Fish Lake Land Use Planning Initiated

Thursday, 14 January 2021 11:45

Interested parties can submit expressions of interest to be part of the Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) Local Area Plan Steering Committee with the Government of Yukon until February 15, 2021.

The Government of Yukon and Kwanlin Dün First Nation are launching a local area planning process for the Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) area. This process is initiated under Section 30 of Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s Self-Government Agreement, where two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2020 to develop a local area plan for the Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) area. The planning process involves consultation with all members of the community and other stakeholders. Throughout the process, the steering committee engages with the public, stakeholders, First Nations Citizens, and gathers feedback for consideration.

A consultant is working on a background report that will help guide the development of the local area plan. Additionally, a steering committee comprised of representatives from both governments will be established to coordinate and develop the recommendations for this cooperative plan.

"The local area planning process is invaluable in guiding land development and reducing land use conflicts in an area. The process provides local residents and those with strong ties to the area with the opportunity to influence the decisions about land use and ensures broad public interests are taken into consideration. Given the proximity of Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) to Whitehorse, its popularity as a recreational and tourism area, and its importance to Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwächän Council, this local area planning process will be of high interest to many. We look forward to working cooperatively with Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwächän Council and the community on developing a local area plan for this beautiful and popular area." Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai

"Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) has always been an important site to the people of Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Our ancestors have used the land and water for sustenance for many thousands of years. Our strong connection to the site continues today. As we embark on this process in partnership with the Government of Yukon, we look forward to building a plan that will honour the traditional uses of the area and balance our modern uses with conservation of the land, water and wildlife, and with the treaty rights of KDFN citizens. This is the first local area planning process to take place under Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s newly enacted Lands Act Nan kay sháwthän Däk'anúta ch'e (We look after our land). It signifies another step forward in our First Nation’s self-determination." Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill

Interested parties can submit expressions of interest to be part of the Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) Local Area Plan Steering Committee with the Government of Yukon until February 15, 2021.

This is the first local area planning process initiated under Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s new Lands Act, Nan kay sháwthän Däk'anúta ch'e, that came into force in October 2020.

Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) area is approximately 460 square kilometres. It is located west of the City of Whitehorse. Current land use includes a mixture of rural residential, agricultural, commercial, recreational, and subsistence activities.

Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake) is located in the Traditional Territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Ta’an Kwächän Council also has a site specific parcel in the area.