The SLUP Zoning Map shows the entire Sahtu Settlement Area in different colours. Each colour designates a different zone type which manages land use in different ways by applying different conditions and restrictions on development.
Conservation Zones (CZs)
Green areas on the map show lands that are protected through the land use plan. Conservation Zones protect the most important areas by restricting new development in these areas. Bulk water removal, oil and gas development, mining, power development, forestry, and quarrying are not allowed in Conservation Zones.
Proposed Conservation Initiatives (PCIs)
PCIs are areas being protected outside the Plan through other territorial or federal processes, such as the establishment of National Parks, National Wildlife Areas, or Territorial Parks. Until they are established, the Plan protects these areas as if they were Conservation Zones by restricting new development.
Special Management Zones (SMZs)
Yellow areas on the map show where development can happen subject to the special management conformity requirements to protect values identified for each SMZ. Cultural sites, traditional uses, wildlife habitat, and sensitive environmental features are examples of values identified in the SLUP zone descriptions.
General Use Zones (GUZs)
These areas are open for development, but are still protected under the permitting system that is already in place across the Mackenzie Valley. GUZs are intended provide for economic opportunities in the Sahtu. The Plan still requires that development conform to requirements that apply to all zones.
Land use planning involves making decisions about how the land will be used in the future. It takes into account the social/cultural, environmental and economic interests of all planning partners, which includes the people of the Sahtu, the Government of the Northwest Territories, Government of Canada, industry, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The land use plan was adopted on April 29, 2013 when the SLUPB felt that it was a final plan that all approving bodies would agree to. The plan was then submitted for sequential approval as required by Section 43 of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. SSI approved the plan July 4, 2013 and then the GNWT on July 25, 2013. The Plan came into effect the day the Minister of AANDC signed the Plan on behalf of the Government of Canada on August 8, 2013.
Conformity Requirements consist of land use zones and conditions for development. There are different conditions for development that apply to the different zone types. These conditions are called Conformity Requirements (CRs). All new activities occurring anywhere in the Sahtu Settlement Area are required to conform to (follow) these conditions. General conditions apply to all zone types, whereas Special Management Conditions apply to SMZs, CZs, and PCIs.
All proponents (someone who wants to develop on the land) must demonstrate that they have met the CRs before an application to work on the land or use the water can be granted. The CRs are mandatory.
If a proponent wants to develop on the land, they would first look at the zoning map and figure out which zone they are in. This will tell them whether or not development is allowed and what CRs they have to follow.
Actions are measures directed at various bodies, including Designated Sahtu Organizations, government departments and agencies, and co-management boards, to advance planning issues or fill data gaps needed to move the SLUP forward during future review cycles.
Recommendations support the regulatory process by identifying additional factors or measures for applicants and regulators to consider or act on during project reviews. Applicants and regulators are asked to consider and implement recommendations wherever feasible and appropriate.
The Plan is intended to be reviewed and updated every 5-years. However, the plan may be amended at any time. Plan amendments may be considered for a variety of reasons, including the need to address a new land use, consider new information, update the status and application of the plan to a newly established protected area, or clarify Plan requirements. Any changes proposed by the SLUPB must also be approved by the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, and governments of the Northwest Territories and Canada to take effect.
Land use planning is about making decisions on how to use the land. The Land Use Plan applies equally to all potential land users including Sahtu Dene and Metis organisations, government and industry.
Land use planning does not change who owns the land. Land ownership was determined through the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. The Land Use Plan applies the same to Settlement Lands and Crown Lands.
Land use planning does not change, impact, or affected harvesting or traditional rights of the Dene and Metis in the Sahtú Settlement Area. Land use planning reaffirms the traditional and harvesting rights protected under the land claim.
The Sahtú Land Use Planning Board (SLUPB) is an institute of public government. It is a neutral board expected to make decisions in the best interests of the Sahtu communities, while considering the interests of all Canadians. It was created to give the people of the Sahtu a voice in how the land use decisions are made.
The Sahtu Land Use Planning Board is made up of nominees from the Sahtú Secretariat Incorporated (SSI), the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), and the Government of Canada. SSI has 2 nominees on the Board, whereas the GNWT has 1 and the Government of Canada has 1. These 4 members nominate the Chairperson who makes up the fifth and last member. Members are appointed by the Minister of Northern Affairs Canada for a 3-year term, and are expected to make decisions in a fair and neutral manner.
The SLUPB office is in the Yamoga Building in Fort Good Hope. Contact us in person, via email, phone or fax if you have any questions.
Sahtú Land Use Planning Board
P.O. Box 235
Fort Good Hope, NT
X0E 0H0
Ph: +1 867 598-2055
Fx: +1 867 598-2545
Toll-free: 1-877 331-3364
General Email: info@sahtulanduseplan.org
The land use plan was negotiated by the Sahtu and Metis negotiators in the 1993 Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. The land use plan is a way to reduce conflict over different land use interests in the region.
The land use plan protects the areas most important to the Sahtu Dene and Metis for social, cultural and ecological reasons while allowing for economic development in suitable areas. The plan aims to be balanced and take into consideration the interests of all parties, including the Sahtu Dene and Metis, the GNWT, Government of Canada, industry, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).