The size and scope of Canada Day celebrations in Whitehorse are in serious jeopardy as organizers grapple with a $20,000 funding shortfall.

The Whitehorse Legion – the celebrations’ longtime organizer – has been advised by Heritage Canada that its funding for Canada Day has been slashed by about one-third – or $10,500.

“This decrease in funding will cause a change to the way in which Canada Day will be celebrated in Whitehorse,” local Legion president Joe Mewett writes in a letter made public Wednesday.

It has been sent to the Yukon government, among other entities.

Thousands of Yukoners take part in the fun.

“In previous years, we have managed to put together a great community event that did the Yukon proud. We relied on Heritage Canada and the City of Whitehorse to provide the grants to cover the costs,” Mewett writes.

To make matters worse, the City of Whitehorse has also slashed its Canada Day celebrations contribution by $1,820.

“These combined cuts, along with the rising cost of services needed to provide this event, have left us scrambling and searching for ways to keep this longstanding tradition going,” Mewett writes.

“There are many who will be impacted due to these cuts if we have to severely scale back or cancel Canada Day festivities.

“We have strived to feature exclusively Yukon artists and performers as our entertainment.

“Local businesses supply the good and services, local food vendors and community groups staff booths to provide food and drinks to the many thousands of spectators,” he adds.

Some non-profit organizations use the various Canada Day events as a major fundraiser to support themselves.

“Other groups like Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous use this venue for their Prince and Princess selection,” Mewett writes.

The $20,000 shortfall is larger than the funding cuts because of the rising expenses in staging the celebrations, Mewett explains.

The Legion does not plan to solicit the public for donations nor create a go-fund-me page.

“At a minimum, we will have a Canada Day parade as per normal, ending at Shipyards Park,” Mewett said.

“There will be a flag-raising ceremony along with speeches and presentations by dignitaries and possibly a citizenship ceremony.

“This will be culminated with the cutting of a Canada Day cake and pieces for all in attendance.

“The afternoon and evening concert and festivities would be cut, as that is where the majority of funding is spent.”

The sound system provider, the provider of tents, tables and chairs, the entertainers and the staff are all Yukoners who would be financially affected, he notes.

“As there would be nothing further planned, there would be no requirement for food vendors, so whether they be a local business or local non-profit organization, they would lose out on incoming funds.”

Part of the Royal Canadian Legion’s overall mission statement is to serve its communities and the country, he pointed out.

“Canada Day will happen and it will be celebrated,” he writes.

‘The questions are to what level the celebrations will be reduced and what impact this will have on the local economy and community morale.

“The intent of this letter is to advise you that these cuts will have wide fiscal and social community implications. It is hoped that we can secure additional funding to showcase our Yukon talent and help stimulate the economy,” Mewett writes.