WHITEHORSE, YUKON -- (Marketwire) -- 08/29/10 -- The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and the Honourable Archie Lang, Yukon Minister of Community Services, announced today that renovations and improvements to four recreational projects in several Yukon communities are well on-track, and that three projects are now completed. These communities are receiving $1.2 million in multi-year funding from Government of Canada, Government of Yukon, Yukon communities and First Nations for infrastructure projects made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan.

"Recreational facilities are at the heart of Yukon communities, so improvements to make them more accessible and functional are important in fostering active living and healthy lifestyles," said Minister Duncan, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians.

"Investments in these communities' projects create jobs as the work is being done and will extend the life of their recreational facilities and in many cases, expand the range of activities their citizens can enjoy during the year," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health.

"The Yukon Government is very pleased to continue to partner with CanNor," Yukon's Department of Community Services Minister Archie Lang said. "Recreation infrastructure allows people to participate in sport and recreation and helps maintaining a high quality of life for all Yukoners."

Work is complete on the T'rondek Hwechin First Nation Wellness Camp, which can now be used year-round for activities such as cross-country skiing and Junior Ranger outings. As well, repairs to the Watson Lake, Carmacks and Carcoss swimming pools are also complete.

Work is underway on repairs to the Carmacks skating rink. Construction has begun on the new community centre maintenance shed in Lorne Mountain. Upgrades and renovations to the Beaver Creek Community Club, including a new fire alarm system and fire doors, will be complete in mid-September. Finally, improvements are underway to the Ross River Community Recreation Centre, including repairs to the arena boards and the installation of an outdoor basketball court.

In February 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the RInC program as part of Canada's Economic Plan to stimulate Canada's economy, create and sustain jobs and position Canada for sustainable, long-term economic success. Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) is one of a suite of economic development programs delivered by CanNor in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. Funding of nearly $1.7 million was earmarked for RInC projects across the three territories. The Yukon infrastructure projects are delivered by CanNor in partnership with Yukon communities, First Nations and the Government of Yukon. CanNor investments of just under $550,000 will be equally matched by the Government of Yukon. For details on the original funding announcement, please visit http://www.cannor.gc.ca/mr/nr/eapnwt-eng.asp.

Through Canada's six regional development agencies and in partnership with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, the RInC program is providing funding for hockey rinks, swimming pools, parks and other recreational sites in communities from coast to coast to coast.

CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities in the territories, and for policy, research and advocacy. Promoting social and economic development in the North is one of the four pillars of the Government of Canada's integrated Northern Strategy.

Please visit these web sites to learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan and Canada's Northern Strategy.