Whitehorse, Yukon, September 12, 2013 – Ross River now has a new public works building as well as a new water treatment system thanks to a federal-territorial partnership.
"Our Government was pleased to support these two important initiatives that will bring numerous safety, health and service benefits to the residents of Ross River,"
said Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. "We will continue to invest in local infrastructure priorities as we focus on creating jobs, promoting economic growth and building strong, prosperous communities."
"This facility is a significant step forward for infrastructure in Ross River,"
the Honourable Brad Cathers, Minister of Community Services, said. "It improves public safety and delivers on this government's pledge to upgrade drinking water treatment facilities in Yukon communities to meet new standards for water quality."
"The Ross River Dena Council is pleased to see that the construction of the public works building and water treatment system is now complete,"
said Ross River Dena Council Chief Brian Ladue. "Having access to clean, safe drinking water is of utmost importance for our community members, it is also very good to see a central facility to house our community's public works vehicles, including the fire truck and water delivery truck, as this will help improve the quality of life for our community."
The new water treatment system brings Ross River in line with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and territorial regulations for water treatment. The new public works building will also house the community's fire trucks and water delivery vehicle.
Both initiatives were jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Yukon under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund at a total cost of $7 million.
The Provincial-Territorial Base Fund is a key component of the Building Canada plan. Between 2007 and 2014, Yukon will receive a total of $182.91 million from the Government of Canada for core infrastructure priorities such as drinking water, wastewater, clean energy and safe roads. Funding is being made available to address territorial, local, and First Nation priorities and objectives. Over this period, Yukon and other partners will also contribute at least 25 per cent of total eligible costs under the program, representing another estimated $60.97 million.
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 is delivering a New Building Canada Plan to build roads, bridges, subways, commuter rail, and other public infrastructure in cooperation with provinces, territories and municipalities. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than one million net new jobs created since July 2009. The New Building Canada Plan, combined with other federal infrastructure investments, will support Canada's infrastructure advantage, a key enabler of economic growth and job creation.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure visit Infrastructure Canada or follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng.
For more information on how Yukon is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit the Yukon Department of Community Services web site.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
Government of Yukon
867-393-6907
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
