The Yukon government has awarded more than $186,000 to 12 community organizations through Tier 1 of the Community Development Fund (CDF).

The approved projects, announced last week, will provide more than 2,140 hours of employment to approximately 31 people.

Projects are chosen based on their ability to demonstrate community contribution. Examples include job creation, expenditures on local goods and services, and social, cultural and economic benefits.

The Hidden Histories Society Yukon was awarded $14,559 to develop a Yukon-centred, oral history manual. The project will create 137 hours of employment for three people.

“The society is excited to be working with Helene Dobrowolsky of Midnight Arts who will be writing this important manual,” said Lillian Nakamura Maguire, the society’s board chair.

“The manual focuses on conducting effective oral-history interviews with those in ethno-cultural and aboriginal communities still living and able to share their stories.

“This provides a valuable guide for students, volunteers and staff working with museums, cultural and heritage centres, libraries, schools and colleges.”

The Town of Faro was awarded $10,000 to purchase and install a new four-station exercise unit for the town's weight room. This equipment will increase safety and accessibility, especially for seniors and those with limited mobility.

“Many thanks to the CDF for supporting our project,” said Faro recreation manager Roger Bower.

“Through this project, more of our community members, including seniors and those with limited mobility, will be able to access safer and more accessible exercise equipment in our town weight room.

“Being able to exercise is important to mental and physical health, and this equipment will encourage community participation and help community members break those feelings of isolation brought on by the long winters.”

Here are the other projects approved in October 2016:

• High Noon Association – $19,507. In conjunction with Yukon Shrine Club #30, the association will be hosting the Gizeh Shriners of B.C. and Yukon Spring Ceremonial in Whitehorse, May 25-28.

The project will create 192 hours of employment for eight people.

• Raven Recycling Society – $19,775, to research and develop strategies for a Community ReUse Centre and develop public education tools that promote re-use. The project will create 895 hours of employment for three people.

• Watson Lake Ski Club – $14,244, to purchase and install two new tiller bars on the Watson Lake Ski Club's groomer.

• Whitehorse Huskies Senior Hockey Club – $19,100, to host the 2017 Coy Cup in March.

The project will create 160 hours of employment for eight people.

• Yukon Music Camp Society – $20,000, to complete an upgrade of the operating system of the registration website for Yukon Summer Music Camp. The project will create 100 hours of employment for two people.

• Association franco-yukonnaise – $19,882, to develop a five-year strategic plan, complete with a market study and an action plan, for the French-language newspaper Aurore boréale.

• Kwanlin Dün First Nation – $14,348, to redesign and rebuild its website to better inform citizens, partners and the public of their programs, services and activities leading to improved communication and participation. The project will create 200 hours of employment for two people.

• Yukon Food for Learning Association – $3,720, to hold a one-day strategic planning session for all association board members and to develop a five-year strategic plan. The project will create 36 hours of employment for two people.

• Yukon Astronomical Society – $19,523, to develop a feasibility study for the establishment of a public astronomical observatory at the Takhini Hot Springs. The project will create 200 hours of employment for one person. • Elizabeth Fry Society of Yukon – $12,172, to create a website, print material and radio ads promoting information and the society’s services. The project will create 223 hours of employment for two people.

The CDF is divided into three tiers with five intake deadlines:

• Tier 1: applications of $20,000 or less (intake deadlines in January, May, July and October);

• Tier 2: applications of $20,001 to $75,000 (intake deadline in May and September); and

• Tier 3: applications of $75,001 or more (intake deadline in January).

“CDF supports many important organizations in contributing to their community’s development,” said Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai.

“These projects help to create employment, community inclusion and participation, all important factors in community growth and well-being.”