A Quick Look at Land-Use Planning

The logistics of land-use planning for Ontario’s Far North have become the hot-button issue in the discussions surrounding Ontario’s Bill 191. Canada has a successful history of land-use planning initiatives that capture cultural, ecological and economic values, and are based on joint government and First Nations decision-making. These precedents can help guide Ontario’s new legislation for planning in the Far North.

-The Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act mandates that resource management decisions in the Northwest Territories be consistent with and use plans created by planning boards. Membership in planning boards is equally divided between First Nation and the government. Land use plans are reviewed through a public process and approved by federal, territorial and First Nations decision-makers

- The Dehcho Process in the Northwest Territories involves land use planning to identify and plan for conserving ecological and cultural values, as well as economic needs in Dehcho traditional territory. The Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee is comprised of federal, territorial and First Nation representation, and is responsible for devising a plan for the entire region.

-The Yukon Land Use Planning Council is an independent body that helps the government of Yukon, and First Nations coordinate their efforts to conduct regional land-use planning. According to the Council, “this planning is necessary to resolve land use and resource conflicts within Yukon’s regions. The plans ensure that use of lands and resources is consistent with social, cultural, economic and environmental values. These plans will build upon the traditional knowledge and experience of the residents of each region.” (http://www.planyukon.ca)

Ontario policy makers should use examples of successful land use planning initiatives when considering amendments to Bill 191. Past precedents, as well as First Nation and stakeholder input, all support the inclusion of a independent planning board to oversee land use planning in Ontario’s Far North. For Bill 191 to succeed, it needs to include an independent planning board that will allow First Nations to have an equal voice in land-use decisions.