Yukon plans to expand solar heating of swimming pools

The Yukon Government isplanning to install solar heating systems at four rural Yukon pools.

Installations are being planned for pools in Ross River,Carcross, Beaver Creek and Pelly Crossing.The budget for the project is about $350,000from the federal gas tax.

Project manager Mike O'Connorsays the systems will cut back on the nearly $5,000annual bill each pool costs the territory.

"We would consider it a success if we could cover 70 per centof the annual operating costs of the pool," he said.

Solar heating systems work well in Yukon summers.Similar ones are being used in pools in Dawson City and Mayo.

"From all indicators, they have been performing quite well, so we thought a good spend for the gas tax money would be to go into those communities and do the same thing," he said.

The government has issued a tender to bid on the solar project.Contractors have until March 19to submit proposals.