DAWSON CITY, YUKON, Feb. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Yukon are committed to investing in local infrastructure that ensures Northern Canadians and their families have access to modern, reliable water services that meet their unique needs. These investments safeguard the health and well-being of residents, protect the local environment and keep our communities healthy and liveable.
The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services; and His Worship Wayne Potoroka, Mayor of Dawson City, today announced $15 million in joint federal-territorial funding under the Small Communities Fund to construct a new pumphouse with water treatment equipment in Dawson.
Thanks to this investment, residents of Dawson City will continue to benefit from clean and reliable drinking water. The project includes the replacement of the water distribution pumphouse, which has reached the end of its serviceable life. This important upgrade will help the community water supply meet regulatory standards, while keeping the city's waterways clean and the community healthy and livable.
In addition, Yukon and the city will begin construction on two water and wastewater infrastructure projects this spring. The first project will see the twinning of the city's water lines and the replacement of water and wastewater lines to avoid service interruptions. Work on the second project includes the replacement of the York Street lift station, upgrades to the city's other lift stations, and improvements to the wastewater lines in downtown Dawson. The second project also includes the replacement of the Craig Street hydraulic tower, which is planned for construction in 2019. These two projects were announced as part of an agreement between Canada and Yukon for the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.
Quotes
"Investing in water treatment infrastructure in the North is essential to maintaining a healthy environment and providing access to clean, reliable drinking water. The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories and municipalities across the country to support important projects like the new water treatment and distribution pumphouse in Dawson, which ensure that Canadian communities are healthy and sustainable now and for years to come."
The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Infrastructure in Dawson has always been challenging, so it's great to partner with the Government of Canada and the City of Dawson to improve the community's water and wastewater systems. These strategic investments boost the local economy by creating jobs while supporting our goal of healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities."
The Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services
"Providing potable water is a key municipal responsibility, this investment by Canada and Yukon governments will help us meet that obligation. With their assistance, our town will meet the latest regulatory requirements and improve the lives of our citizens."
His Worship Wayne Potoroka, Mayor of the City of Dawson
"Having clean water is a high priority for community health and we appreciate steps being taken to safeguard our potable water supply. These improvements will also improve our community's livability and assist our First Nation in advancing our development goals."
Chief Roberta Joseph, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada will provide $11,250,000 through the Small Communities Fund for the pumphouse project and the Government of Yukon will contribute up to $3,750,000.
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $2 billion of this funding will support infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million will be delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.
Associated links
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan
*New* – Investing in Canada plan project map
Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; Bonnie Venton Ross, Communications, Community Services, Government of Yukon, 867-332-5513, [email protected]; Louis Gerberding, Superintendent of Public Works, City of Dawson, 867-993-7400 ext. 301, [email protected]; Wayne Potoroka, Director of Communications & Policy, Tr'ondek Hwech'in, 867-993-7100 ext. 100, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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