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FOR RELEASE     #08-207
August 28, 2008

Carcross Celebrates Completion of the Bennett Lake Viewing Platform

WHITEHORSE - A gathering on the shores of Bennett Lake in Carcross today marked the official completion of the new Bennett Lake Viewing Platform. The new wood platform and restroom facility is the latest CSIF (Community Strategic Infrastructure Fund) project to be completed in the Carcross community.

The Community Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) is directed to projects of major federal and regional significance in areas that are vital to sustaining economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians.

"Through positive consultations with the Carcross Tagish First Nation, the South Klondike Local Area Council and the community at large, I am very pleased to see the waterfront development plans coming together," Community Services Minister Archie Lang said. "This platform will enhance the Carcross community and offer visitors an even more impressive view of historic Bennett Lake."

The $250,000 project constructed by J. Toole Contracting was funded through a combined $3.5 million contribution agreement between Canada and Yukon for Carcross waterfront development.

"This project, like the new footbridge, is one that locals and visitors alike can be proud of," Patrick Rouble, MLA for the Southern Lakes, said. "It provides a gathering place for events or simply to take in the breathtaking beauty of Carcross and Bennett Lake."

Mark Wedge, Chief of the Carcross Tagish First Nation said, "We have the new footbridge where we can meet and strengthen friendships while fishing and now we are proud to include the Bennett Lake Viewing Platform which will be another gathering point for locals and tourists alike."

"Along with the bridge completion last year, this project is instilling a growing pride among Carcross residents about their community," Linda Pringle of the South Klondike Local Area Council said.

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Backgrounder: The Carcross Waterfront Development Project

Contacts:  
Roxanne Vallevand     
Cabinet Communications  
867-633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca   
Ron Billingham
Communications, Community Services
867-667-8065
ron.billingham@gov.yk.ca

 

Backgrounder:

The Carcross Waterfront Development Project

The Carcross Waterfront Development Project is supported by equal contributions of $1.75 million from the Governments of Canada and Yukon. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is the federal delivery agency for the project working in partnership with Infrastructure Canada.

The viewing platform is one of a number of components of the Carcross waterfront development project. Other project components include:

1. pedestrian bridge,
2. large-scale shore clean-up,
3. new dock facilities,
4. carving facility,
5. updating community entrance signs and landscaping, and
6. road upgrades in the downtown core.