September 2, 1998

Re: Whitehorse Dam Safety

Dear Sir:

We could not help but notice the photograph printed on the Whitehorse Star Telestar for August 29^th to September 4, 1998. It pictured you propelling yourself in your kayak from a Yukon Energy structure at the Whitehorse Dam.

Please be advised that the waterways and structures surrounding the Whitehorse Dam pose many potential dangers to trespassers. We do not condone trespassing for any purpose on our property or upon the waterways within our structures due to our safety concerns. At no time do we accept responsibility for the actions of trespassers.

In the instance of the picture, the point of entry you chose is quite shallow thereby not providing a proper margin of safety for this type of entry and could have resulted in bodily injury. Although you may judge yourself capable you are still subject to error or unforeseen circumstances. Your trespass also provides encouragement for others to follow the trail you blaze whether it is another kayaker or a pedestrian wanting a better vantage-point for a photograph.

Please respect our property rights and safety concerns. Please share these concerns with your fellow enthusiasts in the interest of everyone enjoying the waterways below the Whitehorse Dam in a safe and respectful fashion. Thank you for your cooperation in these regards.

Yours truly,
Tom Debolt
Customer Services Coordinator
Yukon Energy Corporation

cc:  Yukon Canoe & Kayak Club
Box 5546, Whitehorse, YT  Y1A 5H4

September 2, 1998
Yukon Canoe & Kayak Club
Box 5546,
Whitehorse, YT 
Y1A 5H4

Covering Note Re Letter to __________

Please find attached a letter to ______ instigated by the photograph on the front of the Whitehorse Star Telestar for August 29^th to September 4^th, 1998.  It caught the attention of many of our staff - some of whom could readily identify with ______ activities; others immediately expressing safety concerns with his point of entry and the fact that he was trespassing by being on a Yukon Energy structure.

By copying you on this letter we do not mean to imply that anyone in a kayak is a member of your club. We felt it prudent in the interest of soliciting your support in promoting safe kayaking practices below the Whitehorse Dam.

We would appreciate any efforts you may direct towards your membership or on the riverbank in these regards.

Yours truly,
Tom Debolt
Customer Services Coordinator

Dear YC &KC Members and All Boaters,

These above letters are referring to a Whitehorse kayaker  and these were sent to the Yukon Canoe & Kayak Club from Tom DeBolt of the Yukon Energy Corp.  They are self-explanatory and  give a very clear request to all
kayakers. 

The Yukon Energy Corporation is actively supporting the Yukon Canoe and Kayak Club, not only financially in the Rock the River project but has also endeavored to provide support otherwize as with the Whitewater Rodeo (the water level generally has to be increased to allow for the good surfing waves!).

It is in every kayaker's best interest to observe and comply with  this request to exercise sound judgement.  We hope that in the future all boaters can respect  this  important issue.

Regards,
Vice-President, YC & KC
Theresa Landman