Yukon municipalities improve recreational facilities with Canada Community-Building Fund

Five municipalities are investing nearly $3.5 million of their portions of the Canada Community-Building Fund to upgrade existing recreational facilities in the Yukon.  

The 14 projects in five communities will improve seasonal and year-round facilities around the territory. The Village of Carmacks is redeveloping their Merv Tew Park to provide new attractions for residents and visitors, including installing a new gazebo, disc golf course and relocating the playground. In Haines Junction, accessibility upgrades will improve access to the Pine Lake trail system. The City of Dawson is building and upgrading its network of trails. In Whitehorse, an accessible playground is being built at the Canada Games Centre and on Schwatka Lake, floatplane docks and new parking lots will provide improved access to regional airport and recreational infrastructure.

The Village of Haines Junction used funding to replace the roof of the St. Elias Convention Centre to extend the life of this popular cultural events venue.

As of June 29, 2021, what was once known as the Gas Tax Fund, has been renamed the Canada Community-Building Fund. This name change better reflects the program’s evolution over time and will not alter or modify the objectives or requirements of the program. 

Through the Canada Community-Building Fund, we are building welcoming, healthy and connected communities across the Yukon. Having access to modern, quality recreational and sports facilities is a strong incentive for encouraging regular physical activity. These projects will have tangible impacts on the quality of life of families, and the vitality of our Yukon communities now and into the future.

Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna

Abundant recreational opportunities are part of what makes the Yukon such a great place to live and raise a family. We are pleased to see these projects moving forward. The Canada Community-Building Fund provides municipalities with reliable funding to enhance facilities for residents and visitors while helping to create economic opportunity in Yukon communities. 

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

The City of Whitehorse is thankful for the support from the Canada Community-Building Fund, which makes it possible for Yukoners and visitors alike to enjoy recreational facilities such as the Canada Games Centre and Takhini Arena. These much-needed improvements help ensure that everyone continues to have a wide range of recreation opportunities in Whitehorse.

City of Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis

The Village of Carmacks was thrilled to hear that our three proposals to the Canada Community-Building Fund were all accepted. Merv Tew Park will see a major facelift with a new Disc Golf course, a new Gazebo and a Bandstand to host Village get-togethers once COVID passes. Parking will be improved to ensure the safety of our children and all the changes are designed to improve recreational enjoyment for our citizens. Our exciting new Official Community Plan is now complete and Council is very proud with the outcome. This funding helped us immensely by hiring wonderful, creative consultants to guide our decisions. The myriad of trails in the Carmacks area will be getting some much needed grooming and upgrading to improve the hikeability and likability, not only for our residents, but also for the many tourists that grace us every season. Thanks to the Canada Community-Building Fund, all of this was made possible.

Village of Carmacks Mayor Lee Mayor Bodie

The Canada Community-Building Fund helps the Village of Haines Junction to maintain, improve, and acquire additional recreational amenities.  These amenities are very important as they heighten the desirability of our Community as a place to live and work.   Additionally, it is very important to have this predictable funding, as it allows the Village to plan projects in a scheduled manner.

Village of Haines Junction Mayor Thomas Eckervogt

Nature trails have long been an important part of our community and have proven a godsend during the pandemic, when residents and visitors were looking for safe recreation options. The City of Dawson is continuing to build, expand and maintain our multi-use trail system and appreciate the flexibility of the Canada Community-Building Fund to support these activities.  

City of Dawson Mayor Wayne Potoroka

Quick facts 
  • Village of Carmacks

    • $295,000 – Upgrades to Merv Tew Park will increase use by residents and draw visitors to the park. They include a gazebo, fencing, relocation of the playground with new equipment and landscaping and construction of a disc golf course.
    • $33,121 – A recreation strategic plan is being developed to provide long-term planning within the municipality’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan.
    • $44,000 – A trail and park system is being developed for in and around Carmacks to provide a more immersive experience for visitors.
  • Village of Haines Junction

    • $451,870 – Upgrades to the Pine Lake trail system will make this trail more accessible for all users.
    • $565,000 – The roof of the St. Elias Convention Centre has been replaced. This facility is a popular venue for cultural and social activities in the community. 
  • Town of Faro

    • $70,000 – Significant upgrades to the public swimming pool will make this popular local venue safer with improvements including accessible safety equipment, equipment to maintain safe chlorine levels, as well as filters, piping and new gauges.
  • City of Dawson

    •  $158,741 – The City of Dawson is building and updating its network of trails in and around the community as part of its Trail Management Plan.
  • City of Whitehorse

    • $700,000 – On Schwatka Lake, increased dock space for float planes is being created, as well as improved traffic signs and two new parking areas along the Miles Canyon Road to enhance access recreational activities.
    • $200,000 – An accessible playground at the Canada Games Centre will enhance recreation for children.
    • $455,000 – A waste heat recovery system at the Canada Games Centre will improve energy efficiency and greenhouse gases.
    • $60,000 – A new locker system will replace the existing lockers in change rooms at the Canada Games Centre to accommodate increased usage of the facility.
    • $75,000 – Upgrades to the parking lot at the Canada Games Centre will increase safety and allow for better access to the facility.
    • $430,000 – The ice condenser at the Takhini Arena is being replaced to provide improved facilities for hockey and other ice sports.
  • The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) is a long-term, indexed source of funding for over 3,600 communities across the country. In recent years, it has supported thousands of projects annually.

Media contact 

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-332-0615
matthew.cameron@yukon.ca

Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications Analyst
Department of Community Services, Government of Yukon
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@yukon.ca

Emelyana Titarenko
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
873-355-9576
emelyana.titarenko@infc.gc.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

News release #: 
21-250