Business is a place of undefined change. Growth is decided on growth of the community.

Theme – Future Infrastructure Desires: • Recognize there is a high cost in infrastructure for tourism. Identify needed

infrastructure and support what is already here but also be realistic about the types of business models that people are choosing to design and develop going forward. Looking for economic diversity. We have to take away traffic from the highway and build that park-network. Neighbourhood associations one day. When changes come to a neighbourhood you only need to call one person and that triggers it.

• The Daycare is fantastic. Child care is not very accessible. You need to have a level of classification and ratio to take kids under 18 months. One parent will be primarily responsible for the childcare until its 18 months old if they’re lucky enough to get a spot in the daycare. It hasn’t been taking new kids in for the last year, because it is at its full capacity with a 14-person waiting list.

• You´re out for 20 months once you have a baby and that means that the

other parent needs to have a fairly secure income. Government job. Theme – Community Recreation:

• Integrating the ring road development: We are spread out, let us honor that. Let`s have art surrounding the community. Walking tour of art of Haines Junction. Create more gathering spaces to break down the cliques. More neutral spaces to gather. Bit more space to allow for population growth. Meeting people at home is very personal, maybe too close for some.


• Those old outdated bylaws have been ignored. Many people are non-conforming, which means the bylaws don’t meet the values in the community. People really just don’t care. The recommendation by a council member was to just ignore them and then beg for forgiveness if you get caught! So, we should change them. We need bylaws that support growth and the dynamic of the community as it is now. Application, education, compliance and enforcement: it all begins with education! Education of the public and how the information gets out to the public.

• Bylaws that affect you and your neighbours should be very easily accessible! Council meetings should be accessible to everyone e.g. via livestreaming. You shouldn’t have to be physically attend one to know what happens in your

community and to have a broader understanding on the conversations that are happening around bylaws. Enforcement should be last. Best enforcement is moral, having the “civic duty”. Application and compliance are the by-product of a better educated community.

• The impact for the zoning bylaw needs to be re-written. Mixed used in your downtown core. No commercial ghetto.

• Politics: Larger engagement is more complicated. Having a more educated more civically minded town leads to better decision making overall and leads for better political discord. Campaigning should be longer than two weeks before the election.


• It is a full life-spectrum! Quality and balance across the ages, we shouldn´t try to attract one age group specifically. Instead a free and accessible place for anybody to live. Taking slight control of what our community dynamic is and why it´s a good place to live here is just really important.

• OCP defines how we move forward. Urban planning wants to make sure that there is some kind of reason to it. It can look at the bigger picture of the community. Can help integrate the whole community. We can design for things to be more accessible.

• What is the town going to look like when it has 2000 people? Plan for that.


• Gateway to Kluane: nothing wrong with being called that. If anybody knows anything about the Yukon everybody knows about Kluane National Park way more than about Haines Junction, which is just an “accidental find” on the way to Alaska.

• People live here because of its place. Mountains, services in Whitehorse. Financial restriction (if you want to make money, go to Whitehorse). Inconveniences living 90 miles of where services are because of this place. Everybody loves the mountains, that’s what is binding people.


• There are huge changes in money here. It is incredibly wealthy nowadays. The community gets to know you at their own pace. Now there is more opportunity to engage with the community. You have to develop and cultivate those connections. You have to be able to occupy yourself.

• Relationship with CAFN: disappointed. It could be better all the time. There is still a huge gap in how we relate to Champagne and Aishihik. You engage with them when you bump into each other doing your shared interests. School is important in that. We need to bridge the obvious gap between the village of Haines Junction and Champagne and Aishihik. Block 30 is actually not in the defined boundary of the Municipality. So, there is discussions of changing that to give those residents the chance to vote.

• What should stay the same: ongoing continuing involvement of the village of Haines Junction with WTG Forestry and Yukon fire management. Fire smart is from property to property. Are there areas that we can reduce fuels in?


• Flow of government money continues poring into the Yukon, HJ will grow as a service community for the North Highway. Identity as a wilderness community. Awareness will hopefully grow and share with likeminded people who add their knowledge and experience to it. Continued growth, hopefully not a reduction in our standard of living. Services aren’t going to get any

closer, still going to be 90 miles to Whitehorse. Green apple can’t be a year-round business. Not sure if anybody could afford a grocery store. Just the building shell would already be a million bucks. Population larger, situation would be different. More people moving here than out/die. People find out about what little gem this is and people move here. We don’t want to turn it into a Skagway boom, but we have definitely more room for people. 1500 to 2500 would be something. Way more people go to Dawson than Kluane national park. Might be different if you could drive into it. Parks didn’t have the money for it.

