Whitehorse residents benefit from community infrastructure projects

WHITEHORSE, YK, Feb. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Yukon are investing in modern public infrastructure that will help create jobs, while improving Northern Canadians' quality of life and contributing to stronger northern communities.

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services; and His Worship Dan Curtis, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse, today celebrated the completion of seven infrastructure projects in Whitehorse.

Among these projects, the City of Whitehorse has converted the Takhini arena and Canada Games Centre to LED lighting to lower energy consumption, as well as improved the storm water system at Burns Road to better protect the property and livelihood of local residents.

In addition, the city has recently purchased two new buses to provide riders with additional modern transportation solutions and a better overall riding experience. This transit service improvement falls under the Whitehorse Transit Master Plan, which aims to make it easier for citizens to use the city's public transit by providing safe, convenient and reliable service for years to come.

Quotes

"Working together with our territorial partners, we are committed to making sure northern communities get the support they need to grow the economy and address local infrastructure priorities. These completed projects will make Whitehorse a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable city, and provide greater opportunities for those living and working in the North."

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

"Yukoners can ride a new bus up to the Canada Games Centre, and get active under new energy efficient lighting. These projects help to make Whitehorse sustainable and vibrant while supporting the local economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to work together with other levels of government to build strong, healthy communities in the Yukon."

The Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services

"The City of Whitehorse is very appreciative of the funding it receives via the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, as well as the Gas Tax Fund, which goes towards improving our ageing infrastructure. I am humbled by the time and energy that was spent making this funding possible for the City of Whitehorse, for facilities and infrastructure that will be used by residents and visitors alike. I am truly honored to have such a strong working relationship with our local First Nations, the territorial and federal governments."

His Worship Dan Curtis, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada provided $890,000 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) for the purchase of two new transit buses and the Government of Yukon contributed $296,667.
• In addition, the Government of Canada provided $1,071,149 through the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) for the remaining six local infrastructure projects.
• The Government of Canada will invest 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.
• $2 billion of this funding will support infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million will be delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.

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Read the backgrounder to learn more: Whitehorse residents benefit from community infrastructure projects

Backgrounder

Whitehorse residents benefit from community infrastructure projects

The governments of Canada and Yukon, along with the City of Whitehorse, celebrated the completion of seven community infrastructure projects.

The projects are as follows:

For more information on the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, please visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ptif-fitc-eng.php

For more information on the federal Gas Tax Fund, please visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

 Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan

*New* – Investing in Canada plan project map

Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon

Smart Cities Challenge

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada