Helping the Dawson City Arts Society Keep Warm this Winter

CanNor supports heating upgrades to historic hall in Dawson City, Yukon

DAWSON CITY, YT, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - In Canada's North, winters commonly dip below -40°C and it is essential to have a heating system that is up for the challenge. The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, today announced a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) investment of $75,000 to help upgrade the Dawson City Arts Society's deteriorating heating system at the historic Odd Fellows Hall.

Home to the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture, the community hub features a public art gallery, instructional programs, and a performing arts venue. The Institute presents a broad range of events and activities throughout the year, including the Dawson City International Short Film Festival. The energy-efficient upgrades, completed this September, will decrease operating costs for the non-profit Dawson City Arts Society, and will improve the comfort and experiences of visitors.

Quotes

"With Canada's 150^th anniversary approaching, the Government of Canada is proud to support projects that support our communities. Dawson City has a vibrant arts scene, which attracts visitors from around the world.  By focusing on energy efficiency, these upgrades will improve the experiences for the local arts community and tourists alike."
Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"The Klondike Institute in Dawson is used by local organizations for fundraisers, lectures, conferences, educational programs, and more. As a centre for community collaboration and activity, it is important that both Yukoners and visitors to the North can make use of energy-efficient facilities year-round."
Larry Bagnell
Member of Parliament for Yukon

"The real beneficiaries of this new heating and ventilation system will be the many community members and visitors who access the programs and events that the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture and many other user groups offer in our facility. In our cold northern climate, community meeting spaces are particularly important and the investment by Canada 150 and the Yukon Government's Community Development Fund are hugely appreciated."
Karen DuBois
Executive Director, Klondike Institute of Art and Culture

Quick Facts

• Complementing CanNor's investment, the Dawson City Art Society is contributing $20,500 and the Government of Yukon's Department of Economic Development, through the Community Development Fund, is contributing $186,182 to this project.
• As outlined in Budget 2016, an additional $150 million will be provided over two years for CIP 150, bringing the total funding available to $300 million across the country. The program supports projects to renovate, expand and improve spaces such as community centres, parks and arenas across Canada as part of the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. CIP 150 is delivered by CanNor in the North.

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains : 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Krisandra Reid, Communications Advisor, Yukon Region, 867-667-3210, For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca; Klondike Institute of Art and Culture: Karen DuBois, Executive Director, 867-993-5005