Government of Yukon officials joined municipal representatives and community leaders in Watson Lake for the 2023 Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) annual general meeting (AGM).
Premier Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean, and Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn attended the AGM, along with staff across several government departments and branches. Minister Mostyn provided opening remarks demonstrating the Government of Yukon’s ongoing commitment to the issues that matter to Yukon municipalities, including municipal funding and land and infrastructure development.
The Government of Yukon wishes to congratulate Whitehorse City Councillor and AYC President Ted Laking and Executive Director Shelley Hassard hosting this year’s AYC AGM. Under the leadership of Mr. Laking and Ms. Hassard, AYC passed a number of resolutions during their 2023 AGM related to Yukon government funding for municipal services and disaster assistance, increasing property taxes; conducting a review of the Municipal Act, and in support of meaningful consultations across multiple levels of government.
The Government of Yukon looks forward to consulting with Yukoners and Yukon municipalities on the aforementioned AYC priorities.
Congratulations to the AYC, Councilor Ted Laking, and Executive Director Shelley Hassard for a successful weekend in Watson Lake promoting the importance of effective local governance and discussing issues of importance to Yukoners and Yukon municipalities. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Mr. Laking, the AYC Executive, and mayors and councilors from across the territory to address the municipal issues that are important to Yukoners.
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The Association of Yukon Communities was founded in 1974 with a focus on establishing responsible government at the community level and providing a united approach to community ambitions.
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2023 was the Association’s 48th annual general meeting and conference which brings together community leaders and representatives from municipal governments.
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This year, the Government of Yukon is investing over $58 million across a range of infrastructure projects in Yukon communities. These projects address the fundamental services needed for communities to survive and include:
- Replacements and upgrades of aging water and sewer lines in Faro, Haines Junction, Mayo, Dawson City, Watson Lake, and Whitehorse;
- The completion of new firehalls and public works buildings in Teslin, Watson Lake and Faro, with construction of a fire hall in Carmacks underway;
- Planning for upgrades to the Mayo arena and work on a new gymnastics and climbing facility in Whitehorse;
- Replacement of the aging reservoir in Dawson City and connection to the new water treatment plant;
- Development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans; and,
- Continuation of work to implement a regional model for solid waste in the Yukon.
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Budget 2023-24 earmarks $25.9 million for land development, including $17.6 million for continued development of the Whistle Bend subdivision and $6 million for development of rural lots across the Yukon, as well as a $50 million emergency contingency fund, which can be used for relief for natural disasters, including fires, floods, and washouts.
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Grant-in-leiu of taxes for 2023 will be transferred later this year, adding to the $9.9 million transferred last year for Yukon government properties within municipal boundaries.
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The Government of Yukon is conducting a review of the Landlord and Tenant Act, and undertaking a legislative review of the Civil Emergency Measures Act and the Public Health and Safety Act.
Jordan Owens
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
jordan.owens@yukon.ca
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-55136
bonnie.ventonross@yukon.ca