New investment will provide clean and reliable drinking water for Dawson residents

Joint news release with the Government of Canada, the City of Dawson and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation 

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.

Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell, on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, as well as Minister of Community Services John Streicker and City of Dawson Mayor Wayne Potoroka, 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 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 liveable.

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.

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.

Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi

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.

Minister of Community Services John Streicker

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.

City of Dawson Mayor Wayne Potoroka

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 liveability and assist our First Nation in advancing our development goals.

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation Chief Roberta Joseph

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.

Media contact 

Brook Simpson 
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities 
613-219-0149 
brook.simpson@canada.ca

Bonnie Venton Ross 
Communications, Community Services 
Government of Yukon 
867-332-5513 
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca

Louis Gerberding 
Superintendent of Public Works 
City of Dawson 
867-993-7400 ext. 301 
pwmanager@cityofdawson.ca

Wayne Potoroka 
Director of Communications & Policy 
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in 
867-993-7100 ext. 100 
wayne.potoroka@trondek.ca

Infrastructure Canada 
613-960-9251 
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154 
infc.media.infc@canada.ca  
Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

News release #: 
18-019