Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan

Home , Buchan Gulf, Cape Vera, Igloolik Island, King eider, Meadowbank Gold Mine, Polar Bear Pass

Options and Recommendations

Draft – 2014

Contents

Introduction ...... 3 Aerodromes ...... 75 Purpose ...... 3 DND Establishments ...... 76 Guiding Policies, Objectives and Goals ...... 3 North Warning System Sites...... 76

Considered Information ...... 3 Encouraging Sustainable Economic Development ..... 77 Decision making framework ...... 4 Mineral Potential ...... 77 General Options Considered ...... 4 Oil and Gas Exploration ...... 78

Protecting and Sustaining the Environment ...... 5 Commercial Fisheries ...... 78

Key Migratory Bird Habitat Sites ...... 5 Mixed Use ...... 80 Caribou Habitat ...... 41 Mixed Use ...... 80 Polar Bear Denning Areas ...... 43 Walrus Haul-Outs ...... 43 Appendix A: Tables Atlantic Cod Lakes ...... 44 Table 1: Migratory Bird Setbacks Marine Areas of Importance ...... 44 Table 2: Community Priorities and Values for WMAs Transboundary Considerations ...... 46 Table 3: Community Priorities and Values for Marine Areas Climate Change ...... 47 Table 4: Community Land Use for WMAs

Encouraging Conservation Planning ...... 48 Parks Awaiting Full Establishment ...... 48 Appendix B: Supporting Maps for each Area

Proposed Parks ...... 49 Map 1 – Map 184 Proposed National Marine Conservation Areas ...... 51

Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary ...... 52 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries ...... 52 National Wildlife Areas ...... 57 Historic Sites ...... 60 Heritage Rivers ...... 61

Building Healthier Communities ...... 63 Community Areas of Interest ...... 63 Community Priorities and Values ...... 66 Community Land Use Areas ...... 66 Areas of Equal Use and Occupancy ...... 67 Denesuline Areas of Asserted Title Claim ...... 68 Transportation Infrastructure ...... 68 Unincorporated Communities ...... 69 Alternative Energy Sources ...... 69 Community Drinking Water Supplies ...... 70 Land Remediation ...... 74 Contaminated Sites ...... 75

Chapter 1 Accordingly, the options, recommendations and decisions in this document build upon the direction provided by;

Introduction  The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement;

 The Nunavut Planning Commission’s Broad Purpose Planning Policies, Objectives and Goals;

This document has been prepared to inform the draft  The North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan; Nunavut Land Use Plan (the Plan). It offers policy direction for land and resource use in the Nunavut  The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan; Settlement Area (NSA) that;  Canada’s Northern Strategy: Our North, Our  recognizes competing land use interests and Heritage, Our Future;

provides a balanced response that builds on  Terriplan’s Socio Demographic and Economic strengths and opportunities in the Territory; Sector Analysis;

 promotes economic opportunities, environmental  The Commissions Use and Occupancy Mapping management, conservation initiatives, and data; community priorities;

 Government, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated  reflects direction, priorities and values provided and Regional Inuit Association strategies, by planning partners, existing planning policy policies, management plans and reports; and pertinent land use and development reports; and  Municipal Land Use Plans for the Nunavut

Settlement Area;  is flexible enough to respond to changing

priorities and additional information.  Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining

Strategy identifies the need to create conditions This document is intended to evolve over time to include for a strong and sustainable minerals industry additional information as it becomes available. that contributes to a high and sustainable

quality of life for all Nunavummiut; Guiding Policies, Objectives and Goals

 Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy; This document is guided by the five goals contained in the Commission’s Broad Planning Policies, Objectives and Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports Goals;  the development and enhancement of

attractions through the investment in Parks,  Strengthening Partnership and Institutions; Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage  Protecting and Sustaining the Environment; rivers and other attractions.;

 Encouraging Conservation Planning;  Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species  Building Healthy Communities, and with important economic and cultural values identifies caribou as a keystone species with  Encouraging Sustainable Economic Development. important economic and cultural values;

These Goals and the associated Policies and Objectives  Feedback received from Planning Partners; lay the foundation for the policy options and recommendations contained in this document.  Existing land and resource use in the NSA;

Considered Information  Recommendations from the June 2012 Independent Third Party Review; Direction provided in the existing planning policy framework, pertinent land use and development reports,  Results of the 2012-2014 Community input from Planning Partners as well as existing land and Consultation Tour and Planning Partner resource use in the NSA direct the policy options, Consultations; and recommendations and decisions contained in this document.  Priorities and values of residents. Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014  3

Decision making framework • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to Policy options and recommendations contained in this be considered in the design, review, and conduct report have been formulated based on best available of the activity. information, best practices of planning theory and professional practice and recommendations from the Option 2 - Special Management Area: June 2012 Independent Third Party Review in particular the need to manage expectations in the first generation • May restrict access to some uses. Nunavut Land Use Plan. • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Policy decisions were formulated using a four step • May identify priorities and values that need to decision making framework; be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity.

