More than $594 million worth of infrastructure projects are expected to happen in the territory over the next 10 years.

This became public this morning, with what Premier Sandy Silver described as a “historic moment” for the Yukon that came through a federal announcement in Ottawa.

Silver joined Amarjeet Sohi, the federal Infrastructure and Communities minister, and Yukon MP Larry Bagnell in the capital this morning to sign the bilateral agreement for the funding.

It will come to the territory through the Investing in Canada plan.

Under the plan, Ottawa will provide 75 per cent of the cost for eligible projects, putting the federal contribution to the Yukon at $445 million.

The money is part of $180 billion being distributed across the country over 12 years.

“Today’s agreement will provide the long-term predictable funding required to meet the unique challenges of life in the North,” Sohi said at the press conference in Ottawa.

“Investments in infrastructure are key to building a strong Canada—connecting people, creating jobs and strengthening our economy and communities for the future.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners to make strategic investments in Yukon that will build inclusive, resilient communities where everyone has opportunities to succeed.”

With the federal government providing 75 per cent of the cost for projects, the remaining 25 per cent will be shared among the Yukon government, municipalities, First Nations and other partners.

It was noted Indigenous communities can use other federal funds to potentially cover the full cost of projects.

The fund focuses on four key categories: green infrastructure; recreational, cultural and community infrastructure, rural and northern communities infrastructure and public transit.

The investment will enable important local infrastructure initiatives to happen in the Yukon, the federal minister, MP and premier all stressed.

The possibilities for the money include:

• replace aging water and waste water systems;

• improve broadband connectivity in the territory;

• improve cultural facilities which could in turn draw more tourists to the territory;

• enhanced recreational sites, thus promoting healthy lifestyles; and

• potentially take more vehicles off the road in Whitehorse through funding to the city’s transit system.

As the Yukon’s lone public transit system, it would get funding allocated for transit throughout the territory.

While the politicians cited general possibilities, it’s unknown yet exactly what specific projects could come to fruition.

Throughout the press conference, Silver stressed the need to work with First Nations, municipalities and communities throughout the territory to identify important projects.

“We can’t do this work alone,” he said, noting he’s anxious to get started on talking with community leaders throughout the Yukon about the funding.

“We don’t want this money to stay on the table,” the premier added.

Sohi, meanwhile, emphasized that the fund is a long-term program, and governments will have time to carefully plan projects.

Silver and Bagnell praised Sohi’s efforts to take the Yukon’s unique circumstances into consideration when drafting an agreement for the territory.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making sure Yukon communities have the support they need to help grow the economy and address local infrastructure priorities,” Bagnell said.

“Maintaining and improving northern infrastructure will ensure continuous support to the health, safety, and prosperity of all residents, while helping create a better quality of life for families living and working in the North.”

Under the fund, the federal government will provide $33 billion over the next decade through bilateral agreements with each of the provinces and territories.

That will include:

• $20.1 billion for public transit;

• $9.2 billion for green infrastructure;

• $1.3 billion for community, cultural and recreational infrastructure; and

• $2 billion for wide-ranging infrastructure needs in rural and northern communities.

Part of that will include a $400-million Arctic Energy Fund aimed at supporting energy security in the three territories.