FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 2022
HAINES JUNCTION – On Tuesday, a ceremony was held at the St. Elias Convention Centre to mark the completion of the Trans Canada Trail. The trail, which started construction in 1992 as part of Canada’s 125th birthday celebrations, connects Haines Junction to Pine Lake.
The trail was gravel for many years, and the Municipality received support from the Federal Community Development Fund over the years for upgrades. Now, the paving of the trail means Yukoners can enjoy this legacy project for years to come.
“I am grateful to the Village staff, in particular Dan Rodin, Noelle Palmer, and Donna Istchenko for their work on grant applications and project management in completing these accessibility upgrades,” said Kluane MLA Wade Istchenko. “This spring, our newly elected Mayor Bruce Tomlin asked me if I could introduce him to some of the Ministers at the Association of Yukon Communities AGM so we could lobby for the last bit of funding to finish the Yukon’s portion of the trail. As well, this past July, I was happy to write a letter of support to prioritize the completion of an asphalt surface to the Pine Lake campground.”
In 2012 as the Highways Minister, Istchenko worked with Carol Thomas the chair of the Community Development Committee to provide an in-kind contribution for gravel and crush to continue upgrades to the Trail. In 2018, the Village applied for the Trans Canada Trail capital funding grants for accessibility upgrades. The vision behind the Trans Canada Trail was to be a multi-use trail for all Canadians to use.
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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026