Arctic Inspiration Prize win will mean new slaughterhouse in central Yukon
The Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation is looking to get a long-disused slaughterhouse up and running once again at its farm in central Yukon using Arctic Inspiration Prize money.
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CBC News ·
Posted: Feb 22, 2021 5:28 PM CT | Last Updated: February 22
The Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation acquired what was once known as the Partridge Creek Farm, near Mayo, Yukon, in 2018 and it s been operational since last spring. The project has just received an Arctic Inspiration Prize worth $485,000.(Sonny Gray/North Star Agriculture)
The Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation is looking to get a long-disused slaughterhouse up and running once again at its farm in central Yukon using Arctic Inspiration Prize money.
The Crown corporation made the announcement this morning.
Yukon Energy had initially identified three possible sites but eliminated the site along the North Klondike Highway near Whitehorse in December because of public opposition.
The battery will be located on leased settlement land owned by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
The cost of the project is estimated at $31 million, with the federal government contributing $16.5 million and Yukon Energy contributing up to $14.5 million.
The intent is to have the battery operational by the end of next year. It will be the largest storage battery North of 60 and among the largest in Canada.
That’s the urging of Geraldine Van Bibber, the Yukon Party MLA for Porter Creek North.
Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn, meanwhile, says he’s happy to see Van Bibber taking an interest in the project three months after area consultations began.
The open house would allow residents to gain direct information about the proposed highway upgrades set to start this summer, Van Bibber said Wednesday.
She has written to the government to request that this engagement be provided to residents with the proper health protocols in place before the Feb. 12 consultation deadline.
“I have heard a variety of concerns and questions about this project from many constituents,” said Van Bibber.
Yukon Energy announced Tuesday it’s eliminating the North Klondike Highway site as an option for its new battery storage project.
It also announced it was beginning the process of attracting qualified firms to carry out the project by issuing a request for proposals which will close Feb. 15.
“In Stage 1, vendors are being asked to submit a proposal demonstrating their technical capability, experience and corporate capacity to deliver a battery designed to meet Yukon Energy’s operational requirements and Yukon’s northern climate,” says the press release.
“Qualified vendors chosen in Stage 1 of the process will be invited to submit a proposal in Stage 2, which will evaluate vendors based on technical specifications, price, First Nations benefits and other components.”