Canada invests $2 million in First Kaska Construction Limited Partnership to expand timber manufacturing

WATSON LAKE — The Government of Canada is investing $2 million to First Kaska Construction Limited Partnership (FKCLP) toward the purchase, relocation and expansion of a timber manufacturing business in Watson Lake, Yukon.

This occasion follows opening day for the manufacturing plant, an important milestone representing the completion of business acquisition and workforce training, and the beginning of business operations.

The three-year project, which began in 2021, helped FKCLP with the purchase of Heartland Timber Homes, a company that specializes in the design and creation of timber home kits that can be shipped and assembled on site. Funding towards this project supports the business’s relocation from Lac La Hache, British Columbia, to Watson Lake, as well as the expansion of an employment mentorship program and increased home production.

“The funding we received from CanNor for this acquisition supports our vision of empowering our First Nations to build capacity, provide training and much needed employment for our members. This funding program speaks to the fundamental need for collaborative programs that improve the lives of our Indigenous people in Canada,” said Liard First Nation Chief Stephen Charlie. “Once we are in production, this acquisition could profoundly change the lack of affordable housing, not just for our members but for all First Nations who are in desperate need of more homes.”