Five community projects from across the Yukon are receiving a total of $83,432 from the Community Development Fund. Funding is awarded to projects that promote social, cultural and economic benefits for Yukoners.
The next deadline to apply for Tier 1 funding, which includes projects $20,000 and under, is October 15, 2021.
Funding recipients include the Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce, Inclusion Yukon Society, Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Mountain View Golf Course.
It is always great to see community members and organizations utilize the funding tools available to them to better the lives of Yukoners and build stronger, more inclusive communities. Yukon organizations continue to come up with excellent ideas for improving their communities and I am glad that the Community Development Fund is available to help bring these projects to life.
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai
Many people who live with disabilities have marketable skills but require accommodations which are hard to fit into a traditional workplace. By funding self-employment initiatives people with budding businesses, or ongoing projects that need support, are able to work those into a sustainable business model. Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk who lives with Autism may be unable to fit in a traditional work space, but given the opportunity they can contribute something entirely new and equally if not more valuable to the community.
Inclusion Yukon Society Operations Manager Robyn Gillespie
The Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce thanks the Government of Yukon for providing funding for the development of a new, up to date website to better serve and promote Watson Lake businesses.
Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce Vice President Kathy Dyck
The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that offer long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits for Yukon communities. Funding is divided into three tiers with the following application deadlines:
- Tier 1: Applications of $20,000 or less on January 15, May 15, July 15 and October 15.
- Tier 2: Applications between $20,000 and $75,000 on April 15 and September 15.
- Tier 3: Applications over $75,000 on January 15.
The Community Development Fund has awarded $83,432 in Tier 1 funding towards five projects that promote social, cultural and economic benefits to Yukoners.
Inclusion Yukon Society - $20,000
To develop a new up to date program to support clients who are interested in or need support in self-employment initiatives. This project will result in greater economic independence and increase community involvement in the demographic Inclusion Yukon supports.
Contact: Sharon Ulrich at 867-333-9526
Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous - $16,313
To build a permanent year-round axe throwing facility in Whitehorse. Axe throwing has been a long-standing tradition in the North. Providing an option for an indoor, family-friendly activity, especially during winter months, will improve physical and mental well-being as it allows for more active, enjoyable time for members of the community.
Contact: Daniel van Kessel at 867-667-2148
Sacred Heart Cathedral - $11,049
To upgrade the lower roof insulation in Sacred Heart Cathedral over the meeting room and back hallway. Insulation is the most effective way to improve the heating efficiency of a building. Proper insulation will significantly reduce heating and cooling costs as well as help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Contact: Doug McLean at 867-334-9872
Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce - $16,070
To hire a consultant to build a new website that will include a local business directory. An updated website and business directory will promote the Chamber as an organization and promote local business to share the services that are available to the community, keep citizens informed on topics that directly affect them and connect outside companies andbusinesses needing contractors and supplier information.
Contact: Jennifer Bonshor at 250-532-2293
Mountain View Golf Course - $20,000
To hire a consultant to work with the board, staff and selected stakeholders to develop a five-year strategic plan. The completed strategic plan will enable Mountain View Golf Course to adequately and confidently make decisions in the best interest of the course and the broader community they serve and will provide them with a plan that looks at all aspects its products, services and place in the community.
Contact: Russ Smoler at 867-334-9377
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
damian.topps@yukon.ca