Funding for three water and wastewater projects across the Yukon was announced Aug. 2.

The first two projects will benefit residents in Mayo and Dawson City by upgrading underground infrastructure such as sanitary water mains, storm culverts, sewer mains and sewer services.

The third project involves updating the drinking water supply and installing a new water treatment system for the Carmacks recreation centre and arena.

Upgrades for all three Yukon projects will ensure access to clean drinking water, better storm water management, and expanded capacity for safely transporting sewage across the communities, said a news release describing the projects.

The federal government is contributing over $9.3 million for the three projects under the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Yukon government is chipping more than $3.1 million.

“Modern water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to safeguarding the well-being of Yukoners and their families,” said Yukon MP Larry Bagnell.

“Investing in green infrastructure is an essential part of building livable, modern communities that will help protect the environment and keep northerners healthy.”

“Drinking water and wastewater infrastructure often go unnoticed, but they are critical to keeping municipalities running day-to-day,” said Community Services Minister  John Streicker.

“Our government is proud to partner with the Government of Canada to support projects that will provide essential upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure in Mayo, Carmacks and Dawson City.

“Together we can ensure our communities remain health, vibrant and sustainable places for Yukoners to work and live.”

For Mayo’s water, sewer and road upgrades, Ottawa is kicking in $6,513,750 and the territory $2,171,250, for a total of $8,685,000.

Mayo Mayor Scott Bolton called his village “very thankful for the infrastructure funding dollars from the federal and territorial governments. 

“Small municipalities, such as Mayo, would not be able to proceed with their much-needed infrastructure projects and upgrades without this funding.”

For Dawson’s Turner Street infrastructure upgrades, the federal government is contributing $1,875,000 and the Yukon government $625,000, for a total of $2,500,000.

“Installing, replacing and updating essential infrastructure is necessary for municipalities and ensuring services are delivered in a safe, efficient manner,” added Dawson  Mayor Wayne Potoroka.

Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and in Canada’s rural and northern communities.

The Carmacks Recreation Centre water treatment system is receiving $937,500 worth of work from the federal government, with the territory adding $312,500, for a total cost of $1,250,000.

“Pipes in the ground are vital for a healthy and growing community,” said Carmacks  Mayor Lee Bodie.

“The entire Village of Carmacks is very grateful to Canada for our new water plant which will service both our recreation centre as well as our new skating arena currently under construction.

“This will ensure all citizens have safe drinking water in a top-notch facility.”

Two billion dollars of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity.

In addition, $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance the territories’ energy security.