Chamber News Archive

Haines Highway Awarded National Scenic Byway Designation
The Haines Highway was officially designated a National Scenic Byway on October 16, 2009. This highway connects the Inside Passage community of Haines with Haines Junction in the Yukon Territory. First used by the Chilkat Indians, the highway became a packhorse trail to the Klondike goldfields in the late 1880s. In 1943, the U.S. Army used the highway as a military access road during World War II.

The most significant natural resource along the Haines Highway is the Chilkat River and the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The byway runs through the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Chilkat River and through the prime eagle roosting and feeding grounds. This Preserve and its ecosystem are of national and world significance due to hosting the largest congregation of bald eagles in one location.

Community Pride Week
Save the date for the Haines Chamber of Commerce Community Pride Week, beginning April 30 through May 10, where local businesses, schools, and the Haines community will come together to help beautify Haines, securing its place as "Alaska's Best Kept Secret". Click here for more information.

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) launched a new look to their web site which includes a community page for visitors to learn more about the communities serviced by the state ferry.

New Border Regulations
Effective June 1, 2009, all US and Canadian travelers entering the US by land and sea must have a valid passport to denote citizenship and identity. This requirement includes passengers boarding Alaska Marine Highway System ferries in Prince Rupert. Travelers who do not present documents denoting citizenship and identity may be delayed as US Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify citizenship and identity. Americans traveling to Canada need to take picture ID, birth certificate, and a driver’s license.

For more information regarding entry into the US or Canada visit the US Customs or Canadian Customs web sites or call our local border offices: US Dalton Cache: 907-767-5511, Canada Pleasant Camp 907-767-5540.

Dedication of Haines Assisted Living Facility

Administrator Vince Hansen said he expects the building will open about half-full. "It looks like we'll have rooms available, so we're still taking applications. We have a lot of people on our waiting list, but not many need to move in right now."

Hansen said senior housing needs are continually shifting with changes in health, mortality and availability of caregivers. "If we'd opened three months ago, we'd be full today."

Haines Assisting Living, Inc. will modify its contract with Dawson Construction to build five additional apartments - each with a kitchen - one the building's east side. That $1 million addition is scheduled for completion by next fall. The rooms are exclusively for low-income residents, but the center plans to be able to offer those residents services such as meals on a payment basis and all residents will be welcome to participate in acitivites and use common spaces.

Administrator Hansen encouraged prospective residents to get on the center's waiting list. Ranking on the list doesn't change if an applicant turns down an opportunity for a spot in the center. "But if you're not on the list, we can't help you."

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