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# Canada and Yukon invest in local energy and snowmaking at Mount Sima

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Joint news release with the Government of Canada.

Yukoners need recreational facilities that are accessible, efficient and environmentally responsible.

Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell, on behalf of Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development Maryam Monsef, and on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna, and Minister of Community Services for the Government of Yukon John Streicker, announced funding for recreational infrastructure at the Mount Sima ski hill in Whitehorse.

The Mt. Sima pumphouse and electrification project will improve the ski hill’s electricity and snowmaking capacity. The ski hill’s upgrades include new electrical, pumping and stream flow control measures, as well as converting snow-making away from reliance on diesel power. These upgrades will facilitate snow-making opportunities during the low-snow parts of the season, and protect natural surroundings, including Sima Creek.

The installation of LED lighting on the ski hill will help build increased capacity for training and special events on the ski hill.

The Government of Canada is investing over $3.7 million in this project through the Investing in Canada plan through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) and the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS). The Government of Yukon is providing more than $1.4 million.

> Mt. Sima is a popular winter destination for all Yukoners, including indigenous and youth groups who travel from outside the Whitehorse area to enjoy skiing and snowboarding activities. This funding will improve the operations of this valued facility, which serves as an important winter activity and skill development venue for Yukon residents of all ages.

> It’s more important than ever that Canadians have the opportunity to get outside to stay healthy and active while protecting our natural winter environment. The Government of Canada is investing more than $3.7 million in better winter sports infrastructure for Yukon skiers and snowboarders, including upgrades to electrical and pumping systems, improved snow-making operations and eco-friendly lighting on Mt. Sima. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.

> Mount Sima has recently emerged as a destination training facility for elite Canadian athletes, including Olympic gold medallists. These upgrades to the electricity and snowmaking capacity will allow Mount Sima to provide more training and special events while reducing their dependency on diesel. Our government is committed to supporting transitions to green energy around the territory and at the same time supporting our local recreation infrastructure. We look forward to seeing Mount Sima continue to offer safe quality outdoor experiences for Yukoners.

Quick facts

- Through the Investing in Canada 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.

- 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: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/covid-19-resilience-eng.html

- The new Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will provide up to $31 million in existing federal funding to support communities as they deploy innovative new ways to adapt spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html

Media contact

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca

Kara Johancsik
Communications, Communications
867-332-1237
kara.johancsik@gov.yk.ca

Chantalle Aubertin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-941-0660
chantalle.aubertin@canada.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
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Web: Infrastructure Canada

News release #:
20-353
Related information:
Government of Canada Resources - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
Federal infrastructure investments in Yukon
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan