The Community Development Fund (CDF) is contributing over $255,000 towards 14 Tier 1 projects.

"The CDF is designed to fund projects that accomplish a variety of goals including community health and well-being,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said.

"It is great to see so many recreational and sports-related projects in our communities helping to improve the lives of all Yukoners.”

The Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle has been awarded $20,000 to organize the 2009 Leadership Summit focusing on recreation, sport and healthy living.

"We will bring in a number of speakers who are leaders in the fields of sport, coaching, leadership training and First Nations recreation and health,” outgoing Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle executive director Dean Mastrangelo said.

"The summit is open to anyone who is involved or interested in these areas. The summit is set for November 26 to 28 in Whitehorse and more information will be advertised.”

This CDF intake also awarded Biathlon Yukon $19,900 for new lighting on the Grey Mountain Biathlon Shooting Range to facilitate the development of future biathletes.

"Strategically placed lighting is critical for shooting,” Biathlon Yukon President Keith Clarke said. "We are thrilled to get this funding, which will take us to a higher level of training for our athletes. School-aged youth often use our facility and the new lighting will mean they can participate throughout the winter months.”

"The youth will also volunteer their time to help install the new system and the funding will enable us to hire an electrician to certify that all the work is properly completed and safe,” Clarke added.

The Community Development Fund offers three funding levels; Tier 1 funding is available for requests up to $20,000; Tier 2 funding is available to qualified applicants requesting $20,001 to $75,000 and Tier 3 funding is available for requests over $75,000.

The next intake deadline is Oct. 15 for Tier 1 applications.

Organizations are strongly encouraged to contact the CDF office for assistance with their applications and developing project ideas.

To learn more about the CDF, visit www.cdf.gov.yk.ca or contact the CDF office at 867-667-8125 or 1-800-661-0408 ext. 8125.

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Tier 1 Community Development Fund Recipients

Biathlon Yukon – $19,900: Shooting Range Lighting Project

To install lighting on the Grey Mountain Biathlon Shooting Range in order to facilitate the development of current and future biathletes.

Boys & Girls Club of Whitehorse – $20,000: When the Circus Comes to Town

To bring the Vancouver Circus School to the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse.

The project will create 1,000 hours of employment for 20 people.

Carcross Recreation Board – $17,543: Shaping the Future of Play

Planning a safe and fun outdoor playground for the Carcross Community Daycare.

The project will create 240 hours of employment for three people.

Carcross/Tagish First Nation – $20,000: Youth Resilience Development Carcross

To recognize that all children, youth, young adults, and elders in Carcross and Tagish need to develop usable skills while fostering avenues to culturally relevant traditions, sharing and respecting knowledge. The project will create 980 hours of employment for four people.

Klondike Snowmobile Association – $20,000: Multi-Use Trail Upgrades

To upgrade several kilometres of multi-use trail in the Whitehorse area, including the Trans Canada Trail, by grading, leveling, brushing, installing signs and a culvert at Skipping Rock Creek. The project will create 1,000 hours of employment for five people. Liard First Nation – $17,101: Community Garden

Site preparation for a community garden that will be maintained by the community to grow vegetables and build community relations. The project will create 1,260hours of employment for three people.

Mendenhall Community Association – $13,823: Playground

To provide a fun, safe and central place for children to play by constructing a 50' x 50' playground on the community reserve, next to the community hall. The project will create 173 hours of employment for five people.

Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation – $20,000: Mayo Drop-in Support Centre

Completion of architectural drawings for the purpose of renovating the old NND main administration building into a support/drop-in centre to provide a safe place for healing to happen in Mayo.

Northern Culture Expressions Society – $20,000: Yukon Dugout Canoe Project Phase II

To provide on-the-land skills building experience for 18 youth, concluding with a public celebration of the carvers successes. The project will create 650 hours of employment for seven people.

Recreation & Parks Association Yukon – $17,996: Junior Lifeguard Club Equipment

To facilitate the purchase of lifeguard equipment which can be shared by community swimming pools and used for local club practices and regional competitions.

Tagish Community Association – $9,400: Tagish Hall Painting

To paint the interior of the Tagish Community Hall.

Town of Faro – $19,998: Gym Equipment for Faro Parks Strategy

To purchase and install one GreenGym outdoor fitness five-unit equipment package for the community park. The project will create 68 hours of employment for five people.

Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle – $20,000: Leadership Summit 2009,

To enhance leadership skills for recreation leaders, coaches, volunteers, board members, community recreation departments and First Nations recreation and health and others who wish to attend. The project will create 100 hours of employment for 12 people.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve Operating Society – $20,000: Fall, Winter and Spring Site Usage Pilot

Project aimed to evaluate the potential for increased visitation and revenue by opening the Yukon Wildlife Preserve on weekends for tours and recreational use from October to March, as well as weekdays by appointment for schools, community groups and tour operator programming. The project will create 1,040 hours of employment for one person.