• Key Areas of the NSA that required Option 3 - Mixed Use: management in the Plan were identified in the existing planning policy framework, pertinent land use reports, Planning Partner feedback as • Allows all uses. 1. Identify Key well as existing land and resource use in the • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Areas NSA. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity.

• Once a Key Area of the NSA was identified, it Option 4 – Direction to Regulatory Authorities: was grouped according to its significance to the broad planning policies, objectives and goals. 2. Group Key • Direction to Government departments, agencies Areas and other regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Options were then developed to mange each of the activity. Key Area in consideration of the identified value of the area, the intent of the applicable Goal, the existing planning policy framework, pertinent The general option chosen for each key area will be land use reports, and, where applicable, Planning specifically tailored to reflect the unique information 3. Develop Partner feedback and existing land and Options resource use in the area. considered for each key area.

• A preferred Option was recommended for each Key Area that was best able to balance competing land use, build on the strengths and opportunities in the area, and reflect the direction provided by planning partners, 4. Make planning policy documents and pertinent Recommedation reports.

General Options Considered

Four general options are considered for each Key Area. Three Options, Protected Area, Special Management Area and Mixed Use each represent a Land Use Designation. The fourth option is not a Land Use Designation but provides direction to regulatory authorities to implement when considering Project Proposals.

Option 1- Protected Area:

• Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use.

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Chapter 2  Marine Areas of Importance;

 Transboundary Considerations; and Protecting and Sustaining  Climate Change. the Environment Key Migratory Bird Habitat Sites

“The goal of protecting and conserving Nunavut’s air, land and water, i.e. the environment, including wildlife (see Map 1 – Map 54) and wildlife habitat, is of critical importance to the sustainability of Nunavut’s communities, Inuit culture The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), under Environment and the continuation of a viable long-term economy.” Canada, has provided the Commission with the location of key bird habitat sites in the NSA. These areas have Introduction been identified by CWS for their importance to sustaining and supporting terrestrial and marine bird populations in the NSA. Protecting and Sustaining the Environment is one of five planning Goals in the Nunavut Planning Commission’s Some of the Key Migratory Bird Habitat Sites are located Broad Planning Policies, Objectives and Goals. It is the in areas where there are competing land uses and/or primary aim of this Chapter to provide a practical policy areas where other Planning Partners have identified direction that is able to support this Goal. other types of land use activity.

Specifically, this Chapter; The following information has been considered for all the key migratory bird habitat sites:  identifies key areas of Nunavut that are critical to the protection and conservation of the  The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a environment, including wildlife and wildlife land use plan to take into account environmental habitat; considerations, including wildlife habitat;

 provides options for managing these key areas;  It is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to  recommends a preferred option for the respect and consider sites of ecological management of these areas that is best able to significance that are not officially protected, support the Goal of Protecting and Sustain the such as: polynyas, key migratory bird sites, Environment and build on the direction provided Ramsar sites, and critical habitat that has been by planning policy, pertinent reports and identified but not yet declared; feedback from Planning Partners; and It is an objective NPCs broad planning policies,  translates the preferred option into a language objectives and goals that any proposed that a Land Use Plan can articulate and restrictions on land use are achieved with the implement. least possible impact on undiscovered mineral resources, while taking into account Key Areas and Issues environmental and social objectives;

Areas and issues of the NSA identified by the  Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy Commission as important to promoting the identifies the need for land and marine protection and conservation of the environment transportation networks to facilitate the are; movement of goods and provision of services;

 Key Migratory Bird Habitat Sites;  Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy identifies the need to create conditions  Caribou Habitat; for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable  Polar Bear Denning Areas; quality of life for all Nunavummiut;

