The Government of Yukon and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation have reached an agreement for the proposed Carmacks Bypass project. The agreement enables the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation to access potential contracting, education and training benefits associated with the project. The Yukon government has also agreed to provide funding so the First Nation can participate effectively in the planning, design, assessment and regulatory processes for the proposed project.
The construction of the bypass is dependent on the Government of Yukon receiving the agreed-to funding from the Government of Canada for the Yukon Resources Gateway Project. Each of the Yukon Resource Gateway Project components will be subject to the territory’s assessment and regulatory processes, which include opportunities for public input and consultation with affected First Nations.
This agreement is one of a series of project agreements we are hoping to finalize with affected First Nations. The Carmacks bypass will be a road from south of Carmacks to the existing Freegold Road north of Carmacks so that mine haul trucks will be able to bypass the community. It will also improve access to the Mount Nansen site to assist remediation efforts. This new road along with the other new and improved roads related to the Yukon Resources Gateway Project will help enhance the development of Yukon’s mineral resource sector.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and the Town of Carmacks have been requesting a bypass for some time to reduce traffic flow through the community. The bypass project will help ensure the safety of Carmacks residents by redirecting industrial traffic away from the community.
Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation Chief Russell Blackjack
The Yukon Resource Gateway Project will provide the bypass at Carmacks and approximately 650 kilometres of needed upgrades of existing road infrastructure in the Dawson and Nahanni ranges – two key areas of high mineral potential and active mining in Yukon.
Project agreements between the Government of Yukon and affected First Nations with Final Agreements are required by Canada before they will provide funds for Yukon’s Gateway projects.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Chief Russell Blackjack
Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
867-863-5576 Ext:251
russell.blackjack@lscfn.ca
Sue Thomas
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-5809
sue.thomas@gov.yk.ca