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Yukon to receive $360M for developing natural resources sector

September 5, 2017 – The federal government has committed new funding to help the Yukon grow its natural resources sector.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Whitehorse on September 2 to announce more than $360 million in combined federal and territorial funding to improve road access to the Dawson Range in central Yukon and the Nahanni Range Road in southeastern Yukon, two known mineral-rich areas.

“Modern infrastructure is key to developing and properly managing the incredible natural resources we have at our fingertips,” said Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau. “By providing easier access to important resources across Yukon, the Yukon Resource Gateway Project will help create good, middle class jobs, promote long-term economic prosperity, and support a strong, sustainable North.”

According to recent press release from the Prime Minister of Canada’s office, the Yukon Resource Gateway Project will help upgrade over 650 kilometres of road and build or replace numerous bridges, culverts, and stream crossings.

“The Resource Gateway is one of the most significant projects ever undertaken in this territory and will have an incredibly positive impact on the Yukon economy,” said Premier of Yukon Sandy Silver. “I’m pleased to see the Government of Canada’s commitment to the Resource Gateway project. With this commitment, we will continue working with First Nations to complete the project agreements. First Nation agreement is essential to the continuation of the project and we look forward to working in partnership with them on this milestone development.”

In the Dawson Range, four separate public road systems will be upgraded. According to the release, improvements to the Nahanni Range Road will include upgrades from its junction with the Campbell Highway to the border between Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

The Government of Canada has committed upwards of $247,381,000 to the Yukon Resource Gateway project through the New Building Canada Fund – National Infrastructure Component. The Government of Yukon will contribute upwards of $112,802,000 following the development of project agreements with affected First Nations and environmental and socio-economic reviews.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.