Jasmine Budak
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 05/02) - Free hot dogs and lemonade attracted crowds of hungry strollers and hovering seagulls at the Yellowknife Inn parking lot Monday to kick off Environment Week.

Terry Matheson from the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans and Ron Bujold of Environment Canada hand out hot dogs and veggie dogs to downtown diners. - Jasmine Budak/NNSL photo

The public barbecue, hosted by the Environment Week Co-ordination Team, showcased local environmental group initiatives and introduced the Yellowknife-Whitehorse commuter challenge.

The friendly competition challenges city residents to abandon their cars this week for air-friendly modes of transport like biking and walking.

"People drive absolutely everywhere in this city," said commuter challenge organizer Jennifer Dallman.

"People are attached to their cars, so we have to identify why. You can't assume everyone is lazy."

Not everyone agrees with that.

"People are lazy," said Don MacQuarrie, one of the few who showed up on two wheels. He said he's now emission-free since he bikes and walks everywhere and quit smoking last year. MacQuarrie said people have to work harder to reduce their vehicle dependence in light of climate change issues.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem walked over from the office for a bite.

He said the city's continued investment in trail systems and sponsorship of events like the commuter challenge help to raise awareness about air quality.

Bob Van Dijken of Whitehorse's Northern Climate Exchange said the competition aims to generate interest in air quality issues.

He said along with special events, municipalities should improve roads to accommodate walkers and bikers and enhance public transit systems.

Instead of handing out pills and elixirs, some Yukon doctors are even scrawling out "daily active prescriptions" that give patients a dose of good ol' fashioned exercise, like walking to work.