• What needs changing: Housing

• Housing: there has to be accommodations for seasonal staff. Housing is an

issue in most growing communities. There should be a variety of different types of lots available. Demand for more industrial area. Right across the street of where you go to bear berry there is a power line that heads off in the road. The ground is already cleared, you can put a road in right underneath the power line and develop a bunch of recreational barbs, residential lots that would just have the finest views in the junction. Nobody needs 3 and 4 and 7 acres.

• Business: allowing the business to function. Water and sewer are a big expense. The principal of fairness has to be kept in mind.


• Idea of designing it in a way that it would be serviceable for water and sewer without having to put in the expensive pumps. Two governments talking to each other is really important! Infrastructure development. It is a common issue for everyone!


• Zoning bylaws are complaint driven, because we don’t have an enforcement officer. But without those restrictions it would go crazy. Bylaws need a balance, it has to be approachable and needs compliance in the community. Otherwise it is pointless.


• Since Medley`s store closed down we have greatly lacked a gathering spot in the community. Vision for that spot was to become a proper grocery store and subsidise the cost with having some other shops in there as well. Like a hairdresser, bakery or a little physio therapist office. Bank, post office, that property worked really well. Adequate parking, close to liquor store, where people could walk to. Seniors can’t walk up to the little green apple. Farmers market is also too far for them to walk. Downtown could be the corner where you turn to the post office. But maybe not the best place because of the firehall. Maybe where the weight scale is. Potential for stores, business opportunities, lease a store front or an office space. With access to infrastructure. Internet needs to improve. Close for the population that doesn’t have a vehicle. Increasing homecare. More and more government support for keeping the seniors home longer. Janitors, cleaners, nurses, lots of employment opportunities.


• Non-profit kids’ organisations seem to have problems in funding. Helping with training or identify where funding can be applied for and how.

• CAFN relationship: improved greatly over ca. last 6 years. Oil and gas tax money came available. C+A was operating completely separately and wanted to keep it that way. Council just took it all on totally on their own. CAFN worked more closely on how they could cost-share on the incoming “green-money”. Installing solar panels or upgrading buildings, energy efficiency, etc. Should go: Recognizing that they are both two separate governments. There’s never going to be a situation where they collaborate a 100% on everything, but communication is important. Keep both councils aware of decisions and what’s going on. General minutes might help with communication issues. It is a big-time commitment to let them sit down and meet all together. It’s a wide spread area and a big deal to ask them all to come here. Maybe twice a year to discuss results. Maybe one meeting here one meeting there. Balancing it.


• A better cooperation of the Municipality and Champagne and Aishihik regarding building programs, services and development. Vision to keep seniors and elders here longer by providing the type of care and housing that they need in order to stay here longer.

• What needs changing: something is drawing people here but once they are

here, they want to change it. Old buildings that needs tearing down, lets have a ceremony with the people who build it and put all the money in it. Its sad that it was left to rod. Involvement of long-time people on the committees. Let it grow in certain directions. We are not doing things a hundred percent right for seniors and elders. They need our help in looking after them now. We can help with that. Transportation service and help them with those things. Homecare can’t do that, but the community can. Meals on wheels program that feeds mind, body and spirit. Getting a kids group involved with the older generation. Sit back and look at the bigger picture. Be involved in a lot of different things and really get the perspective of a lot of different people. People make too many assumptions without understanding the dynamics that are playing. Stop and question everything about this life.

• Housing: Economic development is linked with housing. We need more and better housing that meets the need for seniors and elders. Options of another party purchasing the current senior home from Yukon housing. It would allow to expand into the next level of care. They are set to go for phase two: senior drop-in facility with a room for the visiting physio therapist, so they don’t have to rely on hotels. Trying to keep the cost as low as possible to enable more visits.

• Participation: Council meetings in the evening when people do sports or put their kids to bed. Elders can´t attend, because of inaccessibility (elevator is broken). So, Time and Location is hard for participation. Also, when items come up on the agenda that impact certain groups or certain individuals, just send a simple letter addressed to that person that this is coming up on the next council meeting to add the specifics to that bylaw that affects them. But the benefit of that is identifying stakeholders.

