The Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre is about to get some much-needed energy-efficiency upgrades, including new heating systems, ventilation systems and all-new windows and doors.

Yukon MP Brendan Hanley kicked off a press conference on Thursday morning at the centre to announce funding for the upcoming work.

“For over 40 years, this community centre has served as a gathering place for Whitehorse’s cross-country ski club, for the curling club, for residents of all ages,” Hanley said.

“The funding announced today will help ensure it can continue to meet the needs of our community for years to come.”

The building dates back to 1980, as the Whitehorse Cross-Country Ski Chalet. The curling rink was added on several years later.

The federal government is providing about $7.5 million for the renovations from its infrastructure investment program. The Yukon government will be chipping in another $1.8 million.

The building has hosted many events over the years, including national and international cross-country ski and curling competitions, along with other community events.

In announcing the funding, Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn and Deputy Mayor Kirk Cameron reflected on the experiences they’ve had in the centre throughout the years.

“I’ve had a lot of history in this building as a much, much, much younger guy,” Mostyn said.

“I used to ski here. I’ve been to memorials here. This is where I was nominated for this job.”

He called the centre an important building to the City of Whitehorse.

“Thanks to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, alongside our government’s contribution, the much-used facility will receive the necessary upgrades to modernize it into an impressive, eco-friendly hub for Yukoners and visitors alike,” Mostyn said in a written statement released coinciding with 
the announcement.

He said they expect work to begin next April and be done by December 2025.

Peter O’Blenes, Whitehorse’s acting city water and waste manager, was on hand to answer questions about the project details.

O’Blenes said staff will try to do the work during the curling club and cross-country ski club’s off-seasons, as it will need to be closed during some of the work.

“We’re going to try and work with both clubs,” O’Blenes said.

“We’re going to try and work around that. Off-seasons, it will probably be shut down.”

The building will be getting new triple-paned windows, new doors, new insulation, new exterior cladding and LED lighting upgrades in the renovations.

According to the announcement, this will boost the building’s energy efficiency up to about 92 per cent from about 71 per cent.

This improvement in efficiency fits as part of the city’s response to the climate change emergency, Cameron said.

They have not yet decided what kind of heating systems will be installed, said O’Blenes, as they are still in the planning and 
design stage.

O’Blenes said the money should cover the entire energy upgrade, and may pay for a layout upgrade as well if there is any cash 
left over.

Mayor Laura Cabott did not speak at the announcement, but did release a statement.

She thanked the federal government for an investment in the city that improves services while also reducing environmen-
tal impact.

“We thank our federal and territorial partners for supporting these strategic upgrades to the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre,” her statement reads.

“Together, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

The federal investments come from the green infrastructure fund and the COVID-19 resilience fund that are part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

So far, the green initiative fund has paid for over $115 million in Yukon projects, while the COVID-19 fund has contributed $18.4 million.