To support projects, events and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits to Yukon communities, the Government of Yukon is providing over $1.6 million to 21 Yukon-based projects through the Community Development Fund.
Projects and initiatives funded by this program help improve Yukon communities, making the territory more attractive for residents, workers and visitors alike. Projects are submitted by Yukoners who have identified how this funding will help their initiatives succeed and create further opportunities. In particular, funding is provided for projects that are pursuing economic reconciliation through bolstering Indigenous programs, communities and organizations.
This year, funding is supporting the Watson Lake Ski Club in upgrading their groomer to more reliable equipment after 20 years of service. As well, as assisting the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition in revamping their website and social media platforms to enhance accessibility to their programs and services.
In addition to the Watson Lake Ski Club and the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, the following organizations received Tier 1 or Tier 3 funding:
- Alpine Ski Association Yukon
- Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
- Champagne Community Association
- Dawson City Arts Society
- Dawson City Music Festival Association
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society of Yukon
- Kwanlin Dün Cultural Society
- La Société Des Immeubles Franco-yukonnais
- Lorne Mountain Community Association
- Selkirk First Nation
- The Human Society Dawson
- The Town of Faro
- The Village of Carmacks
- The Village of Teslin
- The Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association
- Watson Lake Ski Club
- Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle
- Whitehorse Bike Kitchen Task Force; and
- Yukon Arts Centre
Through this program, the Government of Yukon is able to support a broad range of projects that provide long-term benefits across the territory.
The next application deadlines for the Community Development Fund is May 15, 2024, for Tier 1 requests up to $20,000.
The Community Development Fund-supported projects are contributing to long-term sustainable economic growth, and creating key social benefits to Yukoners. It’s exciting to see first-hand the positive impacts these initiatives have in our communities. Together, we are building a strong, sustainable and empowering future for all Yukoners.
Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai
We are truly grateful to the Community Development Fund for their generous funding of the Watson Lake Ski Club. Thanks to this funding, we are able to purchase new grooming equipment, absolutely critical to our operations. We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, which maintains and operates the Mt. Maichen Ski Area, located just a few kilometres north of Watson Lake, on the traditional territory of Liard First Nation. We are excited to be able to continue providing the much-needed and much-loved winter recreation for our rural community and visitors alike. On behalf of all our volunteers and our community, thank you for your support, so we can continue the strong tradition of Yukon-based skiing and snowboarding in Watson Lake.
Board of Directors of the Watson Lake Ski Club
Support from the CDF for our website redesign and social media strategy will help ensure that people with lived experience of poverty, front line organizations, researchers and volunteers have access to up to date and mobile friendly information about resources and research available in the Yukon. We look forward to highlighting a variety of stories about work being done across the territory including though Voices Influencing Change, Whitehorse Connects, the Community Garden Project, Reaching Home, and ARCH (Action Research on Chronic Homelessness).
Project Manager of the Yukon Anti Poverty Coalition Keitha Clark
21 community projects have been awarded $1,684,879 from the January 2024 Tier 1 and Tier 3 application intakes.
The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits to Yukon communities.
Eligible organizations include registered non-profit societies, not-for-profit corporations, charitable organizations, municipal and First Nations governments and First Nation development corporations undertaking community-level initiatives.
Eligible projects and events include new construction projects, renovations, restorations, physical improvements to buildings or lands, knowledge or skill development, research and planning and programs and events.
The Community Development Fund provides up to 90 per cent of the total project costs. 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.
Advisors are available to meet with people who have an idea to enrich their community, helping to identify targeted, achievable and creative goals.
The Community Development Fund has awarded $123,403.00 in Tier 1 funding towards 9 projects.
Humane Society Dawson – $20,000: To engage a specialist animal shelter consultant to increase efficiency at the shelter and to review and update policies and procedures to align with current national standards and best practices for the sector. This project aims to improve animal outcomes and shelter efficiencies, operations and governance.
Village of Teslin – $20,000: To support the Teslin Field of Dreams project, which is a major upgrade to the ball diamond. This project includes installing a well, an irrigation system, power, lighting and completing upgrades to the diamond itself. This project is part of a longer-term plan that looks to create a multi-use, year-round recreation hub.
Champagne Community Association – $18,321: To purchase furniture to set up the Shadhäla Ku Centre to be usable for programming and to complete minor renovations to make the current storage space more accessible. This upgrade will add safety for centre members, comfort for those attending workshops or waiting while family attends and will allow for ease of space set up for those leading programming.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society of Yukon – $16,205: To hire a consultant to create a five-year strategic plan. This strategic plan will work to represent the organization’s changing priorities and will be pivotal in creating policy and procedures, providing direction on how best to provide support to members of the public.
