Project made possible thanks to support from the federal Gas Tax Fund
Whitehorse, Yukon, November 14, 2013 – Residents and dignitaries gathered today to celebrate the completion of a project that encourages active transportation in Whitehorse. This project was made possible thanks to Canada's Gas Tax Fund.
"Our Government is proud to announce that the second installment of Canada's Gas Tax Fund for 2013 is being made available to Yukon, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada,"
said the Member of Parliament for Yukon, Ryan Leef, 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 understand the importance of supporting local infrastructure projects, like the one we are celebrating today, that make a real impact in the lives of residents and their environment."
"The Government of Yukon is pleased to support this infrastructure project that contributes to improving the quality of life for residents of Whitehorse,"
Minister of Community Services Brad Cathers said. "The pathways project helps to further connect the community's neighbourhoods. The paved paths provide recreational and health benefits and opportunities for multiple uses including running, walking, biking and commuting."
"Gas Tax funding is tremendously important to the City of Whitehorse,"
said Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis. "Our City relies on the Gas Tax Fund to deliver critical infrastructure projects that would not have been possible without it. Thanks to this funding from the governments of Canada and Yukon, the new pathways promote active transportation and recreation throughout our community. This project is a great example of what we can accomplish together with support from the Gas Tax Fund."
Over the years, Yukon has chosen to direct its Gas Tax funding to a wide variety of projects. Most recently, lasting health and environmental benefits will result from a $1-million investment in five local connector pathways: Hillcrest, Takhini North Path, Centennial Street, Quartz Road, Lower Escarpment, and the Porter Creek connector which is still in progress.
This project will link neighbourhoods together and will encourage residents to consider alternative modes of transportation. More than contributing to cleaner air and helping reduce greenhouse gasses, this project will also promote a healthier lifestyle in the community.
The federal Gas Tax Fund transfer provides long-term funding to municipalities across the country to build and revitalize their local infrastructure. The Government of Canada has now made the Gas Tax Fund a permanent transfer and has proposed improvements that will see the Gas Tax Fund grow from its current $2 billion per year while providing increased flexibility on how the money can be used to fund local infrastructure priorities. To date, close to $97.5 million has been made available to Yukon under the Gas Tax Fund to help municipalities build and revitalize public infrastructure.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure visit Infrastructure Canada or follow us on Twitter @INFC_eng.
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Marie-Josée Paquette (Disponible en français
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
Bonnie Venton Ross
Government of Yukon
Communications, Community Services
867-393-6907
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca
Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca
Jacqueline Hynes
Manager, Strategic Communications and Customer Service
City of Whitehorse
867-335-1186
jacqueline.hynes@whitehorse.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
