The Government of Yukon builds and maintains an ice bridge in Dawson during the winter and spring. This bridge connects the city and West Dawson. The ice bridge typically operates from late December or early January to April. Exact dates are dependent on weather conditions. But have no problem leaving a family on South Canol in distresses. Does the Government have the right to pick and choose?

The Yukon government has accommodated residents of West Dawson by building an ice bridge to connect them to the rest of the territory. The Department of Highways and Public Works has awarded in 2018 a $199,700 contract to Whitehorse-based Cobalt Construction to install a log boom across a 100-metre stretch of open water in the river. The idea is to allow ice to accumulate and freeze enough to support vehicles. In 2019 the territorial government failed to build a safe Yukon River ice crossing, wasting significant amounts of money attempting to construct an ice bridge during unseasonably warm weather. Following that failure, some Dawson residents built their own ice bridge across the Yukon River. In 2025 it is not known the exact cost.

Meanwhile, a family on South Canol has been denied emergency services, the right to vote, and the amenities and privileges other Yukon residents receive. During the election, Election Yukon ensured Dawson residents could vote by flying in an election official, but the South Canol family received no comparable assistance. The Minister of Community and Safety provides approximately $3,282,270 in annual funding to Dawson for 2026. South Canol Hwy 6 is an existing road that doesn't need to be build it only needs plowing, but The Minister of Hwy and public Works Linda Benoit decided to charge the resident a fee of $25,000 to open the road once in the spring so they can provide the public access to Quiet lake campground at the expense of the residents. This was a service that the government was providing in the past at no cost. The Yukon party Government is abusing it's authority by removing services and now wanting to charge for it. It's a public Hwy 6 and public money should be allocated not extorted from one family. As of today still no response from Minister of Community and Safety Cory Bellmore regarding the implementation of the NG911 emergency service they have to provide to all Yukoners regardless of were they live.

Will Dawson use that funding to build the next ice bridge for 2026? or will the territorial government cover the cost and leave the South Canol family isolated and at risk for another eight months? This pattern suggests the Yukon government gives preferential treatment to larger or more politically significant communities.

Voting day in Dawson. Poll workers crossed Yukon River by helicopter to ensure West Dawson residents could vote. Ice bridge not freezing.

VOTING DAY 2025 SOUTH CANOL HWY 6 ROAD NOT PASSABLE