Whitehorse Bike Kitchen Task Force – $14,698: To support a do-it-yourself bike space that supports community members to fix, build and use bike equipment for the purpose of both transportation and fun. A seasonal coordinator will be hired to create a volunteer orientation and training program, run targeted workshops for special interest groups, and develop systems and resources to build organizational capacity to ensure the future success of the organization.
Alpine Ski Association Yukon – $12,679: To purchase timing equipment to support competitive ski races and events in the territory. This equipment will ensure more accurate results and will support the organization to move towards the industry standard for national and international events.
Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition – $9,933: To redesign the organization’s website and complete a social media consultation. This project aims to make content more easily accessible and to expand to other social media platforms for more effective delivery of services.
Village of Carmacks – $7,117: To hire a consultant to complete an engineering and scoping assessment of the Carmacks aquatic centre facility. This project will assess the remaining lifecycle of the facility or renovation potential of the aquatic centre as well as identify required mechanical work to resume operations in the coming years.
Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association – $4,450: To host a seminar series and several events prior to this year’s Yukon River Quest. The seminar series will include previous racers and health professionals in preparation for the race. This project also strives to expose youth to the concept of ultramarathon paddling and encourage wider participation in the Quest.
The Yukon government’s Community Development Fund has awarded $1,561,476 in Tier 3 funding towards 12 projects.
Champagne & Aishihik First Nations – $250,000: To purchase a trailer for the creation of a permanent makerspace. This space will support citizens in reconnecting with their cultural heritage, build confidence and pride, and work to revive traditions. This initiative will allow the community to gather, create, learn, develop skills and create collective partnerships.
Dawson City Arts Society – $250,000: To complete a comprehensive renovation to the Dënäkär Zho building in Dawson City to enhance physical accessibility, optimize interior programming spaces, and improve energy efficiency to create a multi-purpose and inclusive cultural hub. This project will create a safer, more inclusive facility that improves usability for all community members.
Town of Faro – $250,000: To renovate and upgrade the existing kitchen to enhance its efficiency and capacity. This project aims to transform the space into a fully functional, commercial-grade kitchen that will support community events, educational programs and emergency situations.
Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle – $123,930: To finalize and publish the Yukon Association of Non-Status Indians (YANSI) history book. This project introduces a unique and vital resource for understanding part of Yukon’s history, highlighting the pivotal role YANSI members played in land negotiations and advocacy for individuals who lost their status.
Watson Lake Ski Club – $107,747: To purchase a new groomer for the ski hill, replacing the current one that has been used for over 20 years. The introduction of new, more dependable equipment will minimize down time caused by repairs and maintenance and will improve the club’s ability to concentrate on organizational enhancements and the expansion of outdoor programs.
Lorne Mountain Community Association – $95,029: To purchase and install a playground and wellness structure on the old playground site. This project will serve to create a community hub that includes a safe play area for children and a fitness station for adults, encouraging physical activity and community engagement.
La Société Des Immeubles Franco-yukonnais – $91,666: To install a new platform elevator in SIFY’s building. The installation of an elevator will allow reliable access to all spaces, allowing accessibility for all community members.
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Society – $88,791: To redesign the sacred fire pit. The new design will minimize any barriers to access and include artistic elements to serve as an educational and immersive experience.
Village of Teslin – $85,500: To research, design, print and install cultural and interpretive signage for the Teslin Trail System. This project aims to connect locals to nature by fostering a deeper appreciation for environmental, cultural and heritage aspects of the trails. It will also attract recreational tourism, encouraging extended stays from visitors.
Dawson City Music Festival Association - $81,600: To purchase assets to increase the ability to host large-scale events in Dawson City. This infrastructure will be shared among several organizations in Dawson City and will allow the continuance and creation of local events.
Yukon Arts Centre – $74,193: To purchase a new moving LED stage lighting system. This system will directly enhance the quality of artistic presentations, ensure operational reliability, and support the centre’s long-term sustainability.
Selkirk First Nation – $63,020: To complete a community landscaping and beautification initiative in Pelly Crossing. This project focuses on landscaping at various public spaces, the community garden and greenhouse site, and works to provide skill building and career advancement opportunities to local citizens.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Saskrita Shrestha
Communications, Economic Development
867-471-3020
Saskrita.Shrestha@yukon.ca