Joint news release with the City of Whitehorse
The Government of Yukon, City of Whitehorse and YuKonstruct Makerspace Society are partnering to participate in the Infrastructure Canada Smart Cities Challenge. The Government of Yukon is providing $30,000 in support of the application, which will be led by YuKonstruct.
The Smart Cities Challenge is a pan-Canadian competition that encourages communities to increase their liveability through innovation, data and connected technology. Whitehorse will be eligible to enter for a $5 million, $10 million or $50 million prize.
Finalists will be announced this summer, with the winners to be announced spring 2019.
The Smart Cities Challenge is a great opportunity for Yukoners to share their ideas for improving our capital city. Yukoners are constantly proving their ability to push the boundaries of innovation and I have no doubt we will rise to the occasion here. The Government of Yukon is happy to fund a project with potential to foster a positive impact on our citizens’ lives.
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai
Whitehorse is never short of innovative ideas when it comes to community development. We are excited to have this opportunity to work with residents, innovators and partners to identify community issues and find solutions together.
City of Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis
A technical advisory committee will advise the City and YuKonstruct Makerspace Society on proposal feasibility.
Public engagement sessions will be offered by YuKonstruct Makerspace Society in March to develop a series of challenge statements. The statements will be refined and developed by knowledge-area experts, with the final submission to be determined by the City of Whitehorse.
The city’s participation was approved by Whitehorse City Council.
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca
Juliann Fraser
Communications Advisor, Economic Development
Government of Yukon
867-668-8074
Juliann.Fraser@gov.yk.ca
Mélodie Simard
Manager, Planning and Sustainability Services
City of Whitehorse
867-334-2111
Melodie.simard@whitehorse.ca