New water reservoirs in Dawson City double storage, upgrade firefighting capability

The project was jointly funded by the federal and territorial government at a cost of nearly $10.5 million.

Mayor Stephen Johnson called the modern infrastructure a milestone for the community, and said it "stands as a clear example of what happens when governments work well together."

"Their support helps ensure that northern communities like ours have the tools we need to thrive and keep our communities safe," Johnson said.

The two reservoirs replace the old one built in 1978.

Johnson said the new reservoirs aren't only going to hold the town's potable water but are an upgrade for the town's fire department.

In the event of a fire within the municipality, the reservoirs could sustain a constant flow of water, at a rate of 185 litres of water a second, for five hours.

"These new tanks ensure that if a fire ever occurs, and god forbid, our firefighters will have the water volume they need to respond effectively and safely," Johnson said.

Among the officials present on Wednesday was Yukon's Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore.

Bellmore said a growing community like Dawson City needs to have modern infrastructure to support it. She said the new reservoirs are only one of a handful of government funded projects happening in the community.

She pointed to another similar project, the water treatment plant, located across the street from the reservoirs. Bellmore said it was finished in 2019. "The [water treatment] plant is another example of how Yukon government has supported Dawson by managing large projects that provide essential services."