 Walrus Haul-Outs;  Key Habitat Sites for Migratory Birds in the Nunavut Settlement area submitted to the  Atlantic Cod Lakes; Commission from Environment Canada;

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KRLUP identifies healthy wildlife populations as • EC states that it will review project proposals in vital to Inuit. It places an emphasis on the key migratory bird habitat sites with an protection and preservation of wildlife and additional level of scrutiny, to ensure conformity wildlife habitat. The Keewatin Region is with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and recognized for containing significant habitat for Regulations; bird populations, which is nationally and internationally recognized. • CWS recognizes two categorizes of bird sites: Red Sites and Yellow Sites: KIVALLIQ REGION • Red Sites (Highly Risk Intolerant): Coats Island Lowlands • Are legislated protected areas under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (see Map 1) or the Canada Wildlife Act; and/or CWS noted the following: • Support a percentage of a national species population equal to or • Category: greater than the percentage of o Moderately risk intolerant ‘sustainable loss’ that the population • Qualifying criterion: can tolerate; and/or o Contains 1-5% of the national population of one or more migratory bird species that are • host greater than 5% of a national exhibiting population declines as of 2005 population of a species exhibiting (Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, population declines as of 2005; Semipalmated Sandpiper) and/or o Hosts 5%-10% of a national population of a species NOT exhibiting population declines as • have been identified, or are of 2005 (Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper) anticipated to be identified, as • Feature bird group: critical habitat for a migratory bird o Shorebird species listed as ‘endangered’ or • Site details: ‘threatened’ under the Species at o Species at risk: Peregrine Falcon (Special Risk Act (SARA); Concern), Polar Bear (Special Concern) o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area; • Yellow Sites (Moderately Risk Intolerant): International Biological Program Site • Current human activities at site: • support 5% - 10% of the national o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut population of one or more migratory Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries bird species that are NOT exhibiting • Anticipated human activities at site: population declines as of 2005; or o Shipping, cruise ship tourism, biological research, harvesting and ancillary activities by • support 1 - 5% of the national Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries population of one or more migratory • Threats to birds from current/future activities bird species that are exhibiting at site: population declines as of 2005; and o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing • CWS recommends access restrictions for the human disturbance related to cruise ship Red Sites and other forms of management tourism; risk for oil spills and operational for the Yellow Sites releases originating from shipping • Potential consequences for bird populations: The following information is also relevant for some of o Disruption of feeding and nesting birds the key bird habitat sites: resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • Some sites contain IOL and it is NTI’s direction • Recommended setbacks: that development activity should not be o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); restricted on IOL; and EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory Some sites are located within the boundaries of Birds) the Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan. The

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Additional considerations: o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • The site has UOM activity; • Anticipated human activities at site: o Cruise ship tourism; harvesting and ancillary • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement polar bear, walrus, fish, marine mammals, beneficiaries shellfish, potential economic development, • Threats to birds from current/future activities existing economic development, and no oil and at site: gas development; and o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing • The site contains some IOL. human disturbance related to cruise ship tourism; risk of oil spills and operational Option 2 is recommended: releases originating from shipping • May restrict access to some uses. • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Includes terms to guide land use. o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • May include direction to regulatory authorities. originating from all shipping activities; • May identify priorities and values that need to disruption of feeding and nesting birds be considered in the design, review, and conduct resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct of the activity. loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • Recommended setbacks: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks that project proposal in relation to other development (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) activities in the planning region. Additional considerations: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • The site contains a portion of a MBS; populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. • The site has UOM activity;

Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of shellfish, drinking water, cultural values, the area. potential economic development, no oil and gas development, and protection; and Boas River • The site contains some IOL. (see Map 2) Option 2 is recommended: CWS noted the following: • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use. • Category: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. o Moderately risk intolerant • May identify priorities and values that need to • Qualifying criterion: be considered in the design, review, and conduct o Contains 5%-10% of the national population of of the activity. one or more migratory bird species that are NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling (Lesser Snow Goose) within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • Feature bird group: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o Inland waterfowl (Lesser Snow Goose) that project proposal in relation to other development o Also important at site: coastal waterfowl activities in the planning region. (Atlantic Brant), marine shorebird (Red Phalarope) Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • Site details: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area populations identified above during the issuance of o Species at risk: Red Knot ssp. rufa permits, licences and authorizations. (Endangered); Polar bear (Special Concern) • Current human activities at site:

