Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore issued the following statement:

"I had the honour of attending the Association of Yukon Communities' annual conference this year, representing the Government of Yukon as the Minister of Community Services alongside Premier Dixon.

"From May 7 to 10 in Watson Lake, I connected with local advisory council representatives, elected municipal officials and staff from across the territory. We discussed several local and shared priorities, such as land development, infrastructure, sport and recreation and emergency preparedness. I also had the opportunity to reaffirm our government's commitments to support municipalities and unincorporated Yukon.

"To support municipal governments with the provision of essential services like fresh drinking water, wastewater treatment, waste collection and recycling, our government is providing more than $30 million to the Yukon's eight municipalities through the Comprehensive Municipal Grant. This is the first time in the Yukon's history the total value of the grant has surpassed $30 million. This reflects our government's understanding of the importance of stable core funding for municipalities, especially as the Yukon's population grows.

"Beyond supporting municipalities on delivering services, our government recognizes that more developed land and community infrastructure are priorities. To advance infrastructure and land development, we will work with communities on developing a Community Land and Infrastructure Framework for rural Yukon and Whitehorse.

"Recreation infrastructure and programming are also an important part of community wellbeing. The Community Recreation Assistance Grant is a critical source of funding for unincorporated communities to cover essential recreation costs. The Department of Community Services is working with communities to better understand recreation needs and how this funding can support local recreation goals over the longer term.

"Emergency preparedness is another way our government is prioritizing support for municipalities and unincorporated Yukon. We have increased funding for the Fire Marshal's Office by nearly $2 million through Budget 2026. Additionally, we have allocated $2.6 million to ensure airtankers are available for the fire season and to cover rising costs of airtanker basing fees. We are committed to keeping partners, such as municipalities, informed during incidents and in regular briefings throughout the year to support emergency preparedness.

"While in Watson Lake, I had the honour of announcing, on behalf of Minister Gehmair, that a fire training facility for the community will be receiving nearly $250,000 from the Community Development Fund. This facility will create a dedicated space to practice the skills needed to protect people and property from fire.

"Despite our challenging fiscal situation, this good work will continue. We are advancing vital initiatives and investments to make life better for Yukoners.

"Finally, congratulations to the new AYC board, who were elected during the AGM: President Lauren Hanchar, First Vice-President Paolo Gallina, Second Vice-President Justine Hobbs, and Vice-President-at-large Gord Curran. And a huge thanks to the recipients of the Hanseatic and Judy Rapp awards-Trevor Ellis and Ian Spencer-for their service. Being acknowledged by your local-government colleagues is an incredible honour, and both of these individuals are deserving of this recognition because of their exceptional contributions to the Village of Mayo.

"Mussi cho to the Association of Yukon Communities for organizing another successful annual conference. I look forward to continuing to connect with Yukon communities to advance our shared priorities."