The Government of Yukon has completed major upgrades to aging underground infrastructure in the Village of Haines Junction, as leaders of the popular destination for both Yukoners and tourists plan to upgrade the local water system’s SCADA.
The recent upgrade projects included the replacement of more than two kilometres of water and sanitary sewer mains, the renewal of more than 80 service connections, and the reconstruction of more than one kilometre of local roads and alleys.
As of early 2026, local leaders are also considering a two-phase modernization of their SCADA system to improve operational stability, system visibility, cybersecurity, resilience, and provide a scalable and maintainable platform for future growth.
“Given the challenges of updating an older system, and the need for timely on-site support when issues arise, it is also prudent to hire a contractor located in the Yukon,” states a public works report to Haines Junction council in March 2026, which recommends a sole-source contract of roughly $350,000.
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The council is also considering the purchase of a solar-powered ultrasonic algae-control device that disrupts algae growth using targeted ultrasonic frequencies. At a cost of about $22,000, the device would help local officials meet water effluent quality standards for treated wastewater discharged from the lagoon, where pH rises with algae growth.
Officials of the community of nearly 1,000 residents say the recently completed underground improvements will strengthen the community’s ability to provide drinking water and wastewater services while supporting future growth and tourism activity in the region.
The project was supported through a combined funding commitment of $10 million from the federal and territorial governments, announced in 2024.
Final costs came in under budget, with the federal government contributing $6.6 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) and the Government of Yukon providing $2.2 million. The Yukon government also delivered project management services.
“Water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to the wellbeing of Yukon communities,” said Haines Junction Mayor Diane Strand in a statement. “Recent major upgrades to our aging infrastructure will allow the Village of Haines Junction to continue to provide safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater services to the community.”
Additional phases of water and wastewater infrastructure improvements are planned for Haines Junction as work to modernize the municipality’s systems continues. A nearly $4.5 million investment is planned for the rehabilitation of a section of underground utility pipes in the village.
The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program provides funding through bilateral agreements between the federal government and provinces and territories. The program supports projects across several streams, including public transit, green infrastructure, rural and northern communities infrastructure, and community, culture and recreation infrastructure.
