CanNor-13-021
Dawson City, Yukon (August 1, 2013) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council today announced an investment that will support regional economic development planning in Dawson City.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support initiatives that help to strengthen and diversify the northern economy," said Minister Aglukkaq. "This investment will build community capacity, generate important economic activity and help the City of Dawson strengthen and diversify its tourism, mining and small business sectors."
"This is an important investment that will strengthen economic activity and will allow more Northerners to benefit from local employment opportunities in sectors identified as priorities for the region," said Yukon MP Ryan Leef.
CanNor's investment of $473,065 will support economic development planning in several key sectors identified as priorities for the region including mining, tourism and small business development. The funding will go towards nine separate initiatives including targeted tourism strategies and activities, enhancing community capacity to support the mining industry, and encouraging revitalization of Dawson City's downtown core.
Other partners in the project include the Yukon government's Department of Economic Development and the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation.
"This is a great example of how the Government of Yukon remains committed to working with all its stakeholder groups to develop a sustainable, diverse and competitive Yukon economy," Yukon's Economic Development Minister Currie Dixon said. "We are building strong relationships and partnerships with Canada, First Nations, municipal governments and communities, and increasing the benefits Yukoners receive from economic projects and activities."
"The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in are pleased to play a lead role in developing a strong local economy along with our partner organizations," said Chief Eddie Taylor. "The support extended by CanNor will benefit the entire community."
This project supports a long-term, sustainable, community-based approach to economic development that will lead to increased local spending, increased full and part-time employment, growth in existing businesses and the emergence of new businesses in key sectors. Planning will address the following economic development initiatives:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Feasibility Assessment – develop a strategic plan for advancement of the nomination of the Klondike;
- Palace Grand Theatre – study the market potential for the theatre's role in the tourism sector and run a series of pilot shows to test that potential;
- Arts and Culture Market – feasibility study to assess the potential for a permanent market in Dawson including the operation of a short pilot season;
- Updating and enhancing the Klondike Region Tourism Marketing Strategy and Klondike Visitors Association website;
- Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Heritage Tourism – targeted tourism efforts to meet demonstrated demand for heritage tourism;
- Regional Labour Market Development strategy;
- Local Procurement Strategy – development and first phase implementation of a strategy to enhance local business opportunities and meet the needs of the mineral exploration sector and other significant regional projects;
- Enterprise Facilitation – delivery in 2013/14 of a regionally-based facilitation and business care service to meet growing demand; and,
- Dawson City Downtown Core Revitalization Plan.
Federal investment in this project is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity-building across the North. SINED is one of several economic development programs within CanNor. CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable, and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories. CanNor delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office, and undertaking policy and research.
For more information, visit Canada's Northern Strategy.
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Ted Laking
819-997-1441
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Erin Macpherson
A/Manager- Communications
867-667-3849
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation
Wayne Potoroka
Director- Communications
867-993-7108
