The Yukon government has awarded more than $103,000 to eight Yukon community organizations for projects that support healthy communities.

Among the recipients is the Yukon Council on Aging, which has been given $5,796.

That group will use its funding to modernize its website to enhance its accessibility and to incorporate a more user-friendly design.

“Working with seniors’ organizations, the Yukon Council on Aging spearheads the sharing of information of interest to seniors in Yukon,” council president Connie Dublenko said in a recent news release.

“This project will help us achieve our goal of encouraging respect for the contributions senior citizens have made, and of understanding the aspirations and issues of concern in the lives of Yukon seniors.”

The Association of Yukon Fire Chiefs will access $15,000 from the Community Development Fund (CDF) to provide training and education tools to firefighters that will focus on community safety and property conservation.

“The Association of Yukon Fire Chiefs is grateful and excited to receive CDF support,” said president Jim Regimbal, who is also Dawson City’s fire chief.

“The funding will help us achieve our primary goals of life safety and preservation of property by providing Yukon fire chiefs and senior fire officers with the additional training and educational tools needed to protect their communities.”

The Copper Ridge Neighbourhood Association was awarded $20,000 to build a playground, install accessible benches and improve landscaping at Lazulite Park.

“The support from the CDF is going to help our neighbourhood establish Lazulite Park as a vibrant part of our community,” said association director Damien Burns.

“We want to ensure the park is an important hub for families and residents of all ages in Copper Ridge.”

In all, the CDF will provide more than 1,100 hours of employment to about 24 people through these projects.

“Through Community Development Fund support, these projects will provide Yukoners with better access to improved programs and services,” said Economic Development Minister Stacey Hassard.

“The Yukon government is pleased to work with these organizations as they contribute to Yukon communities and way of life.”

Here the other grant recipients and their projects:

• Lorne Mountain Community Association – $5,884 – improvement of existing basic equipment, including the sound tech system and the media system;

• Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre – $19,750 – to develop a comprehensive communications plan and website to strategically target key women’s centre audiences;

• Yukon Church Heritage Society – $10,865 – to research, writing, printing and signage to support the development of a multimedia, photo and static display;

• Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society – $7,000 – to develop a five-year strategic plan;

• Yukon Wildlife Preserve Operating Society – $19,000 – to purchase therapeutic laser equipment to enhance the quality of health care, facilitate more effective pain management and faster recovery for all injured collection animals as well as wildlife in rehabilitation at the facility north of Whitehorse.