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Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to related to a higher volume of air traffic to be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have support remediation activities been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of • Recommended setbacks: the area. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); McConnell River EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds) (see Map 3) Additional considerations: CWS noted the following: • The site has UOM activity, and a burial site; • Category: o Moderately risk intolerant • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, • Qualifying criterion: polar bear, birds, fish, marine mammals, fishing o Contains 5% to 10% of the national population river or lake, land mammals, drinking water, of one or more migratory bird species that are cultural values, impacts, and protection; NOT exhibiting declines as of 2005 (Ross' Goose) • The site surrounds a MBS; • Feature bird group: o Waterfowl (Ross’ Goose) • The site has an Arctic char area of abundance; o Also important at site: Shorebird (e.g. Semipalmated Sandpiper) • The site is in a community water supply • Site details: watershed; o Non-binding designations: Ramsar Wetland of International Importance; Important Bird Area • The site contains prospecting permits; o Species at risk: Short-eared Owl (Special Concern); Polar bear (Special Concern) • The site includes a proposed transportation • Current human activities at site: corridor; and o Cruise ship tourism; mineral Claim (iron ore); contaminated site remediation; harvesting and • The site contains some IOL. ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries Option 2 is recommended: • Anticipated human activities at site: • May restrict access to some uses. o Cruise ship tourism; mineral exploration; • Includes terms to guide land use. contaminated site remediation; harvesting and • May include direction to regulatory authorities. ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims • May identify priorities and values that need to Agreement beneficiaries be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Threats to birds from current/future activities of the activity. at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the human disturbance related to cruise ship NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of tourism; risk of oil spills and operational that project proposal in relation to other development releases originating from shipping; increased activities in the planning region. physical, auditory, and visual disturbance related to mining exploration activity; Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, increased auditory and visual disturbance must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird related to a higher volume of air traffic to populations identified above during the issuance of support remediation activities permits, licences and authorizations. • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have human disturbance related to cruise ship been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of tourism; risk of oil spills and operational the area. releases originating from shipping; increased physical, auditory, and visual disturbance Middle Back River related to mining exploration activity; increased auditory and visual disturbance (see Map 4)

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CWS noted the following: • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Category: of the activity. o Moderately risk intolerant • Qualifying criterion: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling o Contains 5%-10% of the national population of within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the one or more migratory bird species that are NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 that project proposal in relation to other development (Canada Goose, subspecies maximus activities in the planning region. • Feature bird group: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Waterfowl • Site details: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird populations identified above during the issuance of o Species at risk: Wolverine (Special Concern), Grizzly Bear (Special Concern) permits, licences and authorizations.

o Non-binding designations: None • Current human activities at site: Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have o Mineral claims (uranium); harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of Agreement beneficiaries the area. • Anticipated human activities at site: Frozen Strait o Mineral exploration; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries (see Map 5) • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: CWS noted the following:

o Increased auditory and visual disturbance related to a higher volume of air and ground • Category: traffic to support mineral exploration; o Highly risk intolerant increased physical, auditory, visual disturbance • Qualifying criterion: related to mining exploration activity o Supports a percentage of a national species • Potential consequences for bird populations: population equal to or greater than the percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the o Disturbance-related disruption of bird feeding, incubation, brood-rearing, resulting in loss of population can tolerate (Common Eider) eggs and/or young • Feature bird group: • Recommended setbacks: o Seaduck • Site details: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) Birds) o Non-binding designations: none • Current human activities at site: Additional considerations: o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • The site has UOM activity; • Anticipated human activities at site: o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries land mammals, wildlife, cultural values, • Threats to birds from current/future activities contaminated sites, potential economic at site: development, and protection; o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil • The site contains some IOL; spills and operational releases originating from ships • The site has mineral claims; and • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • The site is adjacent to the Thelon Wildlife originating from all shipping activities; Sanctuary. disruption of feeding and nesting birds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct Option 2 is recommended: loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • May restrict access to some uses. • Recommended setbacks: • Includes terms to guide land use. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl • May include direction to regulatory authorities. and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks

