Doug Graham 'really proud' of controversial Whistle Bend facility

The planned Whistle Bend continuing care facility in Whitehorse has been a political hot potato, but Doug Graham doesn't feel burned.

"That's something I'm really proud of," the former health minister (and current education minister) told Sandi Coleman on A New Day.

"It's absolutely essential that we build that."

Graham confirmed this week that he's through with territorial politics. He won't be running for re-election this year.

Getting the Whistle Bend project off the ground was one of his most significant achievements as a government minister, he said. That's despite a vocal opposition that's repeatedly questioned the design, costs and location of the facility.

Critics have complained the Whistle Bend subdivision is too far removed from the city centre, but Graham says people "said the same thing about Copper Ridge [Place] when it was built."

"It was on the outskirts of town, and it was so far away...look at it now. It's in the middle of the community up there, and it's going to be the same in Whistle Bend."

May return to city council

Graham was elected to the legislature in 2011, after 11 years sitting on Whitehorse city council. He said it's simply time for him to leave territorial politics, where "you don't really get time off, you seem to be on all the time."

"[My wife] retired five years ago in anticipation of us spending some time together, then I went and did this. I promised her that it would be one term, unless something very unusual happens, and I'm sticking to it, at this time."

He hasn't ruled out a return to municipal politics.

"If the opportunity presents itself, yes, it's a very real possibility that I would run again for city council.

"I love municipal politics ... you're so close to people, and you can do things that happen immediately."