Canada Supports Revitalization Project in Faro, Yukon

CanNor-09-018

Whitehorse, Yukon (December 15, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), today announced funding to the Government of Yukon to support the beautification and revitalization of Faro, Yukon. This initiative was made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan and supports the Town of Faro’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan.

“This project enhances Faro’s tourism potential, promotes long-term economic development and supports Canada’s Northern Strategy,” said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor of Métis and Non-Status Indians. “This project is central to the municipality’s revitalization plans and helps create jobs for Northerners.” “This project will encourage future investments in Yukon tourism and supports two of Faro’s key assets – its stunning natural scenery and access to the wilderness,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister responsible for the North and Minister of Health.

“The Government of Yukon is pleased to support the Town of Faro in this project and we continue to support initiatives that contribute to healthy, vibrant Yukon communities,” said the Honourable Archie Lang, Minister responsible for Energy, Mines and Resources and Community Services. “The project promotes a more sustainable future for the municipality.”

“Faro is a community that is committed to revitalization and sustainability. This project supports our efforts to bring new residents/businesses to our community, encourage repeat visitors, and increase public safety,” said Heather Campbell, Mayor, Town of Faro. “Working in partnership with the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada will continue to enable us to move forward to improve overall community aesthetics.”

The project, which involves the removal of five unused derelict building, contributes to the goals of the Town of Faro’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan by enhancing the aesthetics of the community for residents and visitors, and supporting Faro’s sustainability through investment in tourism opportunities. The Government of Yukon will receive $700,000 from Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) for the demolition project on behalf of the Town of Faro.

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the CAF is $1 billion national program that provides economic stimulus by supporting near-term job creation in communities impacted by the global recession; longer-term economic and ecological benefits are also considered. The fund will provide $32.8 million to the three territories from 2009 through 2011.

The CAF is one of a suite of economic development programs that fall under the mandate of CanNor in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. 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.

Backgrounder - Faro Downtown Revitalization Project

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

For further information please contact:

Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Kathleen McLeod
Senior Communications Advisor
(613) 995-7766

Community Services, Yukon Government
Matt King
A/Director of Communications
Phone: (867) 456-6580

Town of Faro
Heather Campbell, Mayor, Town of Faro
(867) 994-2728