Whitehorse receives support to help manage wastewater systems

April 26, 2017

Modern public infrastructure is key to supporting the unique needs of northern communities. Investing in green infrastructure protects the environment and supports local economic opportunities, which goes hand in hand with improving family income, job opportunities and quality of life for those living and working in the North.

Today, Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, Yukon Minister of Community Services John Streicker and City of Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis announced funding of $2.8 million under the federal Gas Tax Fund for three wastewater projects in Whitehorse.

The Marwell Lift Station, which processes the majority of the city’s wastewater, will be upgraded to improve its efficiency. Upgrades to the storm sewers on Burns Road and a new outfall pipe and trench for the Hidden Valley Storm Pond will help manage storm water in these neighbourhoods.

Once complete, these projects will provide reliable sewage water management services for residents, contributing to maintaining a healthy community and protecting property.

Quotes

“The federal Gas Tax Fund offers communities in Yukon the flexibility to make informed decisions about their infrastructure investments. We are proud to support these projects that will help ensure wastewater systems across the city are prepared to meet the needs of the communities they serve.”

-Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi

“The Gas Tax Fund provides local solutions to local problems. It is an important resource for First Nations and municipalities in Yukon as they work to build sustainable local infrastructure. We support this predictable funding that gives communities a meaningful role in building a better Yukon.”

-Yukon Minister of Community Services John Streicker

“Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, the City of Whitehorse is able to improve our ageing infrastructure and ensure residents have reliable wastewater systems. We are very appreciative of this funding and our partners at Government of Yukon.”

-Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• To meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities, the federal 2017 budget proposes to invest $2 billion to support a broad range of infrastructure projects.
• The three projects will be funded through the federal Gas Tax Fund as follows:
  • $2,400,000 for the Marwell Lift Station project;
  • $100,000 for the Burns Road Storm Sewers project; and
  • $330,000 for the Hidden Valley Storm Pond project.

Learn more:

Government of Canada’s $180 billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017
Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon
Gas Tax Fund

Contact:

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca

Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca

Jessica Apolloni
Marketing and Strategic Communications, City of Whitehorse
867-689-2848
jessica.apolloni@whitehorse.ca

Brook Simpson
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
Brook.Simpson@canada.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca

NT5