The city will be able to begin more detailed planning for the waterfront.

That's thanks to a more than $20-million boost from four levels of government, acting mayor Doug Graham said in an interview this morning.

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell announced earlier today a $22-million contribution from the federal strategic infrastructure fund for the Whitehorse and Carcross waterfronts.

Both the federal and territorial governments are putting $9.5 million each toward the Whitehorse waterfront.

The city has committed to put an additional $1 million to the project with the Kwanlin Dun First Nation committing $892,000.

Meanwhile, the Carcross waterfront will see a total of $3 million spent on it, with the federal government and territorial government each spending $1.5 million on the project.

In an interview this morning, Bagnell said the money for Whitehorse will go toward covering the costs of completing the waterfront plan for the capital city.

This will include landscaping, road and trail improvements and extensions, parking, power and lighting improvements, reconstruction of the trolley track, water and sewer services, upgrading the Kishwoot Island pedestrian suspension bridge and the relocation and restoration of heritage buildings.

Bagnell said the money may also be used for arts and culture facilities, dock improvements and an extension to the trolley.

With certainty for the funding, the city can go on with planning on the waterfront, Graham said.

'That's probably the first thing,' he said.

While the waterfront plan outlines what's proposed for the area, Graham said there's still an extra piece of land the city hasn't decided what to use for, and other more detailed planning that has to be done.

In a recent interview Dennis Shewfelt, the city's director of operations, said a building at the skating loop in Shipyards Park is planned to include a warm-up area, washrooms and a concession. However, no final design has been done, as the city was waiting for word on the infrastructure money from Ottawa. A rough estimate has the building pegged at approximately $600,000.

Graham said the infrastructure funds will be used for the building.

'That'll be part of it,' he said.

Graham said it's also important for the city to consult with residents as it plans for the waterfront and to ensure citizens understand what will be happening in the area.

As for when physical work will start, Graham said that will depend on when the city actually gets the money.

If the funding, or a portion of it, comes to the city in 2005, water and sewer work could possibly go ahead in late summer or early fall, Graham said.

Bagnell said there's no reason for the funds not to be made available once the paperwork on them is signed. The goal, he explained, is to start the planning now so the building season won't be lost for the work.

While not all the work will likely be done this year, Bagnell said, some of it can get started.

Meanwhile, in Carcross, the waterfront work will include a community clean-up, water and sewer improvements, landscaping and upgrades and the construction for river structures.

A statement by the federal and Yukon governments note all the projects in Carcross will go through a consultation process involving the Carcross Area Planning Committee and the community in general.

'The Carcross-Tagish First Nation and the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad are undertaking separate, but related cultural and tourism projects, which will also benefit from the revitalization of the Carcross waterfront,' reads the statements released this morning.

Last week, White Pass, the first nation and territorial government signed a memorandum of understanding for the three to work on pilot projects to improve tourism in Carcross, with a goal of scheduled train car service from Bennett, B.C. to Whitehorse.