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(Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS o Contains 1-5% of the national population of Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and one or more migratory bird species that ARE Seaducks) exhibiting population declines as of 2005 (Long-tailed Duck, King Eider) Additional considerations: o Contains 5%-10% of the national population of one or more migratory bird species that are • The site has UOM activity; NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 (Canada Goose, Lesser Snow Goose) • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, • Feature bird group: polar bear, walrus, bird, fish, marine mammals, o Inland Seaduck shellfish, fishing river or lakes, land mammals, o Waterfowl wildlife, drinking water, cultural values, • Site details: contaminated sites, potential economic o Species at risk: Wolverine (Special Concern), development, existing economic development, Grizzly Bear (Special Concern) no oil and gas, and protection; and o Non-binding designations: none • Current human activities at site: • The site contains limited IOL o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries Option 1 is recommended: • Anticipated human activities at site: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by with environmental and cultural values. Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • May include terms to guide land use. • Threats to birds from current/future activities • May include direction to regulatory authorities. at site: • May identify priorities and values that need to o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area be considered in the design, review, and conduct experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil of the activity. spills and operational releases originating from shipping The following uses are prohibited: • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Oil and gas exploration and production; and o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • Related research. originating from all shipping activities; direct loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Recommended setbacks: within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory that project proposal in relation to other development Birds) activities in the planning region. Additional considerations: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • The site contains some IOL; populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. • The site has UOM activity;

• The site is adjacent to Queen Maud Gulf Bird KITIKMEOT REGION Sanctuary.

Adelaide Peninsula • The area includes core caribou calving areas.

(see Map 6) Option 2 is recommended: • May restrict access to some uses. CWS noted the following: • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Category: • May identify priorities and values that need to o Moderately risk intolerant be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Qualifying Criterion: of the activity.

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Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the fish, land mammals, cultural values, and existing NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of economic development; and that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. • The site has UOM activity and there is an adjacent possible caribou sea ice crossing. Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Option 2 is recommended: populations identified above during the issuance of • May restrict access to some uses. permits, licences and authorizations. • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to • May identify priorities and values that need to be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have be considered in the design, review, and conduct been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of of the activity. the area. Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling Melbourne Island within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of (see Map 7) that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. CWS noted the following: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • Category: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird o Moderately risk intolerant populations identified above during the issuance of • Qualifying Criterion: permits, licences and authorizations. o Contains 1-5% of the national population of one or more migratory bird species that ARE Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to exhibiting population declines as of 2005 (Red be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have Phalarope) been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of • Feature bird group: the area. o Shorebird • Site details: South Eastern Victoria Island o Species at risk: Wolverine (Special Concern) o Non-binding designations: none (see Map 8) • Current human activities at site: o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut CWS noted the following: Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • Anticipated human activities at site: • Category: o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by o Moderately risk intolerant Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • Qualifying Criterion: • Threats to birds from current/future activities o Contains 5%-10% of the national population of at site: one or more migratory bird species that are o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil (Canada Goose, King Eider) spills and operational releases originating from o Contains 1-5% of the national population of shipping one or more migratory bird species that ARE • Potential consequences for bird populations: exhibiting populations declines as of 2005 o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions (Long-tailed Duck) originating from all shipping activities; direct • Feature bird group: loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution o Waterfowl • Recommended setbacks: o Inland Seaduck o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); • Site details: EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory o Species at risk: Red Knot ssp. rufa Birds) (Endangered); Short-eared Owl (Special Concern; Polar Bear (Special Concern) Additional considerations: o Non-binding designations: none • Current human activities at site: • The site is all IOL;

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o Shipping; municipality; harvesting and ancillary • May identify priorities and values that need to activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement be considered in the design, review, and conduct beneficiaries of the activity. • Anticipated human activities at site: o Shipping; municipality; contaminated site Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling remediation; harvesting and ancillary activities within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of beneficiaries that project proposal in relation to other development • Threats to birds from current/future activities activities in the planning region. at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird human disturbance related to cruise ship populations identified above during the issuance of tourism; risk of oil spills and operational permits, licences and authorizations. releases originating from shipping; increased auditory and visual disturbance related to a Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to higher volume of air traffic to support be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have municipality and remediation activities; ground been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of traffic related to growth of municipality the area. • Potential consequences for bird populations: Bathurst / Elu Inlet o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; disruption of feeding and nesting birds (see Map 9) resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct loss of birds due to contaminants and CWS noted the following: pollution; potential for bird-aircraft collisions originating from air traffic at low altitude or • Category: too close from concentration of birds o Highly risk intolerant • Recommended setbacks: • Qualifying Criterion: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); o Hosts more than 10% of a national population EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); of one or more migratory bird species (Common EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory Eider, Thayer’s Gull) Birds) o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the Additional considerations: percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ than the population can tolerate (Common Eider) • The site contains some IOL; • Feature bird group: o Seaduck, Seabird • The site is in an Arctic char area of abundance • Site details: and has a commercial fishery; o Species at risk: Polar Bear (special concern), Peregrine Falcon (special concern) • The site has North Warning System sites, land o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area; remediation areas and a community water supply International Biological Programme Site watershed; • Current human activities at site: o Shipping; mining lease; harvesting and • The site has UOM activity and encompasses a ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims community; Agreement beneficiaries • Anticipated human activities at site: • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, o Shipping; mine construction and mineral land mammals, and existing economic production; harvesting and ancillary activities development; and by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • The site is adjacent to a possible caribou sea ice • Threats to birds from current/future activity: crossing. o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil Option 2 is recommended: spills and operational releases originating from • May restrict access to some uses. ships; potential from dredging of channel to • Includes terms to guide land use. support large ship access; increase in air traffic • May include direction to regulatory authorities.

