Government of Yukon announces new Resource Roads Regulation

Dec. 10, 2024

The Government of Yukon is committed to protecting the environment through responsible and sustainable land management, including road regulations. A new Resource Roads Regulation will take effect January 27, 2025, clarifying where, why, how and who can access new resource roads.

A resource road is a road constructed and used specifically for the purpose of accessing mines, minerals, oil and gas, quarries and renewable energy projects on public lands. Roads accessing forest resources are already being addressed under the Forest Resources Act, which was updated this fall.

This Regulation will affect new resource roads. Access to existing roads will remain unchanged unless re-designated through a formal process that includes public engagement. Newly permitted resource roads will be regulated throughout their construction, operation, closure and reclamation to limit adverse environmental effects and ensure health and safety of industrial road users.

Resource roads will also require security from operators, which will help to ensure proper reclamation, limiting future environmental liabilities. The new Regulation will also provide increased clarity for proponents’ projects related to access issues.

To develop this new Regulation, in spring 2023, Yukon First Nations, transboundary Indigenous groups, industry stakeholders and the public were consulted on draft regulations. A steering committee for new public lands legislation identified resource roads and road access as key policy issues. Additionally, a First Nation working group was formed to review the draft Regulation, address consultation feedback and recommend improvements.

The Resource Roads Regulation is an important step forward in managing industrial access into remote parts of the Yukon. These regulations will help limit the extent of new roads on the landscape, protect the environment during their construction and use and ensure reclamation is done at the end of a project.

Minister of Department of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

Quick facts

• A resource road is a road constructed and used for the purpose of accessing mines, minerals, oil and gas, quarries and renewable energy projects on public lands.
• Roads used to access forest resources are managed separately under the Forest Resources Act.
• The Government of Yukon released a What We Heard report on the 2023 resource road public engagement feedback.
• The Resource Roads Regulation falls under the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act.
• Related enabling amendments required to the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act passed during the fall 2021 sitting.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Alison Callaghan
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-334-3460
Alison.Callaghan@yukon.ca

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