Whitehorse residents to benefit from improved compost facility

WHITEHORSE, July 8, 2019 /CNW/ - A thriving economy needs strategic investments in green infrastructure solutions to improve the lives of citizens while limiting impacts on the local environment. Investing in innovative green infrastructure also helps create jobs and improve the quality of life of Northerners.

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services; and His Worship Dan Curtis, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse, today announced funding for improvements to the Whitehorse Compost Facility.

Facility upgrades include enlarged gravel and concrete surfaced working areas, an improved stormwater management system, and upgrades to electrical and mechanical operating systems. These improvements will allow for additional organic waste to be collected and processed to accommodate for future population growth in the community.

Once completed, the upgraded facility will process larger amounts of organic waste material more efficiently, while better protecting the local environment, waterways, and the community.

The Government of Canada is investing up to $3.3 million towards this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS). The Government of Yukon is providing $1.1 million to the project, with the City of Whitehorse contributing $40,000.

Quotes

"Investing in green infrastructure solutions is an essential part of building livable, modern communities. The project we are celebrating today will provide the City of Whitehorse with improved compost management capabilities, and a cleaner environment. This is an excellent example of what Yukoners can do when we work together at all levels of government to build stronger, more self-sustaining communities."

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"I am very pleased that by partnering with Canada and the City of Whitehorse we are helping expand and improve the compost facility. It will make a positive impact on our environment by reducing greenhouse gases and the amount of waste that goes to the landfill. Residents who use compost for their flower and vegetable gardens will reap the benefits of beautifying their homes and adding to their food security."

The Honourable John Streicker, Yukon Minister of Community Services

"The City is thankful to receive this funding to expand our compost facility. Residents and businesses have been diligently using their green carts and helping the City get closer to our waste diversion goal of 50%. Now is the time to expand the facility, so that we can manage the increased volume of organic waste, continue exercising responsible environmental sustainability and process our compost, which has been OMRI certified for organic use."

His Worship Dan Curtis, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada 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.
• $25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.
• $4 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
• On June 27, 2019, the Government of Canada launched two new strategies: Canada's Connectivity Strategy, which commits to connect all Canadians to high-speed internet, and Canada's first Rural Economic Development Strategy, which will spur economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for rural Canadians across the country.
• The Rural Economic Development Strategy leverages ongoing federal investments and provides a vision for the future, identifying practical steps to take in the short term, and serving as a foundation to guide further work.
• Central to Canada's Connectivity Strategy are historic new investments that are mobilizing up to $6 billion toward universal connectivity. They include a top-up to the Connect to Innovate Program, a new Universal Broadband Fund, and investments from the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/yt-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Rural Opportunity, National Prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/rural/strat-eng.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada