The Government of Yukon’s Community Development Fund (CDF) has awarded $728,187 in funding for 16 projects that benefit Yukoners while enhancing the availability of community resources and opportunities.
This support marks the most recent round of Tier 2 funding by the Community Development Fund. Recipients include the Friends of Mount Sima Society, Yukon Little League, Champagne Community Association and the Food Action Hub Society, among others. Tier 2 funding is specific to projects between $20,000 and $75,000.
A full list of recipients for this round of funding is available in the backgrounder.
Projects eligible for CDF funding include new construction projects; renovations, restorations or physical improvements to buildings or lands; projects enhancing knowledge or skills development; research and planning; and programs and events. Past projects have assisted in supporting the community’s long-term well-being; and have demonstrated measurable social, cultural and economic benefits for Yukoners.
Potential proponents are encouraged to apply for upcoming rounds of funding, which can cover up to 90% of a total project or event costs. The next application intake is for Tier 1 requests of $20,000 and under, with a deadline of July 17, 2024.
Supporting vibrant, healthy and resilient communities is essential for building a strong and sustainable Yukon. Through the Community Development Fund, our government is proud to support organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to offer diverse programs and engaging opportunities to fellow Yukoners. This territory has consistently drawn strength from our sense of community, innovation, and vision. I am confident that the latest round of Community Development Fund recipients will no doubt continue to move the Yukon forward.
Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai
We are thrilled to receive funding from the Community Development Fund in order to establish the Yukon’s first official Little League charter. We are a non-profit MLB style baseball league for youth aged 11 to17. This funding will help us provide high quality training equipment for our teams and will allow us to purchase all the necessary equipment to keep our kids protected as they play. The kids are excited and so are we! We are very grateful for the opportunity this funding provided.
Yukon Little League, Sara Skelton
The Food Action Hub is excited for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Yukoners. One of our goals is to make healthy nutritious food available to those who need it the most. With the support of the Community Development Fund and our industry partner North Star Agriculture, we will be growing up to 1,000 lbs. of leafy green vegetables next winter for the Whitehorse Food Bank, to distribute throughout the Yukon. Having a year-round source of high quality vegetables will help ensure that people accessing the food bank and related programs have a source of nutritious locally produced vegetables year-round.
Food Action Hub President Joel Gaetz
The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that offer long-term, sustainable, cultural, social and economic benefits for Yukon communities.
This funding is awarded for the April 2023 Tier 2 intake of the Community Development Fund.
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 $20,001 and $75,000 on April 15 and September 15.
- Tier 3: Applications over $75,000 on January 15.
If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
The Community Development Fund, in its current form, was established in 2003. It provides $2.95 million in funding annually.
The Government of Yukon’s Community Development Fund has awarded $728,187 in Tier 2 funding towards sixteen projects that promote social, cultural and economic benefits to Yukoners.
Friends of Mount Sima Society – $72,636: To purchase a high efficiency snowmaking machine. This equipment will allow Mt. Sima to be marketed as a pre-season training destination for athletes and will attract more people to the territory, resulting in economic spinoffs for local businesses and help cut gas emissions by moving away from diesel-powered equipment. Contact: Sam Oettli (867) 668-4557
Town of Faro – $54,000: To build an animal shelter, creating capacity for the Town of Faro to retain and maintain surrendered animals. The shelter will prevent staff from making regular trips to Whitehorse to deliver animals that are not returned to their owner or re-homed immediately. The animal shelter will be open to communities surrounding Faro as well. Contact: Larry Baran (403) 485-3568
Marsh Lake Community Society – $28,350: To purchase a snowmobile and updated disc golf baskets. The snowmobile will allow Marsh Lake Community Society to continue to maintain 25 kilometers of ski trails, which serve a wide variety of users in the community. The disc golf baskets will be updated to professional-grade standard, supporting locals in gaining skills to play competitively. Contact: Robyn Gillespie (867) 660-4999
Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay – $27,675: To hire a consultant to complete a three-year strategic plan for the organization. This project will ensure the ongoing viability of the Kluane-Chilkat International Bike Relay and aims to enhance public participation. Contact: Sue Johnson (867) 333-5059
