Twelve community projects in the Yukon have been awarded with $395,777 in essential funding from the Community Development Fund. These projects contribute to the economic, cultural and social benefits to their communities by providing Yukoners across the territory with invaluable opportunities and resources.
The Klondike Snowmobile Association, Music Yukon, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, Humane Society Dawson and the Dawson City Arts Society are among the recipients of the most recent Tier 1 and Tier 2 intakes for funding provided by the Community Development Fund.
The next deadline to apply for Tier 1 funding (projects $20,000 and under) and Tier 3 funding (projects over $75,000) is January 15, 2023. The application deadline for Tier 2 funding (projects between $20,000 and $75,000) is April 15, 2023.
Community-based projects often speak to the heart and soul of a community. They provide energy, connection, wellness, and many other benefits to residents throughout our territory. I am pleased this fund has been able to support 12 deserving projects and organizations that work tirelessly to provide valuable programs, services and opportunities for Yukoners and their communities. I strongly encourage anyone with a future project in mind to learn more about how the Community Development Fund can provide some additional momentum in their endeavours, too.
Minister of Department Economic Development Ranj Pillai
Music Yukon is grateful for funding from the Yukon government's Community Development Fund in support of our Professional Musician and Technician Training Intensive. This program will provide essential training to upgrade industry knowledge, build career resilience, and prepare Yukon artists for opportunities in the territory and beyond. The program would not be possible without the support of the Community Development Fund and Canadian Heritage's Canadian Performing Arts Workers' Resiliency Fund.
Music Yukon representative Beth Dart
The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that offer long-term, sustainable, cultural, social and economic 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 $20,001 and $75,000 on April 15 and September 15.
- Tier 3: Applications over $75,000 on January 15.
The Community Development Fund has awarded $72,834 in Tier 1 funding towards five projects.
Town of Watson Lake – $14,496 – To replace the old wooden dock at the Lucky Lake Day Use area with a new composite dock and swim ladder. This area is an integral part of day-use activities, recreation, and community gatherings. This project supports recreation and Yukonners’ healthy living.
Sport Yukon – $17,500 – To contract an event specialist to prepare a history of the Klondike Road Relay’s 40 years and coordinate a 40th Anniversary celebration to coincide with the 2023 Klondike Road Relay. This project will engage the community by providing an opportunity for local artists and artisans, musicians, and performers to be involved in the event. The celebration will attract participants and promote the event for the future.
Humane Society Dawson – $13,984 – To provide upgrades to the shelter for staff and animal safety. Replacing some of the indoor dog kennels and installing rubber flooring will assist in keeping dogs from escaping and prevent injuries when walking the dogs. This project will support community involvement by encouraging people to volunteer at the shelter, with improved safety conditions.
Industrial Arts and Technology Society of the Yukon – $20,000 – To hire a professional contractor to create a five-year strategic plan. The goal of the strategic plan is to identify how to create a sustainable makerspace program within Dawson.
Robotics North Society – $6,854 – To support the Yukon FIRST teams with a Yukon preparatory scrimmage and qualifying tournament. This event promotes the development of youth knowledge and experience in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Community Development Fund has awarded a total of $322,943 in Tier 2 funding to eight projects.
Klondike Snowmobile Association – $20,100 – To purchase a snowmobile and the necessary additional safety add-ons required for trail maintenance. Replacing the utility snow machine and modifying it for trail grooming is necessary to ensure the Trans Canada Trail and secondary spur trails are maintained at current levels for users. Yukon residents will benefit from access to safe trails for recreation, contributing to Yukoners overall health and wellbeing.
Dawson City Arts Society – $26,113 – To complete architectural designs for renovations to the Dënäkär Zho building using input from a series of community engagement sessions. This will ensure the architectural designs are reflective of the needs of the community and maximize the use of an existing building.
Music Yukon – $21,035 – To deliver an in-person Musician and Technician Training Program in Whitehorse for 16 selected participants. This opportunity will remove financial barriers and ensure compensation for participants in the wake of the catastrophic impacts of the pandemic on the music industry. Increasing capacity in the Yukon’s music industry will provide more resources available for existing not-for-profit arts based organizations in the Yukon.
Biathlon Yukon – $20,700 – To hire a consultant to develop a formal business plan to help solidify the necessary framework for Biathlon Yukon to build and maintain their new facility. This will provide Biathlon Yukon with the tools to move forward with attracting and securing future events as well as exploring strategic partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
Village of Carmacks – $75,000 – To purchase new equipment for the Recreation Centre in Carmacks. The new equipment will include rock climbing walls, a mini-golf course for youth programming, and fitness equipment for the fitness centre. The new gym equipment and exposure to new sports and activities will support healthy living for the residents of Carmacks and the surrounding areas.
Mountain View Golf Course – $22,193 – To hire a consultant to develop a Governance Model for the Mountain View Golf Club. This will ensure the facility and training programs continue to be sustainable and available to the community.
Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation – $75,000 – To transform a skateboard design workshop into an exhibit and a year-round social enterprise program to empower Mayo youth. Students will be taught various skills in skateboard design and construction and learn essential marketing and project coordination skills through real-life experience with the launch of a skateboard manufacturing program in Mayo and a Shopify online store.
Yukon Theatre for Young People Society – $62,802 – To purchase 26 lavalier microphones that will be available for use by all community organizations looking to amplify voices in larger-scale productions and events. This additional equipment will help to ensure the Yukon has readily available local supply for future performances and events.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Elsie Jordan
Communications, Economic Development
867-471-0933
elsie.jordan@yukon.ca