WHITEHORSE—A new research facility which will house the Yukon Geological Survey’s H.S. Bostock Core Library was officially opened today by Member of Parliament for Yukon, Ryan Leef on behalf of the Honourable John Duncan Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Brad Cathers.
“This modern facility is an important part of Canada’s investment in a strong northern research infrastructure network,” Leef said. “Along with other projects in Yukon, the core library will provide sustainable benefits for northern researchers and support northern economies for generations to come.”
The new 1,327 square-metre building, made possible in part by a contribution of $3.62 million from the Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund (ARIF) under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is located at Mile 918 on the Alaska Highway in Whitehorse.
The facility is able to house over 120,000 metres of diamond drill core and will serve as an archive for rock and sediment samples collected by the Yukon Geological Survey.
“Yukon has outstanding geoscience databases and mineral samples and we are continuing to contribute to their growth and maintenance. This facility supports industry investment and contributes to the overall future stewardship of our natural resources,” Cathers said.
The facility will enhance the integration of research in different disciplines by housing a research and lapidary facility for microscopy, core viewing and cutting rock samples, and space for scientific presentations and meetings among scientists in the fields of forestry and earth science.
Yukon Geological Survey Mineral Services staff and the public outreach geologist will carry out research from the new building and provide service to clients, including access to samples and facilities, and distribution of scientific publications.
Tours of the new facility will be held November 21 and 22, in conjunction with the Yukon Geoscience Forum.
For more information contact the Yukon Geological Survey branch at 867-667-8508, toll-free 1-800-661-0408 ext. 8508.
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| Contact: | |
| Elaine Schiman Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca |
Moira Wolstenholme Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable John Duncan Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada 819-997-0002 |
| Mark Roberts Communications director, Energy, Mines & Resources 867-667-5307 mark.roberts@gov.yk.ca |