Kluane Energy Limited Partnership – $47,485: To complete a structural repair on the foundation of the Kluane Energy Store and Café. During the pandemic, the store shifted from providing snacks and drinks for highway travelers, into a grocery store providing a wide range of fresh products for community members. The foundational repair will allow the store to continue to offer its vital services. Contact: Elena Barroso (867) 336-6110
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation – $75,000: To support the four-day celebration for the 25th anniversary of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in’s self-government agreement. This celebration is an opportunity for community members to gather, celebrate and exchange knowledge. It will allow citizens of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in to practice language and traditions while also educating the public on self-governance. Contact: Katharina Marks (867) 993-7100
Yukon Conservation Society – $34,850: To complete a feasibility study to determine the viability of retrofitting or rebuilding the Parnell House as an eco-friendly, energy-efficient office. This project works towards the goal of creating a community space where outreach and educational programs focused on conservation and sustainability can be developed and implemented. Contact: Martin Melendro (867) 668-5678
Queer Yukon Society – $29,741: To host an on-the-land camp for women and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who have experienced gender-based violence. This project is open to individuals who participated in Broadening the Circle, which is a research project that looked at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women & gender-diverse people in the Yukon, as well as barriers faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners when accessing services. It will work to create an action plan, systems of support and share stories. Contact: Mona Luxion (867) 689-7862
Kluane Community Development Limited Partnership – $60,620 :To begin upgrades to the Dalan Campground in Burwash Landing. These upgrades will allow an accessible green space for the community to host cultural gatherings and larger events. It will work to increase the community’s visitors through tourism and participation in popular events. Contact: Pat Titus (867) 668-2333
Yukon Transportation Museum – $20,800: To perform maintenance on the CP-CPY weathervane and to plan an accessible public park around the area. The weathervane has become a unique Yukon landmark and this project works to ensure it stays for years to come. The creation of a park strategy will support the eventual creation of a public gathering space outside the museum. Contact: Sean Ridder (867) 668-4792
Champagne Community Association – $57,469: To renovate and enhance Shadhala Ku Community Recreation Centre to be used as a recreation and drop-in centre for the community. The upgraded space will allow for more activities and programming to take place. Members of the community of Champagne will be gaining experience by volunteering their time to complete the renovations, overseen by a project manager. Contact: Natalie Oles (867) 333-2838
Food Action Hub Society – $41,625: To source, install and operate a hydroponic “Harvest Grow Wall”. The project will incorporate two double sided grow walls, allowing produce to be grown indoors. All food grown will be donated to the Whitehorse Food Bank, increasing the availability of year-round fresh produce. Contact: Joel Gaetz (867) 335-8040
Yukon Church Heritage Society – $22,877: To preserve and restore the window sashes and trim of the Old Log Church and Rectory. This project will allow for continued enjoyment of the space for visitors, works to maintain a historical landmark within Whitehorse and ensures that the building can continue to be used by the general public. Contact: Linda Thistle (867) 633-6255
Yukon Little League – $27,319: To purchase equipment to facilitate the creation of a Yukon-wide baseball little league chapter. The chapter will travel to communities throughout Yukon to host a skills baseball clinic and generate interest in the sport. This project will allow an additional recreational activity for youth to participate in. Contact: Sara Skelton (867) 336-7727
Council of Yukon First Nations – $74,640: To complete a feasibility study for the creation of a CYFN administration building. A main administration building will assist Yukon First Nation citizens in accessing more programs all in one building, thus providing more effective and efficient client service. It will also allow for a space for organizations to gather, work together and carry out programming under one roof. Contact: Shadelle Chambers (867) 393-9200
Northern Cultural Expressions Society – $53,100: To conduct a feasibility study for the development of an Indigenous cultural training centre. The goal of the training centre is to create an on-the-land space that will become a hub for multi-medium arts development. Contact: Naomi Crey (867) 345-6958
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Elsie Jordan
Communications, Economic Development
867-471-0933
elsie.jordan@yukon.ca