• Also, lots of committees were dissolved and all those issues are a bit much for just one committee. We are losing a lot of feedback on decision making. Communication is the key, let´s keep dialog moving.


• What do we need infrastructure wise and staff wise in this community to allow people to age in place much longer? (there is an Info evening on September 19th) Get the official program and train locals for employment in this facility.

• A village staff person should become a notary and operate that in the Municipality. That would be good for the community.


• A lot are obsolete. Delete those but don’t increase the number of bylaws if you can modify them in a way they are needed today or in the future. Bylaws should address future issues before it becomes a huge issue. Enforcement is important. Designate somebody. It won´t be a popular person in town, but it`s for the benefit of the village.

• People moved here back in the day, because there were less restrictions, so address the view with public education, going out to the public with information and statistics. It needs a group that represents the Mayor and council to go out and talk to people: here is some of the problems we have been coming up against and here is an example of a bylaw that could address this issue. Always go out with at least two people for safety and backup!

• But it is not enough to go out there and ask people for input, you need to give them feedback and it needs to be as personal as possible.


• Should address senior and youth side of issues.


• Small with beautiful mountains. Theme – Current State of Things:

• It is nice if CAFN and VHJ can come together. Scared that they make the building just for Champagne and Aishihik. Scared that the direction we are going is ending up in them having their own school which would bring a division into the community. We need to come together, show the youth that it is better to be together and not too isolated. Careful not to cause diversion like making a program that you can only apply if you are the right color.


• Growing slowly.

• Business: Cost of real estate is high, consider all the groups big and small and make it easier for them, not harder. Minimum financing, trying to keep it going.


• A nice grocery store would be nice. The one here is nice but overprized. But a store needs the support of the community.

• Recreation: develop an area with a race track for snowmobiles and quads, dirt

bikes, fireplaces. Could become a meeting place for kids, an area designed for recreation to bring the community together a bit more. The Highway traffic should be slowed down and create a menu of products for people to do when they are here, stuff for them to look at. Otherwise they are just gassing up and go. Could establish “focus groups”: get people together and come up with things.


• Seen it posted in the post office, but there is no enforcement. If you don’t enforce them, don’t make them otherwise they are a joke.


• Important, because everybody should be aware of what is happening in their community. Scared of strict zoning causing division in groups like farmers, industrial - it is always good to be mixed. Diversified is better.


• Downtown: Convention center area, but there isn’t really a downtown area, because everything is so spread out. Would be nice to have a walking road that connects places. Still like the idea of having a center park. No roads, but a square with benches, maybe a map of the town, … no idea where that could be though. Would be nice to have a bypass for the highway before it comes to the town and let the town be itself. Tourist traffic is important, but if the town grows it could become a good thing.


• Relationship with CFN: looks like it is a pretty good relationship. Lots of people working hard and close together. Still lots of work, but it seems like people are pretty open.


• Haines Junction continues to survive. Population size grows (preferable to 4000 inhabitants). Industry needs for supporting population growth.

• Housing: shortage of housing. We have to house all of our staff for the

summer, because they have no where to live. Also heard of people who wanted to come here but couldn’t find a place. There are lots available, but they need to be developed. Build some apartment buildings.

• Densification, but how tall should we build? View can be seen from everywhere, but if they would build right here blocking my view I would have an issue with it. Needs to be somewhere where everybody agrees on. (“Not in my backyard syndrome”)

• The “Museum”-Building is weird, it is never open, not sure what it is. Probably just someone’s shed right in the middle of town. Would be nice if we could do

something about that. It would make the town look more attractive. More inviting. More uniformly buildings? Not a strong opinion, but it could be fun.

• Business: needs a year-round industry. Infrastructure development. Cannabis-industry would be ok, but expensive to keep a greenhouse heated by minus 40.

• Concern: Forest fires. Not sure if you can prepare for that. In the middle of bear migration zone and it is sad how many bears get eliminated every year. It is hard to avoid this stuff. People know not to leave smelly things out on the porch, because a bear is going to eat it. We all know they are here.


• Highway should be converted into a regular road. Issue with Yukon Highways and Public works department trying to take down the sign at the side of the highway. Not sure how they can consider the street that goes through our town a highway. It would be nicer if we could have our Municipality manage, what happens in our town.

• Develop the space next to the highway that is there for visibility.

