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The Governments of Canada and the Yukon announced investments of more than $4.1 million in the planning and design for a new recreation centre in Dawson City and upgrades to air ventilation systems in municipal buildings in Watson Lake.
“It’s essential for Northerners to have reliable and modern facilities for their daily activities, including work and recreation. The planning and design of the new Dawson City Recreation Centre is an exciting step forward, enhancing community well-being by providing a space for physical activity and social interaction. Upgrades to the air ventilation systems in Watson Lake municipal buildings also mark an important measure to improve energy efficiency. Both improvements will greatly support the overall health, happiness, and vitality of the community,” said Dr. Brendan Hanley, MP for Yukon.
The City of Dawson Council has approved the preliminary design concept and the design plan will form part of the submission for the construction phase of this project. The new facility will provide residents and visitors with a variety of year-round fitness and activity opportunities. Amenities will include an NHL-sized skating rink and two curling rinks, along with additional recreational spaces, office space, and a canteen.
Funding will also go towards upgrading three municipal buildings in Watson Lake to improve the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This replaces outdated air handling systems with modern equipment that meets current standards, installs new ventilation controls, and upgrades the buildings’ heating and air conditioning to improve air quality and energy efficiency.
“Our government is thrilled to support new infrastructure projects in Dawson City and Watson Lake. Recreation centres play an important role in creating healthy, vibrant spaces where people can gather, connect, and stay active. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for their funding and ongoing support for the North,” said Richard Mostyn, Minister of Community Services, Government of Yukon.
The federal government is investing $1,275,000 under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program towards the Dawson City Recreation Centre Planning project. The Government of Yukon is contributing $425,000.
“The Dawson City Recreation Centre is a significant project for the health and well being of the community and represents a collaborative effort by the community, the municipality, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, the Yukon government and the federal government. We are excited to see the project move forward and thankful to all involved,” said Paul Robitaille, Manager of City of Dawson’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The federal government is also contributing $2,452,000 under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program towards the Watson Lake Municipal Buildings HVAC Upgrades project.
“The Town of Watson Lake is thrilled to receive funding from Canada’s Investing in Infrastructure Program to upgrade our HVAC systems across various facilities. This essential investment will not only enhance the energy efficiency of our buildings but also significantly improve air quality and comfort for our residents. In a post-pandemic world, it is more important than ever to ensure that our municipal spaces are safe and healthy for everyone. This funding underscores our commitment to fostering a healthier community,” said Lauren Hanchar, Mayor of Watson Lake. |
