Yukoners living inside municipal boundaries may now have access to the province’s successful Rural Domestic Water Well Program, which has been in place since 2004. The program has thus far helped nearly 250 property owners living in unincorporated areas find sustainable and affordable access to drinking water through domestic well development.
Amendments to the Municipal Act and Assessment and Taxation Act were necessary to extend the program to residents of participating municipalities.
“The Yukon government is pleased to create this opportunity for residents of participating municipalities to take advantage of funding that will help them drill new water wells,” said Minister of Community Services Brad Cathers.
The program helps property owners drill new water wells or make upgrades to existing wells for domestic use by allowing access to low-interest loans that can be paid back over a maximum period of 15 years.
The new legislation was approved unanimously by the Yukon Legislative Assembly. Municipalities may now choose whether or not to participate in the program. The province is working toward making the new program available in summer 2015.
