It is gratifying to observe the building construction being carried out in Whitehorse at the present time due to business expansion. It is a clear indication that the future of Whitehorse is assured and that its merchants and business-men are fully alive to this fact and planning accordingly.
At the corner of Main Street and Third Avenue The Northern Commercial Co. Ltd., are erecting a substantial building for their caterpillar and machinery department. The basement for same, 36x50 ft., has already been excavated and the forms are being erected in readiness to pour the concrete. Here will he installed the boilers and pumps and the wood stored. Plate glass windows will be used throughout on the ground flood where offices will be located adjoining which will be the display room featuring auto accessories, caterpillars and Ford parts. A thick cement floor is being laid at the rear of the premises along Third Avenue and abutting on the lane.
The extensive alterations and additions to the Whitehorse Inn Cafe
are now well in hand and progress being made as fast as the arrival of materials warrants. When these are completed a spacious ballroom with all accessories will be made available for the pleasure and convenience of this community and will be a great acquisition to the town. No expense is being spared in making the Whitehorse Inn, together with its cafe and other departments, among the best in the north and certainly the best in the Territory.
On Main Street also the alterations and extensions being made to premises of the Whitehorse Jewellery and Novelty Shop, operated by Mr. R. Gorden Lee, are being rushed to completion. And as if to complete the picture in the business section of the town The Cake Box, operated by Mr. E. F. "Ted" Pinchin, has been moved from Second Ave.
and is now located on the lot adjoining the premises of the Whitehorse Jewellery and Novelty Shop.
At the corner of Second Avenue and Steele Street Rev. Harold Lee has had erected a new Gospel Hall whilst in various sections of the town several new homes have been erected or are in process of being completed. An office and reception room for Dr. Pelletier are being erected on Steele Street west of the residence of Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Richards.
Extensive additions have also been made by Mr. O. Erickson to the Regina Hotel including a modern beer parlor for ladies and gents.
Mr. E. Lortie of the Yukon Tire Shop is also carrying out extensive alterations to his premises adjoining the Regina Hotel on First Avenue with his residence located at the rear of same. Then at the corner of Second Avenue and Wood Street Mr. A.
K. Farley. manager for Mayo Utilities Co. Ltd., who operate the local telephone system, is erecting a Butler hut the concrete foundation for which is now being poured. These premises will be utilized as a work-shop and store-room for telephone equipment, etc.
It will be interesting to our readers to learn that a mortgage loan company is in course of being incorporated for the purpose of making available the necessary capital to enable bona-fide borrowers to go ahead and build their dream homes or for other structural purposes.
Then there is the new electric elevator for the Whitehorse General Hospital, the foundations and structural work for which is already completed. The elevator itself will, in the terms of the contract, be installed and put into operation before the end of the year.
The above is an outline of what constructional work is being carried out at the present time or has already been completed.
Next year, when it is anticipated both material and labor will be
available, still larger contracts will be undertaken. The first will be the erection of a modern public school here at a cost of approximately $200,000, and the new Federal building on the ball park for which plans were completed some time ago.
It is also anticipated that a start will be made on the extensive road
construction program for the Territory, including the highway from Whitehorse to Atlin, B. C. This major work will be extended over a term of years (probably five before it is completed). In the meantime the more important sections will be carried through to completion as quickly as possible to make them available for public use.
