CanNor's investment of nearly $800,000 will support seven tourism projects in
the Yukon to build new programs,
expand infrastructure, improve accessibility, and invest in green
energy solutions
WHITEHORSE, YT, June 26,
2024 /CNW/ - Tourism is a major contributor to the
Yukon's economy. Businesses and
organizations that provide unique experiences play a key role in
getting locals involved and encouraging people from across the
country and the world to visit the Territory. Increased visitation
strengthens the local economy and benefits other businesses and
attractions in the region.
Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member
of Parliament for the Yukon, on
behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs,
PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that the Government of
Canada is investing nearly
$800,000 in strengthening the
Yukon's tourism sector. This
funding will assist seven businesses and organizations to offer new
programs, experiences and services; expand their ability to
accommodate overnight guests; improve accessibility; and transition
to clean energy.
Through investments like these, the Government of Canada is supporting the expansion and
diversification of businesses and organizations that provide
accommodation and experiences in the North, further strengthening
the Yukon's tourism sector.
Quotes
"Unique experiences are a staple of the Yukon's tourism industry. Our government is
supporting the Yukon's tourism
sector to expand visitor experiences and amenities year round.
These projects improve regional tourism assets, support active
tourism, and give visitors and locals another reason to spend more
time in the Yukon, benefitting
other businesses and attractions."
- The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister
of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor
"Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon provide the opportunity to see something
truly distinct. With its expansive wilderness, unique wildlife and
rich cultures and traditions, Northern
Canada has it all for lovers of the great outdoors from
around the globe. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the
Government of Canada is supporting
these local businesses and organizations to expand and grow.
Development of the tourism sector has enormous potential and is key
to building prosperous Indigenous and northern communities."
- The Honourable Soraya Martinez
Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
"The Yukon offers unforgettable
tourism experiences. The Yukon's
tourism sector drives economic growth while celebrating the
territory's vibrant cultures and natural wonders. Our government
supports projects that strengthen and diversify the Yukon's tourism sector, encouraging both
locals and visitors to tour and experience the territory's many
world-class attractions throughout the year."
- Dr. Brendan
Hanley, Member of Parliament for the
Yukon
"We appreciate this investment by CanNor to build new programs
and experiences for our visitors. Recently, we hosted a picnic on
the Woodchuck, a historic British Yukon Navigation river
boat, to showcase the Yukon's river history. This type of event to
share and celebrate our history in new and vibrant ways would be
impossible without the support of CanNor."
- Patricia
Cunning, Executive Director, MacBride Museum
"We would like to send a huge thank you to CanNor and the Yukon
Government for their continued support for small businesses in the
North. Here, we are reminded of the power of community and
collaboration. Much gratitude for standing by our small
Indigenous-owned business as we embark on new projects and keep
things exciting North of 60. Keep your eyes peeled for the
Cardinal Camp at the Nomad Ranch."
- Candace
Dow, Owner, Northern Nomad Outdoors and Yoga
"For the past 35 years the Dalton Trail Lodge burned about
50,000 liters of diesel each year. Thanks to the generous help of
CanNor we finally ordered a solar power system this spring, and it
should be running by February 2025.
It will save more than 40,000 liters of diesel annually and Dalton
Trail Lodge will be a much quieter place with a lot smaller carbon
footprint."
- Hardy
Ruf, Owner, Dalton Trail Lodge
"We are incredibly grateful for the support from CanNor, which
has enabled us to expand our facilities at Cabins Over Crag Lake.
We can now accommodate up to 40 guests in our new bunkhouses,
provide homemade wood-fired pizza and sourdough bread, and host
cold plunge sauna experiences—all with stunning views. We're
especially thrilled to welcome 40 breaking and hip-hop dancers to
Cypher for Change this August. We are committed to working hard to
continue building our business and serving Yukoners and visitors
from beyond."
- Andrea
Simpson-Fowler, Owner, Cabins Over Crag Lake
"We are extremely grateful for CanNor's support in funding our
project to bring eco-friendly prefabricated bunkhouses to
Carmacks. This initiative not only
addresses the urgent need for short-term accommodations in our
region but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable and
environmentally conscious development. The addition of these rental
structures will enhance our capacity to attract and accommodate
tourists, contributing to the growth and vitality of our community.
We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on
Carmacks and the broader
region."
- Ron
Gartshore, CEO, Carmacks Development Corporation
"The fat bikes were an immediate hit with our visitors! They are
a novel and distinctly northern way of getting outside to explore.
And they work year around, not just when there's snow on the
ground. There aren't too many places where you can rent a fat bike
to see a moose, go get a coffee and then go soak in the hot
springs—all in one trip."
- Jake
Paleczny, Executive Director, Yukon Wildlife
Preserve
Quick facts
- The funding announced today is provided through the Canadian
Northern Economic Development Agency's regular suite of economic
development programs, including the Inclusive Diversification and
Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) Program and the
Tourism Growth Program (TGP).
- IDEANorth makes foundational investments in economic
infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help
position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of
Canada's innovation
economy.
- The TGP supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous
communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit
organizations in growing and developing local tourism products and
experiences. The TGP also contributes to
the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for
long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada's tourism sector, from
coast-to-coast-to-coast.
- CanNor's economic development programming supports projects
that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance
business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
Associated Links
- Backgrounder
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North
(IDEANorth)
- Tourism Growth Program
- Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
- Government of Yukon, Economic
Development Fund
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SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
(CanNor)