Minister Graham unveils Yukon College Ayamdigut Campus Master Plan
WHITEHORSE – Yukon Education Minister Doug Graham unveiled the Yukon College Ayamdigut Campus Master Plan today at the Old Fire Hall in Whitehorse. The plan outlines a vision for the future development of the 97 hectare land reserve surrounding Yukon College’s Ayamdigut Campus.
“I am very pleased to unveil the Ayamdigut Campus Master Plan for Yukon College,” said Minister of Education Doug Graham. “The plan, which is based on the input of students, faculty, First Nations, community organizations and the general public, is the next step in the consultation process and will act as a blueprint for the future growth of the campus.”
Over the past year the College engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, nearby neighbourhoods, special interest groups, First Nations, Yukon Government and the City of Whitehorse in direct meetings and through design exercises at several public events. Feedback was incorporated into a set of principles used to guide the plan, such as protecting environmentally sensitive areas, sustainable buildings and energy use, recognizing northern culture, and enhancing the academic and student life experience.
The plan proposes that Ayamdigut campus evolve in several stages over the next 25 years, providing flexibility for the College to respond to the changing needs and shifting priorities of the future. New teaching and research buildings would be focused around the existing core campus, while a range of housing options, several new trails, outdoor learning opportunities, and potential future development make use of the entire land reserve. The plan also incorporates planned future growth of campus neighbours Yukon Archives and Yukon Arts Centre.
“The plan celebrates and enhances our natural setting and the opportunities it offers as a living classroom. It balances consideration for sensitive ecosystems and existing trails, with the need to grow the campus in the years ahead,” said Dr. Karen Barnes, Yukon College President. “It has been a vigorous debate and we are grateful to everyone who was involved, contributed ideas, and helped with the creation of this shared vision of a campus which will remain a vital place of community, learning, and innovative research for many years to come.”
The Yukon College Ayamdigut Campus Master Plan will guide future development of Ayamdigut Campus. All future development will require further planning, permissions and formal approvals.
The plan can be found at www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/DYC/. People can submit feedback on the plan until Wednesday June 17 via the webpage or by emailing DYC@yukoncollege.yk.ca.