FOR RELEASE     #05-309
November 29, 2005

WHITEHORSE - Government of Yukon's Community Development Fund has awarded $462,723 to 10 community projects.

"From technology to tutoring to housing for seniors, these Community Development Funds will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for all Yukoners," Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said.

The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) has been granted $50,000 in funding for its web portal proposal, which it hopes will connect Yukon First Nations to the global marketplace.

"The Council of Yukon First Nations has embarked upon a journey into the technological frontier to facilitate the betterment of social, cultural, and economic endeavours for Yukon First Nations, Yukon citizens and communities," CYFN finance director Gayle Corry said. "This funding has provided us with the means to ensure that Yukon communities will benefit from our collective efforts. For that, we are grateful."

The Royal Canadian Legion also received $75,000 to further its proposal for a senior housing project in Whitehorse.

"This will go a long way to helping us complete the feasibility study that's required to move this housing project forward," Legion's second vice-president and co-chair of the housing project Dave Laxton said.

The fund also supported Aboriginal sport through a $65,000 grant to the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle.

"The circle is extremely excited," Aboriginal sport development officer Dean Mastrangelo said. "Money will also be directed to the development of Traditional Arctic Sports (Inuit and Dene Games) throughout the territory, to allow aboriginal youth to be continuously connected to their culture and allow everyone the opportunity to learn and enjoy these traditional games."

Tier 2 funding is for applications of $20,001 to $75,000. The next intake deadline is Jan.13 for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications. Tier 1 applications are for applications of $20,000 or less and Tier 2 is for applications of $75,001 or more.

Learn more about the Community Development Fund and how it may benefit your community projects by visiting the Yukon government website: www.gov.yk.ca.

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Attachment: List of Tier 2 projects funded and photo.

 ATTACHMENT: Tier II Projects 20,001 up to 75,000

Council of Yukon First Nations received $50,000 for its Portal Proposal, phase II of a project that will continue to create an Internet presence for Yukon First Nations to the world-wide web and global marketplace. Contact Gayle Corry at 393-9201.

Crime Prevention Yukon received $24,835 for the Social Development Resource Program, to renovate its office for additional programming and services including a library, workstations, meeting and storage space. Contact Cathrine Morginn at 668-4420.

Kwanlin Dun First Nation received $35,000 to conduct an In-School Tutoring Project at Elijah Smith and Porter Creek Secondary Schools, in which families and children work together to develop a stronger foundation leading to greater school success. Contact Carolyn Simmons at 633-7370.

Little Rascals Day Care Society received $53,624 to develop Ross River Island Park. The funding will be used to brush, limb and remove trees/shrubs from Oxbow Island for future development as a community park. Contact Wendy Bishop at 867-969-2850.

MacBride Museum received $42,925 for Yukon's Natural World, refurbishing and upgrading the Natural History Gallery to include a space specifically designed for school and children's programs with hands-on activities and object-based learning opportunities. Contact Patricia Cunning at 667-2709.

Miles Canyon Historic Railway Society received $67,420 for Copperbelt Phase II, to develop the plan for the Copperbelt Mining Railway and Museum, including a preliminary design and business plan. Contact Ron Hall at 667-6355.

Royal Canadian Legion received $75,000 to complete architectural plans, structure evaluation, costs estimates and marketing/communication plans for a senior housing project in Whitehorse. Contact David Laxton at 667-2802.

Wheelchair Recreation Association received $20,261 for the Hand-cycling Program, to purchase hand-cycles in order to start an inclusive hand-cycling program within the Whitehorse area. Contact Ramesh Ferris at 668-7110.

Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle received $65,000 for Yukon Aboriginal Sport Development, to increase aboriginal participation in sport by hiring a program coordinator to oversee program delivery and two instructors to implement the Arctic Sports and Dene Games in-school programs. Contact Dean Mastrangelo at 668-2840.

Yukon Learn Society received $28,658 for Workplace Skills Reinforcement. The purpose of this project is to obtain funding for a workplace literacy project design to assist First Nation people. Contact Debbie Parent at 668-6280.

Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon presenting a ceremonial cheque to David Laxton (left) and Don Knutson (right), who are members of the Whitehorse Royal Canadian Legion Branch and have been active in the planning for the proposed seniors' complex. Photo taken in front of the Riverview Hotel, the proposed seniors' complex site.