Upgrades to track and field facilities at F.H. Collins Secondary School to provide Whitehorse residents with improved recreational opportunities

WHITEHORSE, March 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Rural and northern communities have unique infrastructure needs. The governments of Canada and Yukon recognize that strategic investments in recreational infrastructure play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs and improving quality of life for those living and working in the North.

Today, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services, announced $8.1 million in combined funding to upgrade the track and field facilities at F.H. Collins School in Whitehorse.

Work involves replacing the existing grass and gravel layout with a regulation size artificial turf and a rubberized track. Upgrades will also be made to the fencing, parking, lighting and location of utilities, to improve access to the site and create a safer, more enjoyable user experience.

Once complete, residents of all ages from Whitehorse and the surrounding areas will have access to new and improved recreational opportunities in a modern, community-driven space.

Quotes

"Recreational infrastructure, like the track and field facilities at F.H. Collins School, helps build inclusive communities, where families and friends can have fun and spend time together. Projects that protect and expand upon our existing sports infrastructure are vital to preserving recreational offerings and ensuring residents have opportunities to stay fit and healthy 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

"Sport and recreational activities bring people together and promote active living. This new track and field will support community health and wellness, providing students and athletes with enhanced opportunities for sport training and development. We are excited to partner with the Government of Canada to support the well-being of the entire Yukon."

The Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is contributing $6.1 million to this project through the Small Communities Fund and the Government of Yukon is providing $2 million over Yukon's two next fiscal years.
• 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: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

*New* ? Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/yt-eng.html

Smart Cities Challenge: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cities-villes-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada