Joint news release with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction), Yukon - The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) are laying the ground for growth of their subdivision at Dakwäkäda with the expansion of municipal infrastructure to connect to the Marshall Creek Road, the old Alaska Highway.
The Government of Canada is providing $6.975 million for the project funded through the Green Infrastructure fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The Government of Yukon is contributing $1.89 million and the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations is investing $500,000.
The extension of water and sewer services from the Village of Haines Junction into the subdivision will provide services for 38 or more future homes for CAFN citizens and also improve services for some citizens already living in the area. A lift station will also be added to meet future needs. The subdivision expansion project is expected to be complete in fall 2021.
Together with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Dän nätthe äda Kaaxnox (Chief Steve Smith), Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna, Yukon Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn and Village of Haines Junction Mayor Thomas Eckervogt, met to mark the project with a ceremonial ground breaking on Johnson Street in the new subdivision expansion.
Initial grubbing and clearing of the area around Johnson Street has been completed by the First Nations and the construction of underground water and sewer lines has begun.
The Government of Yukon’s Land Development Branch managed the initial stages of the project with a custom-built Design Collaboration Agreement with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations is completing the project through a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Government of Yukon. As well, the CAFN and the Village of Haines Junction have updated the water and sewer agreement to include service for the new lots and lift station in the Marshall Creek subdivision expansion. This will bring the regional system together while the new agreement provides an equal fee structure for equal service between the municipality and CAFN lots.
The Government of Canada will continue working to ensure a safe and sustainable economic recovery, while focusing on the health and well-being of all Yukoners. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this infrastructure project in Haines Junction and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations is essential. It not only helps to ensure the speedy recovery of our economy and provide needed jobs, it also helps to protect the well-being of our communities, and our environment, now and into the future.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna
We are very pleased to partner with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations on the expansion of municipal services to the Marshall Creek subdivision. It highlights the Government of Yukon, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Village of Haines Junction all working together for the whole community. We recognize the economic growth opportunities such projects provide and look forward to future opportunities to partner with First Nations and provide dedicated support to help them develop their lands for their citizens.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
This addition to our subdivision in Dakwäkäda helps Champagne and Aishihik First Nations realize our vision of creating opportunities for our Citizens to come home. We are grateful for the significant investment by the governments of Canada and Yukon in the growth of Dakwäkäda. And, we are excited about our partnership with the Village of Haines Junction to connect green municipal services. This shows that when we work together, it creates big opportunities for the growth of Haines Junction.
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Dän nätthe äda Kaaxnox (Chief Steve Smith)
The Village of Haines Junction is excited to see new housing opportunities in the Dakwäkäda area. This project is one of many partnering opportunities between governments to make Haines Junction the place to move to. The Village of Haines Junction looks forward to strengthening these ties in the coming years.
Village of Haines Junction Mayor Thomas Eckervogt
Construction of water and sewer infrastructure into the Marshall Creek subdivision includes:
- 2,000 metres of water pipes and mains to extend drinking water to current and future residents;
- 1,500 metres of sanitary wastewater pipes and mains to provide sewage facilities for the subdivision;
- extension of water and sewer mains from the Village of Haines Junction;
- a new one kilometre extension of Johnson Street; and
- a lift station to pump wastewater from the new sanitary sewer system into the lagoon.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca
Amy McKinnon
Strategic Communications Manager
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
867-332-1973
almckinnon@cafn.ca