Learn about regional land use planning

A regional land use plan provides a vision and describes goals for land:

  • allocation;
  • management; and
  • use.

An effective regional land use plan can reduce or avoid conflicts between different land uses. The planning process considers how the land provides regional residents with:

  • economic value;
  • social value; and
  • environmental value.

Chapter 11 of the Umbrella Final Agreement and First Nation Final Agreements outline how federal, territorial and First Nation governments can work together on regional land use planning in Yukon.

What's in a regional land use plan?

A regional land use plan usually includes:

  • guidelines for resource management activities and development assessment processes;
  • maps that identify designated areas and general guidelines for land uses within these areas;
  • recommendations for more detailed planning in certain cases, such as sub-regional plans or focal-habitat plans;
  • a description of how the regional land use plan fits with related:
    • public policies;
    • objectives; and
    • other resource planning initiatives for the region; and
  • guidelines and procedures for plan:
    • implementation;
    • monitoring;
    • enforcement;
    • amendment; and
    • updates.

Who's involved in regional land use planning?

Regional land use planning is a multi-party process.

 

The Yukon Land Use Planning Council

The Yukon Land Use Planning Council was created under the Umbrella Final Agreement. The council makes the following recommendations to the Government of Yukon and affected First Nations on land use planning:

  • policies;
  • goals; and
  • priorities.

The council recommends general terms of reference for the regional land use planning commissions. As they develop regional land use plans, they can get help from the council.

The council consists of 1 member nominated by each of the following:

  • Government of Yukon;
  • Government of Canada; and
  • the Council of Yukon First Nations.

Regional land use planning commissions

Regional land use planning commissions are independent bodies that develop the regional land use plan. The commissions recommend the plan be accepted and implemented by the Government of Yukon and the governments of the affected First Nations.

The commissions consist of people nominated by the:

  • Government of Yukon; and
  • governments of First Nations whose traditional territories fall within the planning region.

The Government of Yukon and First Nations governments

The Government of Yukon and affected First Nations governments support the work of the council and commissions by:

  • providing input on planning boundaries, and general terms of reference;
  • generating and sharing technical information;
  • identifying and communicating land use issues;
  • interpreting key legislation and policies affecting the use and allocation of land and resources;
  • reviewing and approving annual council and commission work plans and budgets; and
  • providing input and advice for consideration on relevant government:
    • issues;
    • interests:
    • policies:
    • programs; and
    • initiatives.

Stakeholders and residents

Affected stakeholders and area residents can provide input throughout the planning process.

Completed plans

Regional land use plans are complete for:

Plans underway

Regional land use planning is underway for:

Future plans

There will be plans developed in the future for:

  • Teslin;
  • Whitehorse and Southern Lakes;
  • Northern Tutchone; and
  • Kluane.