Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai pauses while speaking during a news conference after a meeting of western premiers, in Whistler, B.C., on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.The Yukon government says the territory is "patiently waiting" for federal support for building mitigation infrastructure after severe flooding in the Klondike Valley this spring. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
WHITEHORSE – The Yukon government says the territory is “patiently waiting” for federal support for building mitigation infrastructure after severe flooding in the Klondike Valley this spring.
Premier Ranj Pillai says the territory has launched an $8-million financial assistance program for the flood’s victims as the Yukon moves from emergency response to recovery support.
The program will provide up to $250,000 for eligible residential damages and losses, rising to $500,000 for agricultural and small business applicants.
Pillai says recent meetings among Canadian premiers, as well as ministers responsible for infrastructure, have confirmed climate resilience to be a major focus of new funding plans that may emerge from the federal government this fall.
The Yukon has focused on creating flood mapping to identify high-risk areas, as well as assessing where mitigation measures should be put into place.
Officials say an “unusual” ice dam situation caused the Klondike River just outside of Dawson City to flood in May, leading to evacuations and more than 80 residents signing up for emergency support services at one point.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2023.
