Webequie First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan

Description of policy

Webequie First Nation is leading preparation of a community based land use plan, working together with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) within the context of the Far North Land Use Planning Initiative. Webequie is a fly-in community located on Winisk Lake and 540km north of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The community based land use plan will specify protected areas and other land use designations, identifying permitted land use activities within those areas. In preparing the land use plan, the objectives for planning in the Far North will be taken into account. The land use plan will be developed respecting traditional and other existing uses including tourism and mineral sector activities. Plan development will consider the capability of lands and resources to support additional land uses such as tourism, recreation, mineral sector activities, and forestry. Indigenous knowledge and science-based information and knowledge will support decision making.

The planning process is expected to take approximately 2 years, and will provide opportunity for all interested parties to participate. Details of public consultation opportunities are set out below. As set out in the Far North Act, the final plan will require joint approvals, by Webequie First Nation and by MNRF. Direction resulting from approval of the land use plan will be added to the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.

A planning area of interest has been defined by Webequie First Nation on the basis of traditional use and existing traplines. With respect for the shared land uses and interests of adjacent First Nation communities, additional dialogue will take place to set out the final planning area.

Purpose of policy

To prepare a Community Based Land Use Plan for an area in the Far North of Ontario, led by Webequie First Nation, working together with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Other information

The Far North Act 2010 provides objectives for land use planning in the Far North. These objectives are to be taken into account in the preparation of the terms of reference for planning and the preparation of the plan:

• A significant role for First Nations in the planning.
• The protection of areas of cultural value in the Far North and the protection of ecological systems in the Far North by including at least 225,000 square kilometres of the Far North in an interconnected network of protected areas designated in community based land use plans.
• The maintenance of biological diversity, ecological processes and ecological functions, including the storage and sequestration of carbon in the Far North.
• Enabling sustainable economic development that benefits the First Nations.

Terms of Reference have been prepared that guide the designation of an area in the Far North as a planning area and the preparation of a land use plan for the planning area. The Terms of Reference have been approved by Webequie First Nation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and can be viewed at the weblink provided below.

The following weblink provides supporting information:

Information about the Far North and the Far North Act: www.ontario.ca/farnorth 

Terms of Reference for the Webequie First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan http://apps.mnr.gov.on.ca/public/files/er/webequie-terms-of-reference.pdf

During the development of a community based land use plan the Ministry is considering both Our Sustainable Future and its Statement of Environmental Values.

Alternatives to the government contact are:

Harry Wabasse, Band Councillor
Travis Spence, Community Land Use Plan Coordinator
Webequie First Nation
PO Box 268
Webequie, MNRF endorsement in principle provisions.

At Phase 2 (current phase), the Terms of Reference for planning is shared, as well as information and knowledge about the planning area that would assist in the development of the community based land use plan. The joint planning team then describes objectives to guide preparation of the draft plan and begins dialogue on land use areas and activities to meet objectives. Dialogue with adjacent communities continues to confirm the planning area. At Phase 3 the planning area is proposed for designation under the Far North Act, the Draft Community Based Land Use Plan is prepared, and a second public consultation opportunity will be provided to share and seek input on the draft plan. At Phase 4 the final plan is prepared with consideration of all input to the draft plan. A decision notice will be provided upon approval of a Final Community Based Land Use Plan.

Opportunities for Public Involvement will include:

Phase 2 - Share Terms of Reference and invite participation;
Information centers will be held in Webequie on August 19, 2014 at the Webequie Band Office Community Hall (gymnasium) from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., and in Thunder Bay on August 20, 2014 at the Airlane Hotel from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Details on information center arrangements (location, times) will be provided in newspaper notices and will be available from the contact person identified in this notice.

Phase 3 – Share Draft Community Based Land Use Plan for review and input – Winter 2015. Information centers will be held in Webequie and Thunder Bay.

Phase 4 – Notice of Final Community Based Land Use Plan - Fall 2015.