A new consolidated Faro public works and firehall project is back on track after a delay of more than a year.

The new $12-million facility will replace two existing buildings that are outdated, government officials said Monday during a virtual news conference.

The project was originally set to tender approximately 18 months ago.

It was halted and redesigned in consultation with Faro officials after the tender came in above budget, said Community Services Minister John Streicker.

The facility was downsized after that. The plan now includes seven vehicle bays; staff offices; shared meeting rooms; parts and tool storage; a morgue; and decontamination areas.

“Today is a very exciting day for the Town of Faro,” said said Faro Mayor Leonard Faber.

“I’m a very happy mayor today. I am thrilled this project has been given a second chance. It’s a significant stepping stone.”

Improving and/or replacing aging municipal infrastructure “continues to be a top priority for us as a council and community,” Faber added.

“This new infrastructure will help to significantly improve safety and service quality to our community by our volunteer fire service, public works and the EMS departments.”

The new building is designed to exceed minimum energy efficiency standards by 25 per cent, Streicker said during the news conference via Zoom.

The federal government is paying $8,866,344 for the project through the Small Communities Fund of the Investing in Canada plan.

The Yukon government of Yukon is providing $2,955,448 for the complex, which will replace 1960s-era facilities.

“Residents of the Town of Faro will benefit from this state-of-the art building that will house vital fire response equipment and personnel, as well as essential public works staff and equipment needed in the community,” said Yukon MP Larry Bagnell. He was speaking on behalf of Catherine McKenna, the federal minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“This project to consolidate the fire hall and public works building is an efficient use of resources and goes to show just how municipal, territorial and federal governments can partner to bring these projects to reality, to the benefit of the community,” Bagnell added.

“It’s a smart investment in a rural community.”

“We are excited to be working with the Government of Canada to provide funding for this essential building for the Town of Faro,” Streicker said in the news release.

“The community will benefit from this facility’s innovative and environmentally conscious design.

“It will house office-type spaces on the ground floor, and the second floor is a mezzanine for service spaces only.

“We have worked collaboratively with the community to ensure this building meets their needs.”

The new building’s mechanical design utilizes in-floor radiant heating, and air curtains on several of the overhead doors, to minimize heat loss.

Additionally, the structural and electrical service components are designed to accommodate the potential installation of a roof-mounted photovoltaic array.

“This project will also allow us to better support our neighbours and regional partners as well,” Faber said.

“Surely, this important project would not be possible without the full support and commitment of our territorial and federal funding partners, which we deeply value and appreciate.”

Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing 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.

Ottawa has invested more than $744 million in 122 infrastructure projects across the Yukon.