Groups receive funding to enhance accessibility in their communities

April 21, 2015

WHITEHORSE—The Government of Yukon awarded more than $64,000 to four organizations for projects that will offer better accessibility for their communities. These projects will provide more than 600 hours of employment for up to seven people.

“The Community Development Fund supports projects that help create more inclusive and accessible communities,” Minister of Economic Development Stacey Hassard said. “Improvements to recreational and tourism infrastructure is an important factor in community development.”

Cross Country Yukon (CCY) received $20,000 for engineering design and cost estimates to pave five kilometers of trails at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre. The group hosted an information meeting last May, where it received great support for the project.

“This project responds to a specific need to provide a safe environment for our cross country skiers to train on roller skis, but the paved trail could be used by everyone,” CCY paved trail committee member Kathleen Wood said. “It would be located on a portion of the existing trail system at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Center, close to the Canada Games Centre, thus enhancing accessibility from both recreation facilities. The project is in the early planning stages to determine its feasibility, and it is anticipated that this stage will be completed by the end of 2015.”

Learn more:
Community Development Fund

See backgrounder below.

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Contact:

Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

Jeananne Nicloux
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
jeananne.nicloux@gov.yk.ca

January 2015 Tier I Community Development Fund Projects

COMMUNITY ACCESSIBILITY

Boy & Girls Club of Whitehorse – $14,842 – To make improvements at their new location to create a friendlier space for youth and staff, while increasing partnerships with Whitehorse-based organizations. The project will create 112 hours of employment for two people. Contact: Duncan Johnson at 867-393-2824.

Cross Country Yukon – $20,000 – To complete engineering designs and cost estimates to pave five km of existing trails at Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre. The project will also include the development of project financing, management and maintenance plans. Contact: Amanda Deuling at 867-332-4734.

Skookum Jim Friendship Centre – $19,222 – To improve accessibility by replacing the current wheelchair ramp. The project will create 160 hours of employment for four people. Contact: Marney Paradis at 867-633-7687.

Yukon Transportation Museum – $10,432 – To make aesthetic and accessibility improvements in preparation for the museum’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2015. The project will create 375 hours of employment for one person. Contact: Janna Powell at 867-668-4792.

NT5