Backgrounder - Support for Yukon Wildlife Preserve

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), on behalf of the Government of Canada, will provide the Yukon Government with a total of $1,929,000 over two years for the design and construction of an animal research and rehabilitation centre at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is a significant tourist destination located 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse. Covering 700 acres and seven distinct natural ecosystems, it is a unique facility for viewing northern mammals, birds and plant life. It also provides animal rescue and rehabilitation services.

The new research and rehabilitation centre will enhance the experience of visitors, and support tourism in the territory. It is a critical step in achieving accreditation by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which will further boost its profile.

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve also supports a variety of research projects. The new facility will be designed to sufficiently accommodate biologists, geologists and other scientists from outside the territory. This increased research capacity will lead to increased visitation to the territory and spin-off revenue for local businesses and new educational and employment opportunities for Yukon residents in the long term.

CanNor's investment in the Yukon Wildlife Preserve will create an estimated 137 person-months of employment over two years through building design, construction and project management. The project will also provide up to 1.5 ongoing employment positions.

Construction and material requirements are well within the capacity of local businesses, and it is expected that this well add further revenue into the territory.

The Preserve is operated by the not-for-profit Yukon Wildlife Preserve Operating Society and owned by the Government of Yukon.

The total cost of this project is $1,974,312. The Government of Yukon will provide the remaining $45,312.

Community Adjustment Fund

Support for this initiative is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a two-year national program established under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The program's objectives are to provide economic stimulus to create or maintain jobs in and around communities affected by the global recession, and to promote economic diversification of those communities. Longer term economic and ecological benefits are also considered.

The program is delivered by CanNor in the three territories. CanNor received $32.8 million over two years for this purpose.