Whitehorse — The Canada Games Centre will be able to better serve 735,000 people a year through upgraded ventilation systems after a federal investment of more than $4.5 million through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The City of Whitehorse is also contributing $2,475,000 to the project.
Announced by MP Brendan Hanley; Minister Nils Clarke; and Mayor Laura Cabott, this project will give the community a healthier and safer space to come together. Investing in recreational infrastructure, such as the Centre, is key to supporting dynamic, healthy communities where people have a place to stay healthy, enjoy hobbies, and access community resources.
The Canada Games Centre facility is open 16 hours per day, seven days a week. Its pool section HVAC requires a significant upgrade to improve air quality, ventilation, and address the effects of the high humidity. The project will also install new insulation in the area which will improve overall energy efficiency in the building.
Also announced today from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program was funding for two electric vehicles to shuttle Whitehorse Transit drivers to and from active routes. This will help ensure that buses can stay on their routes longer with multiple drivers, and in turn ensure more consistent service for the residents who rely on public transit to get around their communities.
“Supporting the Yukon through the improvement of multipurpose facilities like the Canada Games Centre is an important part of creating a healthy community. Upgrades announced here in Whitehorse will ensure that Yukon families, competitors, as well as visitors have access to modern, reliable services that improve their quality of life.” – Dr Brendan Hanley, MP for Yukon, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities