This is a joint news release between the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and the Government of Yukon.
Students at Robert Service School in Dawson will soon have access to enhanced school food services thanks to a partnership that is funding significant kitchen improvements. The upgrades will provide modernized facilities that support healthy eating, student wellbeing and community-based school food initiatives.
Initiated by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, the project aligns resources from the federal and territorial governments alongside contributions from local industry leaders Favron Enterprises Ltd. and Schmidt Mining Corp. to deliver a shared priority for Dawson’s youth.
Through Phase 1 of the project, the Government of Canada is providing $435,460 this fiscal year under the National School Food Program to support initial infrastructure improvements. This builds on $100,000 previously provided by the Government of Canada in 2025–26 for project planning and design.
To support Phase 2, local mining operators Favron Enterprises Ltd. and Schmidt Mining Corp. are each contributing $350,000 for the 2027–28 fiscal year. Together with the Government of Canada’s allocations, these external contributions fully cover the capital upgrade costs.
The upgraded kitchen will be better equipped to meet the needs of the school community and support the continued growth of food programming. It will also create opportunities to share culture, knowledge and traditional foods while serving as a welcoming space for community connection and learning.
We are thrilled that the Robert Service School kitchen is going to receive the long overdue upgrades and renovations it needs to effectively provide our young learners with nutritious meals and a supportive learning environment. We have observed over and over again that students thrive in environments where their nutrition needs are supported, and we are so grateful to the Favron and Schmidt families for their generous investment in our community's health and future.
This project is a great example of what can be achieved when local partners work together to support young learners. By modernizing the kitchen at Robert Service School, we are making a lasting investment in student nutrition, health and academic success. I thank Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in for their leadership, the Government of Canada for their vital support through the National School Food Program and Favron Enterprises and Schmidt Mining for their generous contributions to the Dawson community.
Access to nutritious food at school helps children learn, grow and thrive. In partnership with the Government of Yukon, First Nations and local industry, we are investing in kitchen upgrades at Robert Service School, a community-based initiative that reflects local priorities and supports student wellbeing in Dawson City. This is part of your government’s plan to build Canada strong for all.
Favron Enterprises Ltd. is proud to be a part of the Robert Service School kitchen upgrade. We are grateful to be part of this initiative and look forward to more collaborations in the future.
It is a privilege to participate in this initiative, and I am very grateful to be able to do so within my community.
-
The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $1.112 million.
-
Total external funding for the project includes $535,460 from the Government of Canada’s National School Food Program, comprising $100,000 for 2025–26 planning and $435,460 for Phase 1; and $700,000 in joint funding from Favron Enterprises Ltd. and Schmidt Mining Corp. for Phase 2.
-
Construction and project delivery will be managed by the Government of Yukon, with substantial completion targeted for late summer 2027.
-
The Government of Yukon is receiving more than $7.35 million from 2024 to 2027 as part of the Government of Canada’s National School Food Program to support children’s access to nutritious food at school, which also supports local farmers and local economies.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Elaine Corden
Communications, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
[email protected]
Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
[email protected]