A new municipal services building in Watson Lake will house the town’s fire hall, public works department and training facility.
Members of the public and government officials took a tour of the 1,400-square-metre building on Saturday during an open house. The Yukon government worked with the Town of Watson Lake to address their specific needs for the space, which was designed to replace the old town-owned public works building and a building that the town had rented as the fire hall since 1997.
Located behind the Northern Lights Centre, the facility contains four bays to house all fire-related vehicles, four heated bays for public works equipment, common meeting rooms and shared training areas.
The Government of Canada invested $7.5 million in the project through the Small Communities Fund (SCF), with the Yukon government contributing $2.5 million.
Improved municipal buildings and services support the development of strong communities. The grand opening of the Watson Lake public works and fire hall building demonstrates that through cooperation at all levels of government, we can find solutions that benefit our communities. Thanks to this project, residents will benefit from a new modern building housing essential services as well as fire response personnel and their equipment.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Dr. Brendan Hanley on behalf of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc
I know I am not alone in my excitement to see that the new Town of Watson Lake municipal services building is now open and ready to serve the community. Local residents have a modern fire hall and key emergency services that will serve them for many years to come. The Government of Yukon is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada in providing essential public safety infrastructure for Yukon communities.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
On behalf of the Town of Watson Lake, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon for their investments in our new municipal services building. This state-of-the-art facility will not only provide our community with essential emergency services, but also serve as a hub for public works and training. We are grateful for the partnership and support that made this project possible. Thank you to all of the individuals and organizations who participated in the planning, construction, and open house events. This new building is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community, and we look forward to utilizing it for many years to come.
Mayor of the Town of Watson Lake Christopher Irvin
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.
Under the Small Communities Fund (SCF), four Yukon communities will receive new public works buildings, including Carmacks, Faro, Teslin and the new facility in Watson Lake. The Faro facility celebrated its official opening this past fall.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
matthew.cameron@yukon.ca
Echo Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-1237
echo.ross@yukon.ca
Cam Lockwood
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Watson Lake
(867) 536-8000 ext. 5
cao@watsonlake.ca