CanNor Contributes to Community Improvements in Old Crow

Removal of waste metal creates jobs for local residents

March 13, 2014 – Old Crow, Yukon – Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Aglukkaq today announced funding for the community of Old Crow to improve waste management by separating and removing waste metal from the local solid waste facility, which is adjacent to a wetland subject to annual flooding.

Quick facts

• Removing the waste metal from Old Crow’s waste management facility will prevent potential contamination of the Porcupine River that could occur as a result of annual flooding of nearby wetlands.
• CanNor’s investment of $195,816 in this project, along with $305,000 from the Government of Yukon, will provide temporary employment involving sorting, loading and hauling metal.
• The waste will be transported out of the community over the new ice road recently announced by the Government of Yukon. It will be ‘back hauled’ on trucks returning south after delivering supplies to the community, making it more cost-effective.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to contribute to projects that will help create sustainable, healthy and prosperous northern communities. In collaboration with our partners, this investment will improve community infrastructure and create jobs for Northerners.”
– Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

“Our Government is committed to supporting innovative ways to strengthen the economy while protecting the environment. This new approach to waste disposal in Old Crow which began this month will enhance the safety of the local wetlands and protect the Porcupine River – both vital to the future of the community.”
– Ryan Leef
Member of Parliament for Yukon

“Our partnerships with communities are key to the success of our joint solid waste management and infrastructure projects. The Yukon Government is working with the Vuntut Gwitchin Government to coordinate the removal of waste metal from Old Crow using the ice road this winter.”
– Brad Cathers
Minister of Community Services
Yukon Government

Contacts
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Jennifer Kennedy
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Christina Gray
Communications Advisor, NWT Region
867-766-8435

CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada’s three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

Government of Yukon

Stefanie Richardson
Communications, Community Services
867-393-6489
stefanie.richardson@gov.yk.ca

Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

NT4