Two governments have announced funding for three projects to build or improve infrastructure in three communities across the Yukon.

One project is the construction of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre in Dawson City to enable youth to pursue traditional hobbies and activities such as music and fine arts.

In Carcross, residents will benefit from clean water with upgrades and expansion to the sewage lagoon and the construction of a new lift station.

In Watson Lake, retrofit upgrades to the administrative building will improve energy efficiency, lowering costs and improving comfort for employees and visitors.

The projects were announced Monday by Yukon MP Larry Bagnell on behalf of Catherine McKenna, the federal minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and by territorial Community Services Minister John Streicker.

“The safety and well-being of northerners are top priorities of the governments of Canada and Yukon,” the two governments said in a statement.

“But the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than residents’ personal health; it is also having a profound impact on the economy.

“That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done.”

Ottawa is investing more than $6.5 million in these projects through the Investing in Canada plan.

The Yukon government is providing more than $2.4 million, while the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation is contributing $50,000.

“Protecting the health and safety of Canadians is our first priority,” said Bagnell.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in infrastructure in Yukon is essential to ensure the speedy recovery of our economy, provide needed jobs, and protect the well-being of our communities.

“This is a great example of how we are working with our partners to build stronger, more resilient infrastructure that will serve Yukoners now and in the future,” Bagnell added.

Streicker called community infrastructure “so important.

“These much-needed projects all help to improve the lives of Yukoners in different ways. A new youth centre for Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in youth will provide a valuable cultural space for young people in Dawson, while Carcross is getting much-needed upgrades to its sewage system,” Streicker said.

“I am also pleased to see green energy retrofits to the public administration building in Watson Lake, which is another step to building resilience to climate change in our communities.”

The Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre will allow residents from ages 12 to 25 to safely pursue traditional hobbies as well as other creative and leisure activities such as music and fine arts.

Ottawa is contributing $1,458,750, and the Yukon government $486,250.

“Tr'ondëk Hwëch’in is very pleased to be moving ahead with construction of a new youth centre,” said Chief Roberta Joseph.

“After several years of housing this vital program in temporary facilities that lack the space to offer adequate programming, we are looking forward to completion of a first-class centre designed specifically for our youth.

“We could not be more proud of the TH youth who worked to make their dream of a new youth centre a reality, raising funds, lobbying government leaders, and playing an active role in the design of the new facility,” Joseph added.

“The youth centre has long played an important role in keeping our young people healthy and engaged, and we are excited for a facility that finally reflects its central role in the life of our community.”

In Watson Lake, mechanical, electrical and envelope retrofit upgrades to the administrative building will lower energy consumption.

The project will also provide a more comfortable environment for employees and visitors.

The federal government is contributing $2,062,500 to the venture, and the Yukon government $687,500.

“The Town of Watson Lake is grateful for the funding, which is allowing us to upgrade our public administration building,” said Deputy Mayor Chris Irvin, who took over after former mayor Cheryl O’Brien’s Aug. 6 resignation.

“These energy retrofits will make our building more comfortable for staff and for the public. It will help the town save money and reduce greenhouse gases.

“The solar power is a welcome addition to the building in showing some support for green energy,” Irvin added.

“The new exterior finishes are a nice contrast to the beautiful scenery in the downtown. On behalf of the Town of Watson Lake, I would like to thank all parties for the funding and the work accomplished to the retrofit of our town administrative building.”

The Carcross sewage lagoon will be upgraded and expanded to include a large storage cell, waste receiving cell and construction of a new lift station. This will result in clean water and protect the local environment.

Ottawa is paying $3 million of the cost, and the Yukon government $1.265 million.

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.

To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure.

Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.