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disturbance related to mining activities; human populations identified above during the issuance of disturbance from mining activities permits, licences and authorizations. • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to originating from all shipping activities; direct be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are loss of birds due to contaminants and incompatible with the protection of environmental pollution; potential for direct or indirect impact values should be restricted. on seaduck food sources; potential for bird- aircraft collisions originating from air traffic at Kagloryuak River low altitude or from flying too close to concentration of birds; 2ii. Disruption of (see Map 10) feeding and nesting birds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young CWS noted the following: • Recommended setbacks: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); • Category: EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl o Highly risk intolerant and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks • Qualifying Criterion: (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) o Contain habitat likely to be identified as Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as Additional considerations: ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species at Risk Act (Red Knot) • The site contains IOL; • Feature bird group: o Shorebird • The site is in an Arctic char area of abundance • Site details: and has mineral leases; o Species at risk: Red Knot spp. rufa (Endangered), Polar Bear (Special Concern), • The site has UOM activity and possible caribou Short-eared Owl (Special Concern) sea ice crossings; and o Non-binding designations: NWT portion of key habitat site zoned as a community • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, conservation zone birds, fish, marine mammals, shellfish, land • Current human activities at site: mammals, drinking water, cultural values, o None (NU portion of site) impacts, and existing economic development. • Anticipated human activities at site: o None (NU portion of site) • A portion of the area falls within an identified • Threats to birds from current/future activities high potential mineral area. at site: o None (NU portion of site) Option 1 is recommended: • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o None (NU portion of site) with environmental and cultural values. • Recommended setbacks: • May include terms to guide land use. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); • May include direction to regulatory authorities. EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory • May identify priorities and values that need to Birds) be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. Additional considerations:

The following uses are prohibited: • Priorities and values of residents include caribou; • Oil and gas exploration and production; and and • Related research. • The site has mineral claims and mineral leases. Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the Option 1 is recommended: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible that project proposal in relation to other development with environmental and cultural values. activities in the planning region. • May include terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • May identify priorities and values that need to must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity.

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related to contaminated site remediation - The following uses are prohibited: associated activities; human disturbance • Mineral exploration and production; related to contaminated site remediation - • Oil and gas exploration and production; associated activities; alteration of seabed due • Quarries; to dredging • Hydro development; • Potential consequences for bird populations: • All weather roads; and o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • Related research. originating from all shipping activities; disruption of feeding and nesting birds Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird loss of birds due to contaminants and populations identified above during the issuance of pollution; potential for bird-aircraft collisions permits, licences and authorizations. originating from air traffic at low altitude or too close from concentration of birds; Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to disruption of feeding and nesting birds be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; loss of incompatible with the protection of environmental benthic prey for seaducks/waterfowl and values should be restricted. seabirds • Recommended setbacks: Lambert Channel o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (see Map 11) (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and CWS noted the following: Seaducks)

• Category: Additional considerations:

o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: • The site has UOM activity and is in an anadromous coregonids area of abundance; o Hosts more than 10% of a national population of one or more migratory bird species (Pacific Common Eider) • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, birds, fish, river or lake of interest, land o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the mammals, cultural values, and existing economic percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the development; and population can tolerate (Pacific Common Eider) • Feature bird group: • The site has North Warning System sites and land remediation areas; and o Seaduck • Site details: • The site contains some IOL. o Critical polynya habitat and critical spring staging, moulting, breeding area for Pacific Common Eider Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o Species at risk: Short-eared Owl (Special Concern) with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. o Non-binding designations: None • Current human activities at site: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by • May identify priorities and values that need to Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Anticipated human activities at site: of the activity.

