Province Information - Yukon Territory, Canada

The Yukon, one of three territories in Canada, is sparsely populated (approximately 30,000) with the major population centres being Whitehorse (pop. 22,898) and Dawson City (pop. 1,250).  Some of the outlying villages receive bulk water delivery but the major city centres have water infrastructure in place.  Yukon citizens are reportedly some of the higher per capita water users in the country.

There are several factors leading to over-consumption such as the lack of efficient technologies and behavioural patters.  But a leading factor is due to the cold, long winters when water is constantly pumped through distribution pipes to prevent freezing. Due to the sparse population, government priorities to date have not focused on water conservation or efficiency. 

1. What provincial ministry, department or agencies are in charge of water conservation/efficiency?

Yukon Water Board

The Yukon Water Board is an independent administrative tribunal established under the Waters Act (2003).   The Board is responsible for the issuance of licences for the use of water and/or the deposit of waste into water. Water licences are issued for a variety of undertakings.

Yukon Environment 

The Water Resources Branch of Environment Yukon is responsible for water-related strategic planning and policy development and implementation, quality and quantity monitoring and research, provision of expert technical advice regionally and nationally, enforcement and compliance of the Waters Act and water licences, and administration of water security deposits.

2. Does the province require preparation of drought emergency plans by water utilities or cities on any prescribed schedule?

No.

Under the Government of Yukon Climate Change Strategy (2006) the government created the Yukon Climate Change Action Plan (2009).  One action item in the Strategy is the Yukon Water Resources Risk and Vulnerability Assessment that will inform future initiatives.

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3. Does the province have a mandatory planning requirement for drinking water conservation separate from drought emergency plans?

No
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4. Does the province require implementation of conservation measures as well as preparation of plans?
No

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5. Does the province have the authority to approve or reject the conservation plans?

plan completeness?

No

satisfactory content?

No

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6. Does the province have minimum water efficiency standards more stringent than federal or national requirements?
No

The Yukon enforces the National Building Code and Plumbing Code.

The National Building Code of Canada is the model building code of Canada. It is issued by the Institute for Research and Construction (IRC), a part of the National Research Council of Canada. As a model code, it has no legal status until it is adopted by a jurisdiction that regulates construction. The Provinces and Territories of Canada are allowed to adopt parts or all of the code and to alter the code as they see fit.

The National Building Code is currently undergoing revisions and a proposal was made in 2008 to update the Non-potable Water Systems Section 2.7.4 to include design requirements in accordance with CSA B128.1 and to limit use of non-potable water to water closets, urinals, and directly connected underground irrigation systems.

As of 2005 the National Plumbing Code does not explicitly mandate the use of water efficient fixtures – instead it references the ASME A112.18.1-2005 / CSA B125.1-2005 standards which dictate maximum flush volumes for toilets of 13.2 litres, maximum flow rates of 8.3 litres per minute (Lpm) for lavatory and kitchen faucets, and 9.5 Lpm for showerheads. The National Plumbing Code currently allows non-potable sources to be used with dual plumbing systems within the home for fixtures other than sinks and faucets, and rainwater to be used for underground irrigation.

7. Does the province regulate drinking water supplies and require conservation as part of its permitting process or water right permit?
Yes

Drinking Water is regulated under a variety of regulations and strategies including:

  • First Nations Water Management Strategy (2003)
  • Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities (2006)
  • Waters Act and Waters Regulation (2003)
  • Yukon Public Health and Safety Act (2002) 
  • Drinking Water Regulation (2007). 

Water conservation is not required as part of the permitting process or water right permit.

No authorization or monitoring is required for domestic use of water (see section 6 of Waters Act Schedule 8 of regulation).

When applying for a license to carry out water takings, an applicant is required to provide a detailed description of any potential impacts to water quality, quantity, rate of flow including seasonal rate of flow, and any mitigating measures that have been incorporated into the proposed plan.


8. Does the province support water conservation under its Drinking Water or Wastewater infrastructure funding programs?

Drinking Water?

No

Waste Water?

No

Additional Information:

Canada does not have a revolving fund for infrastructure loans.

Canada does not have a revolving fund for infrastructure loans. Federally, the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provides grants for up to 50% of project costs, or below-market, low interest loans of up to 80% of project costs. FCM is an advocacy organization; however the Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish the GMF program.

The GMF funds municipal projects and studies, which have included feasibility studies of water conservation programs, water distribution system leak detection and control projects, plumbing retrofit programs, wastewater recycling, and sustainable community plans involving water conservation. At this time, the funding focus for capital projects is on wastewater, while sustainable community plans, conservation-related studies, and field tests continue to be eligible.

The Building Canada plan is the primary mechanism in Canada for funding water and wastewater infrastructure, and encompasses a number of funds including provincial and municipal base funding, gas tax funds, and the Building Canada fund. Over half of the funding under the Building Canada plan is provided as base funding to municipalities, and the funds are generally administered by the provinces. The Building Canada fund promotes long-term funding of water infrastructure projects, including projects designed to improve conservation of water. Funding focuses on improved treatment standards that emphasize the protection of human health. The projects are required to be supported by measures that improve the management of sources of drinking water, reduce demand, and improve the management of drinking water infrastructure.

All projects are cost shared, generally in equal thirds between federal/provincial/municipal governments. The Building Canada fund operates through two components: the Major Infrastructure Component (MIC) that targets large strategic projects of national and regional significance, and the Communities Component that focuses on projects in communities with populations of less than 100,000.

To date, funded projects have focused on centralized infrastructure as opposed to conservation efforts, with the exception of metering. Capital cost funding projects must result in a tangible capital asset. Planning costs are also eligible, which could potentially support the development of water conservation plans.


9. Does the province offer other financial assistance? Environmental grants? Rebates? Tax Exemptions?

Yes.

Environment Yukon runs a program that enhances the efforts of groups and clubs to educate the public about the Yukon’s natural environment, promote conservation and biodiversity, and encourage sustainable use of fish and wildlife, and their habitat.  The fund provides $30,000/year with up to $5,000 per eligible project.

The provincial ministry of Energy, Mines, and Resources also provides rebates for energy star labelled clothes washers and dishwaters through the “Good Energy Program”

10. Does the province offer direct or indirect technical assistance to the public?
No.
11. Does the province provide provincial ET microclimate information?
No.
12. Does the province have a water conservation and efficiency strategy?
No


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13. Does the province have standards for alternative water sources?
No



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