Backgrounder - Yukon Receives Funding for Seven Recreation and Infrastructure Projects

Seven communities in Yukon will receive just over $1.2 million in funding from CanNor's Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, First Nations, the Government of Yukon, and Yukon communities to upgrade local recreational facilities. The funds will help to improve and expand recreational buildings used for gathering and exercise; upgrade pool and rink facilities; and, repair building interiors and exteriors.

1. T'rondëk Hwëchîn Government - Wellness Camp
   CanNor contribution: $13,333
   Government of Yukon contribution: $13,333
   Tr'ondek Hwech'in contribution: $13,333

   An existing wellness camp in the Dawson region is currently utilized in the summer for health and social programming. Upgrades such as the addition of a wood stove and storage cabinets will equip the camp to expand its capacity for recreational use in the fall and winter months for activities such as cross-country skiing and Junior Rangers outings.

2. Carcross - Facility Renovations
   CanNor contribution: $20,000
   Government of Yukon contribution: $20,000

   The Carcross swimming pool provides recreation in the summer for the community and currently provides accommodation for seasonal staff. These accommodations occupy the same space as the centre's office and lack privacy. This project will construct a small addition to the building containing two bedrooms and a bathroom to ensure staff privacy.

3. Watson Lake - Swimming Pool Repair
   CanNor contribution: $31,666
   Government of Yukon contribution: $31,667
   Community contribution: $31,667

   Funding will support repairs to the concrete pad and replacement of the liner in the seasonal community swimming pool. These repairs will ensure the pool remains open to offer recreation and swimming lessons for the people of Watson Lake including youth, seniors and the swim team.

4. Carmacks - Repairs to Swimming Pool and Skating Rink
   CanNor contribution: $80,811
   Government of Yukon contribution: $80,811
   Community contribution: $80,811

   Funding for this project will support replacing the pool liner and boiler system that heats the pool. The rink requires repairs to the concrete base and rink boards as well as the construction of a covered walkway to the change rooms.

5. Lorne Mountain - Replace Community Centre Zamboni Shed
   CanNor contribution: $124,000
   Government of Yukon contribution: $124,000

   This project will replace the current maintenance shed which houses equipment for the community outdoor ice rink, the local ski trails, and the golf course.

6. Beaver Creek - Community Centre Recreation Renovations
   CanNor contribution: $125,000
   Government of Yukon contribution: $125,000

   The community centre houses a gymnasium and curling rink and is used by the school as well as the public community club. RInC funding will be used to upgrade the facility including electrical, kitchen, ceiling and furnace repairs. The improvements will reduce heating costs and allow sports activities to continue throughout the year. The upgrades to the facility will encourage healthy choices through physical and social activity for youth and the wider community.

7. Ross River - Recreation Centre / Arena Renovations
   CanNor contribution: $154,921
   Government of Yukon contribution: $154,922

   This facility offers recreational programming and activities year round in the community. The centre was closed in January 2009 due to needed renovations. RInC funding will support general repairs and the replacement of damaged rink boards in the arena.

Recreation and Infrastructure Canada Program

Funding for these projects will be provided through the Recreation and Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. RInC is a national program that shares the cost of repairing, upgrading or expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. RInC provides economic stimulus of $500 million nationally until March 31, 2011. Program funding of nearly $1.7 million was allocated across the three territories for RInC projects.

RInC is administered by CanNor, the newly established agency responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. This announcement reinforces the Government of Canada's work to advance an integrated Northern Strategy to exercise Canada's Arctic sovereignty, protect the North's environmental heritage, promote social and economic development and improve and devolve northern governance.