Yukon premier defends Whistle Bend site for seniors home

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski won't budge on either the location or the size of the planned extended care facility in Whitehorse.

Some seniors groups have expressed unhappiness with the Whistle Bend location. That opinion is shared by some senior government officials and technical advisors.

Consultants recommended the facility be built in the Porter Creek neighbourhood, but internal government documents revealed that those concerns were overruled.

Speaking to reporters this week,Pasloski was unapologetic, sayingthe facility is definitely going in Whistle Bend.

"Yes, we are sure about the location and the size," he said.

Geotechnical data shows Whistle Bend is the least desirable location and it costs more to build there.

But the premiersaid that's not the most important consideration. He said the Porter Creek location would have required blasting.

Pasloski saidthe government will now consult with health care professionals and seniors groups. He said doing that after choosing the size and location for the facility isn't backwards.

"Governments do that good work, it's not about asking people for their subjective opinions," he said.

Pasloskitook a swipe at the Liberals and NDP, accusing them of "fear-mongering," adding that his government is simply focused on providing health care the cheapest way possible.