Minister Vandal announces $234,000 through CanNor to enhance local infrastructure and grow the economy

Aug 19, 2022

Whitehorse, Yukon — Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Shared public spaces in villages, towns and cities are at the heart of communities across Canada. Main streets, downtown cores, community and cultural centres, farmers' markets, libraries, outdoor spaces and other public places draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs. In many communities, these spaces evolved as Canadians took precautions to stay safe from COVID-19.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor; Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon; with the Honourable Jeanie McLean, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Women's Directorate, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $234,000 to support high-quality sports and recreation opportunities across the territory.

The Government of Canada recognizes that communities thrive when they have infrastructure to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These are what make our communities stronger, more connected, and are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities.

This funding, delivered by CanNor, supports two one-year projects that improve public infrastructure, bring people back to public spaces safely and create jobs and stimulate local economies. These investments also demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting the sustainable, diversified growth of economic sectors across the North.

Volleyball Yukon is receiving $192,000 toward a one-year project to build three competition-grade beach volleyball courts in Whitehorse, with an additional investment of $23,800 from the Government of Yukon. The courts are located near two Whitehorse high schools and are available for use by the general public. CanNor funding will help improve public infrastructure and will enable the organization to host future volleyball competitions, attracting visitors to the city and strengthening the growing competitive sport community. Funding towards this project is delivered through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

Sport Yukon is receiving $42,000 toward a one-year project to redevelop the Klondike Road Relay (KRR), which is scheduled for September 2022, with an additional investment of $14,400 from the Government of Yukon. CanNor funding will support the organization in creating a digital registration platform and an outdoor gathering space. As a popular annual event, the KRR attracts participants from across the Yukon and beyond, making it an important driver for the economy. The event is also widely recognized for its role in maintaining a sense of unity among participants, partners and communities both along the route and beyond. Funding towards this project is delivered through Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth).

Source : Canada.Ca

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Does the pond leak? Ummmm....possibly a tiny bit. Well, more than a bit...ok, the darn thing leaks like a sieve!

QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Damit is not plastic. Therefore, there are no microplastics. I wish I had not mentioned plastic, but that is a very common polymer and I mentioned it as an example of a polymer. A polymer is simply a chain of repeating molecules, or "monomers." Cellulose is a polymer of glucose molecules. Starches are also polymers of various molecules such as fructose, maltose, etc. We have many polymers inside our bodies. In other words, just knowing something is a polymer doesn't make it bad, toxic, harmful, etc. However, this also doesn't mean all polymers are safe.

The specific polymer used for Damit is a trade secret, however, it has been closely scrutinized by multiple health and safety authorities. This includes the governmental authorities of Australia, the USA, Europe, and Asia. Not only have they determined that is safe to use in earthen ponds, and not harmful to fish, but it is considered safe to use in human potable water systems in all of these areas. And of course, they know the exact makeup of the polymer when making this determination. I'm told that the same polymer is in use by many municipalities to keep potable water storage tanks leak free. I can't tell you exactly what the polymer is, because I don't know, but given the confidence with which the governmental authorities have authorized its use, I would bet it is made of a monomer that we are exposed to all the time, like fructose or something.

It also breaks down in a matter of years, and does not accumulate in the environment. The end products of breaking down are CO2, water, and base minerals like potassium. The SDS reports no need for concern with ingestion, inhalation, or contact. If in eyes, rinse with water.

End result, can I say for sure that it is 100% safe? No, I don't know exactly what it is. But given people who do know exactly what it is, and have scrutinized it, have approved it for use in human potable water systems, I'm pretty comfortable putting it in an earthen pond.