Watson Lake, YT – Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon; Jeanie McLean, Deputy Premier, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate; and His Worship Christopher Irvin, Mayor of the Town of Watson Lake, have announced a joint investment of more than $16 million to support the planning and construction of water, sewer and road upgrades in Watson Lake.
Through this funding, the Town of Watson Lake will replace over 1,200 metres of sanitary line and more than 1,500 metres of water mains with upgraded materials across the community in addition to restoring more than two kilometres of affected roadway. Funding will also support over 14 kilometres of road repairs across the town. Once complete, residents will have improved access to safe drinking water, increased sewage capacity, and more reliable roads, creating a safer, healthier and more sustainable community.
“Modern infrastructure ensures the strength and sustainability of communities across the country. Today’s announcement is more than water, sewer and road upgrades, it is an essential investment in the prosperity, health and safety of residents in Watson Lake. After many years of underfunding by the previous government, we are committed to ensuring all Canadians, including those who live in rural and remote areas, can depend on their infrastructure.” – Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is investing $12,682,506 in these projects while the Government of Yukon is investing $4,227,502.
- The Government of Canada’s funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
- This stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.
- Including today’s announcement, 26 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in the Yukon, with a total federal contribution of more than $115 million and a total territorial l contribution of nearly $26.5 million.
- 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.