Pour diffusion immédiate     numéro 05-134
May 19, 2005

WHITEHORSE - The Governments of Canada and Yukon have approved more than $12.5 million in Yukon community infrastructure projects under the Canada-Yukon Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) that was agreed to on January 17, 2005. Through this agreement, the Governments of Canada and Yukon will each invest $16 million under this program.  Together with an equal share from participating communities, this could mean that up to $48 million will be invested to help improve Yukon's public community infrastructure.

"These projects represent the expressed benefits the MRIF program was designed to provide to Canada's rural communities," said John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities). "Recreation infrastructure, water and sewer improvements and roads are all very important for northern rural communities to grow and prosper. I am pleased that we can work together to fund these initiatives and advance the New Deal for Cities and Communities in the Yukon. It is also consistent with the Government of Canada's Northern Strategy."

"These MRIF projects fulfill one more step in this government's strategy of targeted spending in communities around the territory," Community Services Minister Glenn Hart said. "Upgrading and improving infrastructure will enhance the quality of life for all Yukoners, while providing additional economic growth in rural Yukon." 

"The Yukon is growing again with a revitalized economy, steady population growth and a positive outlook for the future," said Yukon MP, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, Larry Bagnell. "These infrastructure investments help to prepare for the future needs in Yukon’s communities and contribute towards stimulating local economic opportunities."

Projects have been selected through a Joint Secretariat comprised of representatives of Infrastructure Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Yukon Department of Community Services. The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs provided support throughout the technical review and will continue to assist in the administration of the program on behalf of the Government of Canada.

The MRIF program operates alongside programs such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, another matching fund, which will see as much as $80 million invested by all partners in the Yukon for larger infrastructure projects.

The projects announced today are required to successfully complete the environmental assessment process and funding will be conditional on compliance with all applicable federal and territorial requirements.

For more information about the Government of Canada and Yukon's infrastructure programs, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/ or http://www.gov.yk.ca/.

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Attachment: Approved Yukon MRIF project list

BACKGROUNDER

MUNICIPAL RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (MRIF) YUKON PROJECTS

City of Whitehorse – 2007 Canada Games Facilities – Project cost: $1,249,800.
In preparation for the 2007 Canada Games in Whitehorse, the City is building a multi-function Ski Chalet/coordination centre. The 2007 Games will bring thousands of athletes and spectators to Whitehorse for the first Canada Games to be held North of 60.  The Governments of Canada and Yukon will contribute $833,200 to this project.

Village of Mayo – Community Centre - – Project cost: $5,900,372.
Located in the heart of the Yukon and rich in history, the Village of Mayo is utilizing the MRIF to create a community centre which will be the recreational and community social focal point for Mayo and surrounding area.  Under the MRIF, the Governments of Canada and Yukon will contribute $3,933,582 to this project.

Town of Watson Lake - Pumphouse & Well - – Project cost: $989,415.
Watson Lake is accessing the MRIF program to ensure clean and fresh drinking water for their community. This project is to facilitate the drilling of a new well and the rehabilitation of the Town's pumphouse and potable water distribution facility.  The Governments of Canada and Yukon will contribute $659,610 to this project.

Town of Faro  - Sewer Line  - – Project cost: $88,490.
The Town of Faro is using the MRIF program to upgrade a wastewater sewage line. The existing wastewater line, built in 1969, has been impacted by erosion and there is potential risk for a failure which would contaminate the local area and a nearby stream. The Governments of Canada and Yukon will contribute $58,993 to this project.

Champagne & Aishihik First Nation - Water, Sewer & Roads  - – Project cost: $597,438.
This MRIF project is focused on providing critical water, sewer and road infrastructure for a First Nation subdivision. MRIF is a significant benefit for the development of this new housing project serving a northern First Nation. The Governments of Canada and Yukon will contribute $397,438 to this project.

Village of Teslin - Sewer Main - – Project cost: $1,902,274.
The project is to upgrade the community sewage plant by linking component parts of the overall system with a new sewer line. Presently, the effluent is transported via tanker truck to the sewage lagoon, with increased risk of spillage and subsequent environmental damage. Under the MRIF, the Governments of Canada and Yukon will contribute $1,268,182 to this project.

Marsh Lake - Recreation Centre - – Project cost: $1,615,765.
The Marsh Lake Community Centre Project includes construction of a multi-use community building to serve the community of 400 and the local region's requirements for sport, recreation and community meetings. This project will provide a community gathering place and support the health and recreational needs of Marsh Lake.  The governments of Canada and Yukon will fund the whole project.