Let’s talk about regulating public land in the NWT

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The Public Land Act (the PLA) received assent on August 21, 2019. The PLA will be brought into force once regulations are developed.

The Department will be engaging with the public, Indigenous and community governments and stakeholders throughout the development of the regulations over the next year.

We asked you to share your thoughts and ideas about what land management issues matter to you and help us shape the regulations for the Public Land Act. Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. The Department of Environment and Climate Change will report back on what we heard.

How do I participate?

Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. Stay tuned for the next round of engagement in 2024. Subscribe for project news and updates to this page.

  • Ideas board is where people shared ideas for improving existing regulations or 'liked' other’s ideas
  • Discussion forums allowed productive dialogue on key topics
  • Q + A is where we answered submitted questions
  • Quick poll with questions geared towards the public and other regulators alike.

Register with a simple screen name and email to stay informed!

How will my contribution make a difference?

We know that land is important to Northerners and want to hear your thoughts on how to approach regulating public land. Your comments and suggestions will influence the development of the Public Land Act regulations over the next year.

Where can I find results?

What We Heard reports will be produced and posted to our website and the Department of Environment and Climate Change’ document library. Proposed regulations will be prepared for further engagement in 2024. You can also sign-up for email updates through the registration process. #HaveyoursayPLA

Who can I contact?

For more information, contact: haveyoursay-lands@gov.nt.ca

The Public Land Act (the PLA) received assent on August 21, 2019. The PLA will be brought into force once regulations are developed.

The Department will be engaging with the public, Indigenous and community governments and stakeholders throughout the development of the regulations over the next year.

We asked you to share your thoughts and ideas about what land management issues matter to you and help us shape the regulations for the Public Land Act. Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. The Department of Environment and Climate Change will report back on what we heard.

How do I participate?

Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. Stay tuned for the next round of engagement in 2024. Subscribe for project news and updates to this page.

  • Ideas board is where people shared ideas for improving existing regulations or 'liked' other’s ideas
  • Discussion forums allowed productive dialogue on key topics
  • Q + A is where we answered submitted questions
  • Quick poll with questions geared towards the public and other regulators alike.

Register with a simple screen name and email to stay informed!

How will my contribution make a difference?

We know that land is important to Northerners and want to hear your thoughts on how to approach regulating public land. Your comments and suggestions will influence the development of the Public Land Act regulations over the next year.

Where can I find results?

What We Heard reports will be produced and posted to our website and the Department of Environment and Climate Change’ document library. Proposed regulations will be prepared for further engagement in 2024. You can also sign-up for email updates through the registration process. #HaveyoursayPLA

Who can I contact?

For more information, contact: haveyoursay-lands@gov.nt.ca

Discussions: All (5) Open (0)
  • Forum theme: When is tenure needed to use public land?

    over 3 years ago
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    CLOSED: Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. The next round of engagement is anticipated to begin early summer 2023.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    What uses of public land should require a disposition, such as a lease, permit or licence? What other types of dispositions should be available? What uses of public land should not require a disposition? 

    How should the Department regulate different kinds of uses:

    • temporary /short-term use (e.g. wall tents)
    • long-term use
    • exclusive use 
    • non-exclusive use


    Replies Closed
  • Forum theme: Land Pricing

    over 3 years ago
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    CLOSED: Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. The next round of engagement is anticipated to begin early summer 2023.

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    What should the Department consider when pricing residential, commercial, or recreational uses of land? Do these categories of land seem appropriate –are there uses missing that the Department should consider separately for pricing? 

    Replies Closed
  • Forum theme: How should we manage quarries?

    over 3 years ago
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    CLOSED: Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. The next round of engagement is anticipated to begin early summer 2023.

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    Quarries are managed differently under the two existing pieces of legislation. The Public Land Act will harmonize the establishment, operation and restoration of quarries on public land.  Do you have any concerns or advice about the way sand and gravel resources are currently managed or should be managed in the future on public land?

    Replies Closed
  • Forum theme: Financial Assurances and Securities

    over 3 years ago
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    CLOSED: Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. The next round of engagement is anticipated to begin early summer 2023.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    “Securities” are funds (cash) or financial assurances such as letters of credit supplied by authorized users of land and water, and held by government, to ensure there is money available to clean up a site, if needed.  

    Security deposit requirements are often conditions of specific authorizations such as water licences, land use permits, or leases. Securities are required for resource development and infrastructure projects, as well as other types of land uses. If an owner or operator abandons a site or becomes insolvent (bankrupt), the government can use the securities to cover the costs of  decommissioning and reclamation.

    Currently, security is calculated on the basis that it must cover 100% of what it would cost the government to remediate the project. How would you propose the Department calculate the amount that is required for dispositions on public land? What factors should the determination take into account? 

    The GNWT’s preferred forms of security are cash and irrevocable letters of credit. Do you have any suggestions about this?

    What information should the GNWT report to the public about securities? 


    Replies Closed
  • Forum theme: How can the Department better support agricultural development on public land?

    about 3 years ago
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    CLOSED: Contributions to this public engagement are closed for review and comments. The next round of engagement is anticipated to begin early summer 2023.

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    What barriers currently exist in obtaining land for commercial agricultural activities?  How could new land administration regulations under the Public Land Act better support development of the NWT food industry?

    Replies Closed
Page last updated: 22 Jan 2024, 10:37 AM