The governments of Canada and Yukon invest in new Arena in Carmacks

Carmacks, Yukon, September 7, 2018—Investing in recreational infrastructure helps communities come together and stay active. The governments of Canada and Yukon recognize that strategic investments in infrastructure play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs and helping grow the Northern economy.

Today, the Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services, and His Worship Lee Bodie, Mayor of the Village of Carmacks, announced $16.55 million in federal-territorial funding for the construction of a new arena in Carmacks.

The Government of Canada is contributing $10.5 million to this project through the Small Communities Fund and the Government of Yukon is providing $6.05 million.

The new 2,500-square meter facility will provide a tremendous opportunity for residents to come together and participate in recreational activities with their friends and neighbours. It will include a full indoor arena, community spaces and a link to the existing recreation centre. The facility will accommodate year-round multi-functional use, including hockey and skating, curling, concerts, and community events. Construction will meet or exceed standards for energy efficiency in a Northern climate.

Once complete, the new arena will be an excellent place to gather, build community spirit, and encourage physical activity among the people of Carmacks.

Quotes

“Recreational facilities like the Carmacks Arena play a key role in promoting healthy, active lifestyles while encouraging local economic activity. The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in public infrastructure create economic growth and ensure that Northern communities obtain the support they need to address their unique local infrastructure priorities.”

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“We are very pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to build this new arena. We know how important the rink will be for Carmacks residents for sports. It will also be a venue for concerts and other events that will bring visitors to the community and boost the local economy.”

The Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services

“We, as a community, thank the Governments of Canada and Yukon for this new arena. Our youth will benefit greatly from having a year-round facility, and our not-so-young community members and elders will share in the benefits as well. Sport is so important in a small community and keeping our youth motivated and healthy is paramount both to the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and the Village of Carmacks. It will open doors to sharing our good fortune with other communities by way of tournaments and bonspiels, thereby strengthening the local economy.”

His Worship Lee Bodie, Mayor of the Village of Carmacks

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• $2 billion of this funding will support infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million will be delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.
• $4 billion of this funding will support infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.

Associated links

• Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon
• Small Communities Fund

Contacts

Kate Monfette
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-301-0894
kate.monfette@canada.ca

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca

Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
Government of Yukon
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@gov.yk.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca

NT5