Press Releases
YELLOWKNIFE (March 11, 2015) – People looking to build a cabin along the Ingraham Trail may enter their name into the open ballot draw coming up later this summer. Minister of Lands Robert C. McLeod made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly today.
“The Department of Lands is responding to what we have been hearing from northern residents, both in the past and more recently during the Recreational Land Management Framework (RLMF) meetings,” said Minister McLeod. “By holding a ballot draw along this portion of the Ingraham Trail, we meet some of the demand for recreational-type leases in a way that also sustains present and future generations.”
The 22 vacant lots are located in six pre-surveyed subdivisions. Two leases are on Reid Lake, seven on Tibbitt Lake, five on Peninsula Lake, one on Pontoon Lake, six on Prelude Lake and one on Madeline Lake. None of these subdivisions are within the areas withdrawn through the Akaitcho Interim Measures Agreement.
The remainder of the RLMF Focus Area along Highway 3 and the Ingraham Trail remains closed to new recreational leases.
The Department of Lands has been holding meetings to seek public input into the development of a Recreational Land Management Framework for the Northwest Territories. This work will help ensure the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) administers and manages recreational land leases in a way that balances northern interests, and respects Aboriginal and treaty rights. It also meets one of the 17th Assembly’s priorities by building a strong and sustainable future for our territory by working with partners to ensure responsible stewardship through our land management regime.
The decision to open 22 pre-existing vacant cottage lots along the Ingraham Trail stems from the Minister’s commitment to examine options for managing vacant, previously surveyed lots within existing subdivisions along the Ingraham Trail. Environmental factors, Aboriginal rights and public feedback gathered to date from the RLMF consultations were carefully considered in the decision.
Further details on the leases, including lease rates and other requirements, as well as information on how to enter the draw, will be advertised widely and made available on the Department of Lands website at www.lands.gov.nt.ca on May 1, 2015. The open ballot draw will take place in the summer of 2015.
Media inquiries:
Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the NWT
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca
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