This is a joint news between the Governments of Canada and the Yukon and the Village of Carmacks.
The ice is in and residents of Carmacks took full advantage as they celebrated the grand opening of their arena over the weekend.
An all-star game and hockey camp led by former NHL player John Chabot highlighted the weekend events, as well as a U-11 hockey game and ceremonial face-off. Residents and special guests were given facility tours, with lunch and dinner service provided by the Yukon University culinary and catering program.
The new 2,500-square metre facility will provide a much-needed opportunity for residents to come together and participate in recreational activities. With a link to the existing recreation centre in the community, the new building includes a full indoor arena and community spaces. It will accommodate year-round multi-functional use, including hockey and skating, curling, concerts, trade shows, and community events.
The Government of Canada invested $10.5 million in this project through the Small Communities Fund, with the Government of Yukon contributing $13 million.
Now more than ever, we recognize the importance of community gathering and shared public spaces. It was a pleasure to celebrate the new arena in Carmacks and catch a glimpse of what this facility means to the community. We would like to thank the Government of Canada, the Village of Carmacks and the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation for their support in getting it completed. I congratulate the Village of Carmacks for their new, modern and beautiful new facility and I encourage all Yukoners to check it out and experience the incredible programming the Village has planned.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
Recreational infrastructure projects like the new arena at the Carmacks Recreation Complex are incredibly important to our northern communities – they provide space to bring people together, foster skills development and support our economy. The new facility will allow for year-round use that will support the health and well-being of Carmacks residents and Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation citizens through physical activity. Our Government was thrilled to attend the official opening of this building and experience the excitement with the community.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Dr. Brendan Hanley, on behalf of Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc
The entire community of Carmacks celebrated the opening of our new arena on the weekend. Over 10 years of planning and building, the arena has been highly anticipated by both young and old alike. It will not only serve our recreational needs both summer and winter, it will no doubt be a boon for the business community as well by drawing visitors from far and wide to share in the fun. I am so grateful to the governments of Canada and Yukon for helping us realize our dreams!
Mayor of the Village of Carmacks Lee Bodie
Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
$25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
$4 billion of this funding will support infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
Since 2016, Infrastructure Canada has invested over $1.34 billion in 149 projects in communities across the Yukon.
The Carmacks arena features the first CO2 ice plant North of 60.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Echo Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-1237
echo.ross@yukon.ca
Matthew Cybulski
Recreation Director
Village of Carmacks
867-863-6271 ext 202
recreation@carmacks.ca