Yukon First Nations use Gas Tax Fund to support local infrastructure priorities

Press Release

Five Yukon First Nations have projects underway or completed around the territory with an investment of over $1.42 million of their portions of the federal Gas Tax Fund.

Infrastructure priorities include a new water truck and a sewer truck purchased by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will provide improved and essential delivery of clean drinking water and septic sanitation services to over 130 homes and 20 businesses in Old Crow.

The funding will also be used to install new energy-efficient streetlights in Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation subdivisions and roads, which will greatly increase safety for pedestrians and motorists.

The federal Gas Tax Fund provides ongoing, reliable support for infrastructure improvements in Yukon. The projects being announced today will create healthier and more sustainable First Nation communities. Energy efficient buildings and streetlights will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The new water and sewer trucks will improve health and the environment. Projects like these help to meet the needs of local residents now and into the future.

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

It’s wonderful to see Gas Tax dollars going towards such a variety of great projects across the Yukon. With the broad range of eligible categories, this reliable source of funding makes a difference in our territory by supporting projects that create economic opportunity and improve the health and well-being of citizens.

Minister of Community Services John Streicker

The improvements made to the Jackson Lake Healing Camp with support from the Gas Tax Fund are helping Kwanlin Dün First Nation enhance its on-the-land healing programs and facilities in a sustainable way. Renewable energy and well-built, efficient infrastructure save resources and create cleaner operations now and into the future.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill

I am thrilled to see the Gas Tax Fund dollars be invested in a new water truck and sewer truck for Old Crow. Residents have dealt with unreliable delivery of clean drinking water and removal of septic for years. Water security is a basic human right and any water insecurity can negatively impact an individual’s physical and mental well-being. This updated infrastructure will have a direct benefit on the communities’ overall health and wellness.

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations is pleased to have new solar panels operating at Da Kų Cultural Centre, which helps reduce our environmental footprint and upholds our priority of stewardship for our land, water and animals.  We are also making landscape improvements around Da Kų, which is an important hub for Yukon tourism and our community.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Acting Chief Dän Nätthe Äda Rose Kushniruk

Quick facts

• Champagne and Aishihik First Nations – $17,215.25 – The solar panels installed on the Da Kų Cultural Centre connect to the building’s energy system. The green energy they are producing is reducing our reliance on the electrical grid as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
• Champagne and Aishihik First Nations – $20,000 – Shrubs have been purchased to finish the landscaping around the tourist entrance of the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction. The shrubs are part of the larger landscaping plan for the area that includes an interpretive trails.
• Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation – $239,429 – the new septic vacuum truck is a backup to help the First Nation provide uninterrupted service to homes in their community. It will also help them provide services for local businesses and the Village of Carmacks.
• Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation – $250,000 – New energy-efficient streetlights are being installed in subdivisions and roads in the First Nation’s community. As well, existing streetlights are being replaced. The new streetlights will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing safety for pedestrians and motorists.
• Kwanlin Dün First Nation – $325,681 – Upgrades to the Jackson Lake Facility have modernized it for year-round use. All Yukon First Nations access the land-based healing programs provided at this camp. An energy-efficient solar photovoltaic system replaces diesel generators, new insulated water storage tank sheds will allow for year-round water supply and fire suppression and electrical systems have been upgraded to national safety codes.
• Ta’an Kwäch’än Council – $30,000 – Installing streetlights on the North Klondike Highway access road into the Ta’an Kwäch’än residential village located at Lake Laberge will improve public safety and quality of life for residents. The project is delayed until October because of COVID-19.
• Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation – $541,543 – A new $251,775 sewer truck and a new $289,768 water truck have been purchased to replace the aging and unreliable equipment. Old Crow residents can how be assured of reliable drinking water and sewer services for years to come.
• The Government of Yukon administers the federal Gas Tax Fund, which allocates funding to Yukon’s eight municipalities, 14 First Nations and unincorporated communities for local infrastructure projects. Yukon’s allotment of $16.5 million was disbursed in one instalment.

Contact

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca

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

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