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 tourism sector. This funding will support seven businesses and organizations to offer new programs, experiences and services; expand their ability to accommodate overnight guests; improve accessibility; and transition to green energy.
CanNor is providing up to $250,000 toward a three-year project in which MacBride Museum will develop and deliver a series of programs and events to build new audiences and offer new products and experiences to visitors throughout the year. MacBride Museum, located in Whitehorse, is a non-profit organization started in 1950 to illustrate, share and protect Yukon's objects, photographs and stories.
Grayling Camp Enterprises - Off-Grid Solar Power System
CanNor is providing up to $192,500 toward a two-year $550,000 project for Grayling Camp Enterprises to purchase and install an off-grid solar power system at the Dalton Trail Lodge. The lodge, located in Kluane National Park, has been in operation since 1987 and primarily caters to international tourists. This off-grid solar power system will allow Grayling Camp Enterprises to drastically reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and position itself more strongly as an ecotourism provider.
Northern Nomad Outdoors & Yoga - Cardinal Camp Wellness on the Land
CanNor is providing up to $99,999 toward a three-year $214,499 project for Northern Nomad Outdoors & Yoga (NNOY) to develop its tourism infrastructure and land-based experiences in Mendenhall, Yukon. Incorporated in 2007, NNOY is an Indigenous, woman-owned eco-tourism business that specializes in sustainable tourism and outdoor adventures.
Klondike Visitors Association - Accessible Dawson Pilot Project
CanNor is providing up to $99,999 toward a two-year $153,799 pilot project for the Klondike Visitors Association (KVA) to develop and implement short- and medium-term solutions to make Dawson more accessible for people with mobility needs, visual or hearing requirements, or diverse cognitive or sensory abilities. This pilot project will provide a model to implement further accessibility upgrades in the community.
Cabins Over Crag Lake - Tourism Experience Development
CanNor is providing up to $99,000 toward a two-year $201,948 project that will increase Cabins Over Crag Lake's overnight accommodation capacity, create an event and arts programming space, and improve its campground facilities. Cabins Over Crag Lake is an accommodation and event space located 15 minutes outside of Carcross.
Carmacks Development Corporation - Yukon Bunkies Eco-Conscious Lodging
CanNor is providing up to $28,424 toward a $35,000 project for the Carmacks Development Corporation to purchase and ship two eco-friendly prefabricated bunkhouses. These bunkhouses will provide short-term accommodation in the region while appealing to environmentally conscious travellers. As a result of this project, Carmacks will have two new rental structures to address the shortage of short-term accommodations. This will increase the region's attractiveness as a tourism destination and its capacity to host more tourists during peak seasons.
Yukon Wildlife Preserve - Winter Tourism Expansion
CanNor has provided up to $21,087 toward a one-year $37,656 project for the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, a non-profit society, to expand its visitor services by purchasing 11 fat bikes and associated equipment to start a rental program and purchasing an insulated wall tent, so visitors can rest and stay warm while touring the 350-acre preserve. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve Operating Society was established in 2004 to care for and rehabilitate Yukon's injured and orphaned wildlife. Visitors can tour the preserve to see the animals in their natural habitats and learn about the species.
