Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, announced a $5.4-million investment in five community-led clean energy projects in Yukon.
This funding will support various Indigenous communities in their efforts to build a cleaner future and reduce their reliance on diesel fuel for heat and power while creating jobs.
“Clean energy is central to achieve net zero by 2050. Our government continues to work with Indigenous communities to transition away from diesel reliance and to invest in community-driven projects in remote and rural communities,” said Bagnell.
The investments include the following:
- $2.1 million to Carcross/Tagish First Nation to install a biomass district heating system to displace existing electric and fossil fuel heating systems in five community buildings;
- $1.6 million to the Yukon Conservation Society to evaluate the technical feasibility and customer acceptance of utility-controlled electric thermal storage heaters that can provide reliable electricity capacity;
- $800,000 to Teslin Tlingit Council to construct a biomass district heating system for eight new duplexes, including 16 housing units, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for the community;
- $574,000 to the Government of Yukon to work collaboratively with Yukon First Nations to evaluate and address gaps that delay the deployment of energy projects in communities; and
- $345,900 to Kluane First Nation to develop a forest resources management plan for the First Nation settlement lands to meet current and future local biomass heating needs.
Funding for the projects is from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program. The six-year, $220-million program aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in rural and remote communities by deploying and demonstrating renewable energy, encouraging energy efficiency and building local skills and capacity. It is part of the government’s Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, a $180-billion investment over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
“Our environment is key to our way of life, and we are committed to continue finding ways to produce clean energy,” said Chief Lynda Dickson of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. “This biomass heating system will mark a significant upgrade to our community’s infrastructure. Carcross/Tagish First Nation is proud to work with the Government of Canada in our joint pursuit of a sustainable future.”
