Work includes bridge widening, Range Road upgrades

Photo by Anna Crawford

The federal and territorial governments announced $37 million in joint funding for 15 infrastructure projects today.

Both Yukon MP Ryan Leef, and Elaine Taylor, the Minister for Community Services, said the infrastructure projects will help create lasting jobs in the territory.

“Although Canada is emerging from the global economic recession better than most countries, there are still many challenges on the horizon. Many Canadians are still looking for work,” Leef told a morning news conference. He is spending time in the riding during the House of Commons’ two-week Easter break.

“We will continue to invest in infrastructure right across the country because we believe it is one of the best ways to create jobs in Canada.

“From upgrades to local roads and bridges, to new water and wastewater infrastructure, these initiatives are key elements in ensuring sustained growth and economic prosperity across Yukon.”

Lynn Standing, the director of municipal infrastructure development with Community Services, said construction will begin this year on some of the projects, including the second phase of reconstruction of roads in Ross River , the third phase of reconstruction on Watson Lake’s water and wastewater infrastructure and the continuing reconstruction of Black Street in Whitehorse.

The funds announced are part of $182.91 million over seven years, from the federal government for infrastructure projects as part of the Building Canada Plan.

“These investments are very good for our economy; they create new and lasting jobs and create competitiveness in our communities,” said Taylor.

Other infrastructure projects announced include:

• replacing the water pumphouse in Faro;

• Resurfacing roads in Carmacks;

• Resurfacing roads in Pelly Crossing;

• Creating a solid waste management system;

• Building a pumphouse in Teslin as part of phase three of construction on a new water treatment system;

• Geothermal energy development in Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation territory;

• Road upgrades in Teslin Tlingit Council territory;

• Widening Whitehorse’s Robert Campbell Bridge for bike lanes;

• More upgrades to Range Road;

• Upgrades to the intersection of Hospital Road and Lewes Boulevard;

• Upgrades to the Nisutlin Bay Bridge, including a seismic retrofit; and

• Upgrades to the Upper Liard Bridge, including new concrete deck and a seismic retrofit.

“The Building Canada Plan is making a positive impact in Yukon communities,” Taylor said.

“The Yukon government is pleased to support the important initiatives being announced today.”