The Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon has voiced its support for the recent court ruling on the land-use plan for the Peel watershed.
Earlier this month a Supreme Court of Yukon judge struck down the Yukon government’s plan for the Peel, which would have seen most of the area opened up for mining and development.
Justice Ron Veale found that the government strayed from the process set out in land claims agreements when it introduced its own ideas for the plan at a late stage in the process.
“It is essential for Yukon’s future that there is stability and clarity in regards to land-use planning processes,” said Neil Hartling, the association’s chair, in a news release. “Respect for the Umbrella Final Agreement and the requirements for meaningful consultation are a fundamental aspect of such stability, and will serve to create an economic climate that is conducive to investment, growth and development.”
Under the ruling, the government must consult again on the Peel commission’s final recommended plan, which would protect 80 per cent of the region from new development.
Following consultation the government must implement that plan, or something close to it, Veale ruled.
The association is in favour of the final recommended plan because it “offers the most certainty to tourism,” according to the press release.
“Planning should create more certainty, not less,” said Hartling. “TIA Yukon looks forward to working with the Yukon government and our First Nations partners in the spirit of Justice Veale’s judgment to create a climate of economic certainty that will serve Yukon businesses and residents alike.”
The Yukon government has not announced if it will appeal the ruling.