WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government’s 2005-06 budget includes over $45 million in capital projects to improve infrastructure in rural Yukon.
"All the projects will help improve the quality of life in Yukon communities and provide economic opportunities for all areas of the construction industry," Community Services Minister Glenn Hart said.
Rural projects for next year include completing the Ross River community hall, upgrading the Teslin arena, renovating Teslin school including a new gym, and sewage and waterfront improvements in Carmacks. New health care facilities are being built in Dawson City and Watson Lake.
The budget also includes over $2 million in property improvements, including structural repairs, accessibility improvements, security and fire alarm system improvements, fuel tank replacements, painting and drinking water testing in buildings.
Canada-Yukon Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
In addition to projects already identified, Yukon communities will have access to $32 million in funding over five years through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
"Through our agreement with Canada we will have access to more rural infrastructure funds than ever before. This year we have a total of $8 million in projects that are jointly funded by Yukon and Canada through the MRIF," Hart said.
MRIF projects can include traditional infrastructure, such as drinking water supply, wastewater and solid waste treatment systems and local roads, but also infrastructure related to public transit, culture, tourism and Internet improvements. All Yukon communities are eligible to apply and approved projects will begin to be announced in June.
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Contact:
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications Advisor
(867) 667-8688
peter.carr@gov.yk.ca
Sample of rural infrastructure projects, 2005-06 capital budget
| Burwash | $1,200,000 | To begin construction of a new multi-celled sewage lagoon just south of Burwash Landing and replacing the existing facility in the centre of Destruction Bay. |
| Carcross | $100,000 | To design a disposal facility for the new Carcross sewage treatment system that was completed last year. |
| Carcross | $300,000 | To conduct planning for the Carcross water front. |
| Carmacks | $5,400,000 | To build the Tantalus School and to conduct a carpentry level 1 course. |
| Carmacks | $2,000,000 | Planning and design to upgrade or replace the existing Carmacks sewage treatment plant. |
| Dawson City | $500,000 | To renovate the old liquor store for the Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture. |
| Dawson City | $1,500,000 | To design and conduct related work on the Dawson City Sewage treatment facility. |
| Dawson City | $1,020,000 | To build Tombstone Park interpretive centre. |
| Haines Junction | $250,000 | To complete road construction, BST the road surface and install overhead phone and power lines for a new subdivision of 14 larger rural residential lots near the airport in Haines Junction. The lots are scheduled to be ready to be sold by lottery later this year. |
| Mayo | $100,000 | To conduct environmental assessments, design and gain regulatory approvals so that next year construction can begin to stabilize the Mayo River Dyke at Mayo. |
| Old Crow | $300,000 | To stabilize the Porcupine River bank in Old Crow. The Vuntut Gwitchin FN is managing this $1 M project. |
| Pelly Crossing | $375,000 | To build government staff housing. |
| Ross River | $450,000 | In addition to funding in 04-05, to construct the community hall. |
| Ross River | $100,000 | To upgrade the walking bridge over the Pelly River at Ross River. |
| Teslin | $1,000,000 | To renovate the second floor mezzanine and to install an ice plant in the arena. |
| Teslin | $2,015,000 | To renovate Teslin School and build new gymnasium. |