News Releases
GNWT Announces Development of Recreational Leasing Framework
YELLOWKNIFE (December 9, 2009) – The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) announced today the development of a Recreational Leasing Policy Framework and a temporary freeze on lease applications for Commissioner’s Land in the Cassidy Point, Walsh/Banting/Prosperous lakes area.
The Recreational Leasing Policy Framework is being developed to strengthen the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) land administration program by addressing the demand for land for recreational use. The development of the Framework will be undertaken collaboratively and include participation of internal GNWT stakeholders and external partners such as the Akaitcho Dene First Nation, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and the City of Yellowknife. Other interested parties, including existing lease holders, will also be encouraged to participate. While the Framework is being developed, MACA will stop leasing activity in the area.
Once complete, the Framework will ensure future sustainable development and management both in the area and across the Northwest Territories (NWT), and will, amongst other things, develop parameters for cabins and other structures, make land available for recreational use in a transparent and open manner, control new instances of trespass, and protect the natural environment.
“The Commissioner’s Land in this area is a popular recreational area with the highest demand for leases, and the highest concentration of trespassers, in the NWT,” said the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. “To continue to allow leasing and development in during the development of the Framework will only add to the land and environmental management concerns that already exist in the area.”
Existing leaseholders in the area will retain all of the rights they have under their current leases to renew, assign, or amend the documents. The land freeze will only prohibit new leases in the area, and will be lifted in December 2011, or upon the completion of the Recreational Leasing Policy Framework. During the land freeze, MACA will continue to prosecute individuals who trespass in the area.
Click here for a map of the Commissioner’s Land outlining the area where the freeze is in place.
Through the development of the Recreational Leasing Policy Framework, the GNWT is working to manage the land in the NWT, and is coordinating efforts to ensure development is sustainable as envisioned in the 16th Assembly’s Vision of Northerners Working Together.
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Alty
Communications/Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Tel: (867) 920-3092