Carmacks Flood Mitigation Measures Funded

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition is pleased to see that the federal government has signed a March 19, 2025, agreement to fund permanent flood mitigation measures that help protect the community of Carmacks and the Little Salmon-Carmacks First Nation.

The Yukon Party has been calling for the government to make proactive infrastructure investments to reduce the risk and potential impacts of flooding since 2022. This included mitigation measures in Carmacks. At the time, the Yukon Party suggested that the government ‘commission an engineering study of flood mitigation and support the construction of a berm, or dike, to be built along the river in Carmacks, similar to that of Dawson City.’ 

The federal government describes the work to include building structural dikes along the Yukon River and raising a crucial roadway along River Drive. The project aims to prevent flooding in properties, including the recreation complex, the municipal services building, the health centre, the fire hall, the police station, as well as several homes and businesses. The mitigation measures would also involve improvements to the wastewater treatment system to prevent floodwater from inundating the plant, which has previously led to sewage discharge into the Yukon River, backups, and boil-water advisories. The project funding is available until 2033.

“Carmacks has seen an increased risk of flooding over the past several years,” said Critic for Rural Services and Kluane MLA Wade Istchenko. “We are pleased the federal government has stepped up with these proposed measures that will protect Carmacks and the First Nation. We hope to see shovels in the ground soon and the project completed in a timely manner.”

You can find the project on the federal government’s website here.

-30-

Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Media Director
(867) 689-7874