Whitehorse – The following information is in addition to the news release MP Hanley announces over $1.6 million investment to expand local food systems in the Yukon issued on March 7, 2025.
Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced an investment of over $1.6 million in five infrastructure projects to grow, preserve and supply food in the Yukon.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government – Greenhouse and cold storage facility
CanNor is providing up to $875,000 over three years for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in (TH) Government to make improvements on the TH Teaching and Working Farm. This funding will help the First Nation upgrade its greenhouse to extend the growing season from spring to fall and construct a cold storage facility to preserve foods after harvesting. Both improvements will help the farm boost its yields and sell more fresh foods to Dawson City residents, increasing the farm’s revenues and improving access to local nutritious food in the region. The TH Government is contributing $425,000 for a total project cost of $1.3 million.
Yukon First Nation Education Directorate Society – Nutrition program: Meal delivery truck
CanNor is providing over $170,600 for the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate Society (YFNED) to purchase a purpose-built van to support the delivery and expansion of its Urban Nutrition Program. The van will support the efficient and safe delivery of over 1,700 daily meals to Indigenous students at nine Whitehorse schools. This Indigenous-led project focuses on strengthening the territory’s food ecosystem and improving food security for Indigenous students and families. YFNED will contribute $42,600 for a total project cost of over $213,000.
Arctic Institute of North America – Ag1054 Off-Grid Hydroponic Agriculture in the North
CanNor is investing up to $305,000 in a two-year project for the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) to develop and test an off-grid hydroponic farming system that would supply local produce and could be replicated in other communities. This project, which takes place at the AINA’s Kluane Lake Research Station in Silver City, includes upgrading and testing their Ag1054 hydroponic unit, offering local training and community programming, compiling and publishing research and creating a feasibility plan for using hydroponics in surrounding communities. The AINA is providing $80,700 for a total project cost of $385,700.
Riverside Grocery – Refrigeration equipment upgrades
CanNor is providing a repayable contribution of $234,000 for Riverside Grocery to purchase upgraded refrigeration and freezer equipment to support business expansion and increase its capacity to sell products from local producers and growers. Riverside Grocery is a small independent majority women owned grocery store in Whitehorse that has been operating for over 42 years. Riverside Grocery is providing an additional $234,000 for a total project cost of $468,000.
Ali Cat Catering – Commercial Kitchen Renovation
CanNor is investing nearly $79,000 towards a two-year project for Ali Cat Catering (ACC) to complete renovations and purchase equipment necessary to install a commercial kitchen. ACC is a women-owned catering business in Whitehorse that has been operating since 2020. A commercial kitchen designed to their needs will allow ACC to increase productivity and operating efficiencies, supporting them to help meet catering demands in Whitehorse. AAC is contributing nearly $79,000 for a total project cost of nearly $158,000.