Residents of Whitehorse to benefit from improved public infrastructure

WHITEHORSE, April 12, 2019 /CNW/ - A thriving economy needs strategic investments in modern transportation and green infrastructure to improve the lives of citizens while limiting impacts on the local environment. Investing in modern transportation infrastructure also helps create jobs and improve the quality of life of Northerners.

Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services; and His Worship Dan Curtis, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse, today announced funding for three infrastructure projects in the City of Whitehorse.

The first project will improve and revitalise roads in the city, repaving over 22 km of road surface and repainting road markings. This project will create safer, smoother roads for residents and visitors, while reducing the need for future road repair.

Funding will also support the renovation and expansion of the City of Whitehorse services building to increase energy efficiency, improve public services, and support the long-term sustainability of this multipurpose facility.

Finally, a third project will upgrade the heating, ventilation, electrical, and mechanical systems of Whitehorse City Hall to make the building more energy efficient.

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $17.4 million towards these projects through the Small Communities Fund (SCF), and the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Yukon is providing over $5.8 million, with the City of Whitehorse contributing $300,000.

Quotes

"Improved roads and modern, green buildings are the foundation of strong and resilient communities. These projects in Whitehorse will support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods through the community, and create energy efficient facilities that contribute to the territory's economic, social and environmental wellbeing."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Investing in high-quality infrastructure is an essential part of building livable, modern communities. As we face challenges from climate change, we need to find opportunities to adapt technology and provide innovative solutions to every day issues. This funding does just that by providing safer roads and more energy efficient facilities.  It is an excellent example of what Yukoners can do when we work together at all levels of government to build stronger, more connected communities."

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon

"We are delighted to invest in Yukon communities and to partner with the City of Whitehorse and the Government of Canada. These three projects are direct investments to provide better roads and more efficient infrastructure for residents of the Yukon's capital city. The Government of Yukon is proud to support projects like these, which help both citizens and municipalities build modern, healthy, thriving communities."

The Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services

"We are constantly working to improve our city's aging infrastructure and the funding for these projects really benefits our community as a whole. We value and appreciate the funding we receive from senior governments, and we continue to work hand-in-hand with our territorial and federal funding partners. Without this funding, we wouldn't be able to move forward on important community projects."

His Worship Dan Curtis, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing 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 is supporting 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 is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.
• $4 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/yt-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

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Backgrounder

Residents of Whitehorse to benefit from improved public infrastructure

Joint federal-territorial-municipal funding through the Small Communities Fund (SCF), and the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan will support infrastructure projects in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

The governments of Canada and Yukon are contributing over $23.3 million total towards these three projects. The City of Whitehorse will provide $300,000.

Project Information:

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada