Access to reliable, clean and affordable energy solutions play a vital role in the wellbeing of communities in Canada’s North. By deploying clean energy infrastructure to more places, communities are able to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and diversify their economies. That is why the Government of Canada, through the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program and the Community Readiness Opportunities Program (CROP), has invested $2,420,530 in support of six innovative clean energy projects in Yukon over the past 2 years.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor. 

Government of Yukon, First Nations, Yukon College and the private sector contributed over $4,600,000 to these projects that address a shared demand for clean energy and enable communities to foster environmental and sustainable economic development.

Quotes

“Through these investments, Yukon communities will have increased access to clean energy using different technologies, offsetting diesel consumption and generating both economic and environmental benefits. The Government of Canada is proud to support projects that grow the clean energy sector and support the vitality of communities in the North.”

– Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor.

“Clean energy projects are key to maintaining energy security for Yukon’s communities. These projects increase access to clean energy sources, foster economic development and lower the impact of energy consumption on the environment.”

– Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon.

Quick Facts

• The Teslin Tlingit Council’s biomass project saw the installation of 10 wood chip boilers which are heating buildings previously relying on fossil fuels only (CanNor contributed $800,000).
• In Old Crow, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation completed the work required to prepare for the installation of a solar power generation system that will displace diesel and allow the community to sell power back to the grid (CanNor contributed $609,700).
• Carcross/Tagish and Kwanlin Dün First Nations carried out wind energy feasibility studies that stand to benefit the communities by reducing dependency on fossil fuels and generating new revenue from the sale of electricity (CanNor contributed $332,424 to the Carcross/Tagish and $300,000 to the Kwanlin Dün First Nations).
• A transmission line feasibility project by the Yukon Clean Energy Alliance determined the technical requirements and costs associated with connecting Yukon communities to hydro-power in British Columbia (CanNor contributed $328,406).
• Total North Communication’s feasibility study looked at developing a portable generator that combines renewable energy with fossil fuel (CanNor contributed $50,000).