Canada and Yukon are investing $15 million in water infrastructure to ensure Northern Canadians have access to reliable and modern water services.
Member of Parliament for Yukon, Larry Bagnell; Yukon Minister of Community Services, and John Streicker,; and Mayor of Dawson City, Wayne Potoroka announced $15 million in joint federal-territorial funding under the Small Communities Fund to construct a new pumphouse with water treatment equipment in Dawson.
“The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories, and municipalities across the country to support important projects like the new water treatment and distribution pumphouse in Dawson,” said MP Bagnell, “which ensure that Canadian communities are healthy and sustainable now and for years to come.”
The project includes the replacement of the water distribution pumphouse, which has reached the end of its serviceable life. This upgrade will help the community water supply meet regulatory standards, while keeping the city’s waterways clean and the community healthy and livable.
“Providing potable water is a key municipal responsibility, this investment by Canada and Yukon governments will help us meet that obligation. With their assistance, our town will meet the latest regulatory requirements and improve the lives of our citizens,” said Mayor Potoroka.
In addition, Yukon and the city will begin construction on two water and wastewater infrastructure projects this spring. The first project will see the twinning of the city’s water lines and the replacement of water and wastewater lines to avoid service interruptions. Work on the second project includes the replacement of the York Street lift station, upgrades to the city’s other lift stations, and improvements to the wastewater lines in downtown Dawson. The second project also includes the replacement of the Craig Street hydraulic tower, which is planned for construction in 2019. These two projects were announced as part of an agreement between Canada and Yukon for the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.
“Having clean water is a high priority for community health and we appreciate steps being taken to safeguard our potable water supply. These improvements will also improve our community’s livability and assist our First Nation in advancing our development goals,” said Chief Roberta Joseph, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation.
The Government of Canada will provide $11,250,000 through the Small Communities Fund for the pumphouse project and the Government of Yukon will contribute up to $3,750,000.