• Recreation: facilities for recreation are not awesome, but we don’t really have the population anyway, so there is no point in building a game center for the winter if just 5 people are showing up.


• No point in restricting in what kind of housing. Sizes or types. Don’t understand the bylaws or how they are enforced, or if they are enforced. Only hear about it when somebody complains. Otherwise people do whatever.

• Would be good to know what to expect. Theme – Importance of the OCP:

• Economic development should be in an organized way where everybody has an input and has a say. It is good to have someone pushing it and make things happen. Otherwise we would be just talking about it.

• Address: The signage issue on the highway corner. Help to keep people coming. Give people different options and then people can pick one. You can´t force anyone to contribute. They know it is happening and can choose to participate.

• Future development in HJ where to expend? How: Be mindful to the bears.

Appendix HThemes from Open House

Haines Junction OCP Rewrite Open House Themes

Key OCP Policy Areas

Open House I

- Age friendly planning/development/infrastructure - Healthy relationships with CAFN - Environmental Preservation - Land development (housing, downtown identification, etc.)

Open House II

- Integration with CAFN - Parks, trails + public art - Land development (infrastructure, roundabouts, grocery stores), light

pollution - Tax incentives for new businesses - Agricultural land to produce food for Village

Likes/Dislikes/Ideas

Open House I

Likes

- Vibrant, diverse, friendly and creative community - Space to recreate, natural beauty - Good relationship with CAFN

Dislikes

- No town centre for people to gather, main drag looks derelict - Too dependent on Whitehorse - Not enough shopping options - Better communication to all types of population; more “face time” with Village

staff - Strengthen relationship with CAFN - Better housing accommodation

Ideas

- Development of a town centre or something like Carcross Commons - Self sufficient - Slow growth, not fast

- Hiking/bike/ski trails and paths connecting areas of the community - Create a destination rather than a stop on the highway (name change?) - More sports/culture events to draw people in

Open House II

Likes - Close to nature and the backcountry - Tight knit community - Affordable residential lots - “Thriving CAFN”

Dislikes

- Housing , lack of rentals - Missing a standard grocery store - More variety in lot types/uses (business, industrial) - More recreation programming to engage youth, better recreation

infrastructure (basketball court, trails within Village) - Ugly highway corridor

Ideas

- Year-round community meeting spot/centre - Sports/fitness facilities - Promote the relatively affordable land available

Hopes/Fears

Open House I

Hopes

- More and better trail systems within community - A strong community gathering space (year round) - More housing and commercial development - Better development along highway, poor first impression as is - More business opportunities for non-government and for CAFN - Less bylaws and policies - Increase population, housing, and services - Increased community diversity (multi-generational, multi-lingual) - Sustainability focus; biomass heating

Fears

- Too much change too fast; losing small community feel - Stagnation - Biofuels “burning garbage” - All plan, no action; “dot-mocracy” - Fear of fear of change/planning/spending that can prevent us from

achievement

Open House II

Hopes - More recreational activities/infrastructure - Incremental population growth - Housing diversity - Renewable power; electric car charging stations - Farms to produce food locally

Fears

- Village growing too fast - This process doesn’t lead to meaningful and required change - Outsiders bringing in more rules and bylaws

My Future Haines Junction Vision

Open House I

- Diverse community that is self-sufficient - Diverse community that is considerate of the environment, healthy and

involved in recreation, and respectful of all community members. - Vibrant, walkable, and diverse community that is bilingual (Southern

Tutchone + English) and welcomes newcomers as well as celebrates culture. - A mountain town that people are excited to live in and others want to stay for

a week for outdoor adventure with good restaurants (attracts people from sister-city Haines, AK)

- Attracts young people to come stay, build, live, start business. - A diverse and vibrant community able to support its residents. Very rich in

recreation encouraging people to get outside in a variety of ways. - Diversity, unit, reconciliation, cooperation, celebration

- A community layout that allows demographics to mix easily and result in a strong community.

Open House II

- Self-sufficient with good quality of life - For tourism: a place to base from. For industry: a tannery, butchers shop. For

travel: Walking and biking trails around village. For elderly: 2 km of hard surface trails along Dezadeash River

- In 25 years having a population over 1500, CAFN/VoHJ neighbourhood parks, pathways, motorized trails to the mountains, agriculture, and strong stable businesses.

- A village core/downtown space - Recreation centre with soccer fields, skate park, basketball, etc.) - Great work/life balance.