Minor amendment to the Red Lake General Use Area (Policy ID G2514) to allow for the disposition of Crown land for cottaging, rural residential and urban development in municipal boundaries

The amendments to the Red Lake General Use Area (G2514) propose to permit the potential disposition of Crown land for the purposes of cottaging, rural residential and urban development within municipal boundaries, located in the Municipality of Red Lake and the Township of Ear Falls.

The intent of the amendment is to allow for Crown land dispositions within municipalities/townships for residential and economic development purposes. This change will support economic development interests of the Municipality of Red Lake and Township of Ear Falls. This amendment allows the ministry to consider disposition of Crown lands for municipal development such as cottage lots, rural residential or commercial activities. If a disposition is proposed, some associated activities may have potential for negative environmental consequences (e.g. cutting of trees and cleaning of vegetation, increased road access and related traffic, cottage/residential development, increased lake access and related pressures). These potential impacts will be considered and appropriate approaches for avoidance and/or mitigation determined on a site-specific bases through the implementation of subsequent required approval processes.

It is proposed that for Land and Resource Management Activities; Crown land dispositions “rural residential” and Crown land dispositions “urban development” in General Land Use Area G2514 are edited to “yes”’; permitting Crown land dispositions. Additionally, the guideline for dispositions related to “cottaging”, “rural residential” and “urban development” are edited to be read as follows: “disposition of Crown land will only be considered within municipal boundaries”

The amendment will not require a boundary adjustment to the land use planning area, as municipal boundaries offer a legal and observable description of the area impacted by the proposed change.

Regulatory impact analysis

The anticipated consequences of the proposed amendment are limited and can be expected to be positive in general. The land use intent for the area is not changing. Additionally, the proposed changes are consistent with other permitted uses already accepted within the General Use Area.

The anticipated social consequences are primarily positive. Availability of new lands for development within municipalities may allow for commercial and residential development, community growth, creation of recreational opportunities (e.g., cottaging), and employment opportunities that benefit community members. Land use changes can result in concern from a segment of the population, however, within municipalities, mitigation for potentially incompatible uses can be considered through subsequent approval processes, including through adherence to the appropriate Official Plan.

There is a potential for negative environmental impacts from development of areas which currently are Crown lands and largely undeveloped. Related activities such as the cutting of trees and cleaning of vegetation, increased road access and related traffic, residential/cottage development, increased lake access and related pressures have known and largely predictable impacts which can be assessed and mitigated, if appropriate, through consideration of subsequent approvals (e.g., environmental assessment and/or municipal planning requirements).

The anticipated economic consequences are positive. The amendment will support the economic development interests of the Municipality of Red Lake and the Township of Ear Falls, potentially resulting in an increased tax base for these municipalities. This may also provide related benefits, such as through improved municipal service delivery or the maintenance of municipal infrastructure.

There are no annual administrative costs anticipated at this time.