More flood mitigation infrastructure coming to 2 Yukon communities
Federal government investing over $1.8M for projects in Teslin and Dawson City
Two Yukon communities are receiving new federal funding to advance long-anticipated flood mitigation projects.
The government announced on Friday that $1.8 million to go toward projects in Teslin and Dawson City to reduce flood risk, as well as create more community green space.
In Teslin, money will go toward restoring roughly 450 metres of eroding shoreline along Teslin Lake. The project includes stabilizing the bank with large rocks and planting native species to reduce long-term erosion linked to rising water levels due to climate change.
Chief Liz Bosley of the Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC) says flooding concerns have grown in recent years, especially following major spring floods in 2022 and 2023.
“When there’s a high snow volume, we’re concerned about flooding in the summer months, when the water rises,” said Bosley.
The project will also involve planting native species along the shoreline.
“I think it makes good sense to plant the trees that would naturally grow in that area,” said Bosley.
She said TTC and the Village of Teslin have been working together for several years on a plan.
The Village of Teslin received regulatory approval for a flood control project in 2023.
Yukon MP Brendan Hanley says both Teslin and Dawson City have seen impacts of repeated flooding — including major damage to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in farm near Dawson in 2023.
“The existing dikes were just overwhelmed by the flooding,” he said.
In Dawson, the new funding will support a 340-metre berm at the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in farm and the planting of berry-producing and perennial species that will help move runoff water. The project also includes improvements to the surrounding trail system.
Some of the funds will also go toward another initiative to create a natural healing garden between the Dawson hospital and long-term care facility, featuring culturally significant plants, permaculture beds, benches and a new walking path.
Related stories from around the North:
United States: Crews working to fix Alaska Native villages devastated by flooding. But will residents return?, The Associated Press
