Whitehorse in the midst of building 'Canada's first' permanent firebreak — out of trees

In Whitehorse, Crews in Whitehorse are in the process of building a very different kind of firebreak — one made out of trees.

The Yukon Government is calling it "natural infrastructure."

Most cities build firebreaks on a temporary, seasonal basis, and focus on removing potential fuel sources – like trees and shrubs – rather than planting more. 

But this project involves clearing a corridor of flammable tree species, like conifers, and replacing them with a band of fire-retardant, deciduous species like Aspen. 

The ambitious design incorporates contemporary wildfire research as well as Indigenous traditional knowledge. "This is the country's first-ever permanent firebreak," said Yukon minister Richard Mostyn. "This is an example of the territory leading the nation." 

Mostyn described the project as a partnership between all three levels of government. On Oct. 13, the federal government announced the project would receive $750,000 through its 2 Billion Trees initiative. The Yukon Government is paying for the rest of the the $1.1 million balance for the initiative.

Officials plan to clear 365 hectares as part of the firebreaks, and plant more than 400,000 trees.

Back in 2016, the Yukon Geological Survey has produced community hazard maps that address a range of possible threats, from flooding to wildfires. As part of that work, the city of Whitehorse commissioned a report from the University of Alaska which showed significant risk to the Yukon's most populated city. 

In 2020, the Yukon Government drew from that research to begin work on a wildfire strategy. 

The break near Mount Sima, where construction efforts are currently focused, is meant to ensure a protective barrier at Whitehorse's weakest point. The area typically sees strong wind from the south and borders on 1.5 million hectares of old growth forest. 

These burns, and the occasional puffs of smoke they generate, have not been popular with all Whitehorse residents. Some have expressed fears about changes to the landscape, and damage to the environment as smoke enters into the nearby subdivisions of Wolf Creek and Mary Lake, or even downtown.

But for most, the hive of activity to the south of Whitehorse is tucked away, out of sight. 

For Yellowknifers, visible sections of missing trees and torn up ground along alnog the city's perimeter serve as regular grim reminders of an unprecedented wildfire season. 

"Even driving by the burns, I get sad," said Great Slave MLA candidate Katrina Nokleby. "And the way it's been done, just bulldozing… I wonder as a geological engineer what that's done for soil erosion and melting of the discontinuous permafrost."