DAN BUSHNELL
Hey, I’m Dan, and I was born and raised right here in Whitehorse. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of changes—from the closing of the trains to the paving of the highway—and my love for this community has only grown stronger.
My approach to leadership comes from years of advocating for youth, the arts, and at-risk communities, as well as working on practical, hands-on solutions with engineers and city leaders.
Community Safety
I understand the urgent impact that rising crime has on Whitehorse’s business community. Local businesses like my own have been hurt by theft, property damage, and violence, which affect both day-to-day operations and the city’s overall reputation.
For Whitehorse to thrive, I believe that ensuring a safe environment is key to supporting businesses, protecting residents, and maintaining a vibrant tourism sector. We must not only address immediate safety concerns, but will also foster stronger community trust and prevent issues before they escalate.
Safety is about more than enforcement; it’s about addressing the root causes of crime, such as supporting people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health struggles. By working with local organizations and service providers, I aim to ensure that people in need get the help they require, reducing the burden on local businesses and improving the overall safety of public spaces.
Smart Infrastructure Development
I’ve always believed that Whitehorse deserves infrastructure that meets today’s needs and prepares us for tomorrow’s growth. Our city has dangerously aging infrastructure, and we need to get serious about upgrades—whether it’s our water systems, roads, landslide risks, or if needed, a second bridge.
These aren’t just conveniences; they’re key to keeping Whitehorse running smoothly and safely while supporting our businesses and tourism. But I don’t want to just patch things up; I’m looking at long-term, sustainable solutions. We need to think about how our infrastructure can handle future growth while keeping an eye on environmental impact.
Part of this is about collaborating with the Yukon Government and First Nations. These decisions need to be inclusive and made with the whole community in mind. We need to work together to create infrastructure that benefits everyone—from residents to business owners to the visitors who keep coming back to enjoy what our city has to offer. Smart infrastructure isn’t just about roads and bridges—it’s about building the foundation for a thriving future.
Collaborative Governance
I believe collaboration is the foundation for getting things done right. It’s not just about having ideas, it’s about getting the right people together to make those ideas a reality. Council needs to work better as a team—we need to put aside differences and find common ground to make decisions that benefit the entire community. When the council is divided, the community suffers.
But it’s not just within the council where collaboration matters. We need stronger partnerships with the Yukon Government and First Nations. These aren’t just stakeholders, they’re key partners in everything from infrastructure projects to housing and social programs. We can’t expect to solve Whitehorse’s challenges on our own—we need to tap into the knowledge and resources these groups bring to the table.
At the end of the day, there isn't one answer or one solution. What we need is a mass of answers. By coming together and fostering a strong community, we can craft solutions that will be sustainable for years to come. By listening, learning, and working together, we can move forward to a stronger, more unified, Whitehorse built on collaborative governance and communication.
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Leave it Better
Whether it's a person or place, my goal is simple: leave everything a little better than I found it.
Comfort is the Enemy of Progress
To truly make Whitehorse better, we need to step out of our comfort zones and challenge the status quo.
Kindness is Bravery
Standing up for others, even when it’s uncomfortable, is the truest form of bravery and what drives my work.
Community Means Everyone
I believe in advocating for the whole community, not just the people we like or agree with—everyone deserves a voice.
Collaboration is Key
The best solutions come from working together, from listening and learning, and building consensus with informed decisions.
Accountability Matters
I believe in taking ownership of my decisions and being transparent with the community every step of the way.