There was some confusion at a city council meeting on Monday night regarding why the federal government had to be involved in the sale of wood products from the City of Whitehorse.
Some city councillors asked for clarifications around a summary by city administration at a council meeting on Monday night, which stated that the sale of wood products from Fire Smart Projects around the City of Whitehorse would not be possible this year.
The summary stated that the sale of wood products accumulated during fire smart and wildfire mitigation projects would take too long, particularly since an application process submitted to the federal government on the matter would take months to complete.
Councillor Dan Boyd said in a response that the parties involved in the application process didn't make sense to him.
"The devolution of resources was devolved to the Yukon government in 2003. I fail to see why the Yukon government would need to submit an application to the federal government in order to to all us to sell the wood or allow a contractor to salvage and sell the wood. I can understand why the Yukon government might be involved, but I do not understand why the federal government would be involved or what they would have to do in such a process."
Councillor Steve Roddick highlighted however that the wood projects being harvested around the city aren't suited to be sold anyways.
"One thing that wasn't mentioned in the summary is that the area that is currently being cleared for wildfire fuel is ill suited for commercial timber harvesting. It's mostly brush and small trees. While it may not be possible now to to get the permitting in place to do this (sell the wood), this area isn't very good for commercial timber harvesting."
Roddick highlighted during the discussion that the wood is being used efficiently in different ways by the City of Whitehorse.
"While all of the wood that has been harvested can't be sold as firewood, it's being used for our composting facility which is necessary and needed."
Acting City Manager stated that the whole process was new to administration and that they would see what information they could gather and report back to council when they reconvene next month.
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports
BC man convicted of manslaughter
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns
Selkirk First Nation announces election results
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal