Backgrounder - Government of Canada Supports Yukon Quest

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), on behalf of the Government of Canada, will provide $262,320 to Yukon Quest International (Canada). Funding from CanNor will ensure short-term survival of the race in 2010 and 2011, and support work to secure long-term sponsorship and develop a merchandising program.

Yukon Quest International (Canada) is a registered non-profit organization. Its core purpose is to facilitate the annual Yukon Quest, a 1,609 kilometre sled dog race between Whitehorse, Yukon, and Fairbanks, Alaska.  The race follows the historic frontier routes of the Gold Rush Era, an important part of Yukon’s culture, and attracts thousands of visitors to the territory annually.  

Since it was founded in 1984, the event has grown to become a significant source of economic activity for the territory.

The race maintains about 30 long-term, off-season positions for residents of four Yukon communities, and boosts revenue to local businesses during the slower winter months.

In 2006, it resulted in an estimated $1.16 million of additional spending in the territory, according to the 2006 Economic Impact Analysis of the Yukon Quest, published by the Government of Yukon.

By enhancing race infrastructure, this funding will also contribute to the long-term viability of the race.

CanNor’s investment targets the following four areas:

• Successful staging of the 2010 and 2011 races
  This includes high-quality trail construction for the 2010 and 2011 races, and the purchase of safety and communications equipment like satellite phones, two-way radios, safety kits and permanent trail markers.
  
  
• Scroggie Creek Dog Drop Cabin
  A new 16- by 20-metre frame construction cabin will be constructed at the Scroggie Creek support stop. The existing cabin is not large enough to provide required cooking space and accommodations for the mushers and volunteers. The new cabin will also include an examination area and medical equipment storage for the race veterinarian.
  
  
• Race enhancements at start/finish and checkpoints
  Additional fencing and checkpoint chutes will make the race safer and more enjoyable for the fans, media and dog teams. The purchase of public address (PA) systems will allow organizers to share race results with fans and media. Media will also be able to do on-site interviews to be enjoyed by fans, increasing media exposure.
  
  
• Implementation of the Yukon Quest merchandising program
  Funds will support the development of the Yukon Quest branding and marketing plan, which will provide new long-term revenue sources to support on-going race and trail expenses. The Yukon Quest will hire a merchandising coordinator to implement the plan.

Support for this initiative is being provided through Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED), made possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan  . SINED is delivered by CanNor in the three territories.  CanNor is a newly established agency responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the North.