o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; contaminated site remediation; marine cable Installation; The following uses are prohibited: harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut • Oil and gas exploration and production; and Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • Related research. • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of human disturbance related to cruise ship that project proposal in relation to other development tourism; risk for oil spills and operational activities in the planning region. releases originating from shipping; air traffic

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Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Seaducks) populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. Additional considerations:

Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are polar bear, fish, marine mammals, land mammals, incompatible with the protection of environmental cultural values, impacts, contaminated sites, values should be restricted. potential economic development, existing economic development, and no shipping. Nordenskiöld Islands Option 1 is recommended: (see Map 12) • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. CWS noted the following: • May include terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Category: • May identify priorities and values that need to o Highly risk intolerant be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Qualifying Criterion: of the activity. o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the The following uses are prohibited: percentage of 'sustainable loss' that the • Oil and gas exploration and production; and population can tolerate (Common Eider) • Related research. o Hosts more than 10% of a national population of one or more migratory bird species (Common Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling Eider) within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • Feature bird group: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o Seaduck that project proposal in relation to other development • Site details: activities in the planning region. o Species at risk: None o Non-binding designations: None Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • Current human activities at site: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird o Shipping populations identified above during the issuance of • Anticipated human activities at site: permits, licences and authorizations. o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; contaminated site remediation Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Threats to birds from current/future activities be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are at site: incompatible with the protection of environmental o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area values should be restricted. experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil spills and operational releases originating from Rasmussen Lowlands shipping; air traffic related to contaminated site remediation - associated activities; human (see Map 13) disturbance related to cruise ship tourism; contaminated site remediation - associated CWS noted the following: activities • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Category: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions o Highly risk intolerant originating from all shipping activities; • Qualifying Criterion: disruption of feeding and nesting birds o Contain habitat likely to be identified as resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as loss of birds due to contaminants and ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species pollution; potential for bird-aircraft collisions at Risk Act (Red Knot) originating from air traffic at low altitude or o Hosts more than 10% of a national population too close from concentration of birds of one or more migratory bird species (Buff- • Recommended setbacks: breasted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper) o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl o Host more than 5% of a national population of and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks one or more species exhibiting population (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) EC-CWS

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declines as of 2005 (Buff-breasted Sandpiper, • May identify priorities and values that need to Pectoral Sandpiper) be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Feature bird group: of the activity. o Shorebird. Also important at site: Seabird T (Sabine’s Gull); Watefowl (Tundra Swan, he following uses are prohibited: Greater White-fronted Goose) • Mineral exploration and production; • Site details: • Oil and gas exploration and production; o Species at risk: Red Knot ssp. rufa • Quarries; (Endangered); Peregrine Falcon (Special • Hydro development; Concern) • All weather roads; and o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area; • Related research. Ramsar Wetland of International Importance • Current human activities at site: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries populations identified above during the issuance of • Anticipated human activities at site: permits, licences and authorizations. o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Threats to birds from current/future activities be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are at site: incompatible with the protection of environmental o None values should be restricted. • Potential consequences for bird populations: o None • Recommended setbacks: QIKIQTAALUK REGION o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Migratory Birds*); Cape Graham Moore EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); (see Map 14) o *the more general migratory birds mitigations are used here because Sabine’s Gulls are not CWS noted the following: cliff-nesting, colonial seabirds • Category: Additional considerations: o Moderately risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: • The site contains some IOL; o Contains 5% to 10% of the national population of one or more migratory bird species that are • The site has UOM activity; NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 (Black-legged Kittiwake, Thick-billed Murre) • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, • Feature bird group: birds, fish, marine mammals, land mammals, o Seabird wildlife, cultural values, potential economic • Site details: development, existing economic development, o Species at risk: Polar bear (Special Concern); and protection; Peregrine Falcon (Special Concern); Red Knot ssp. islandica (Special Concern) • The site has prospecting permits; o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area • Current human activities at site: • The site has a North Warning System site and a o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and land remediation site; and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • The site is a RAMSAR site, which is an • Anticipated human activities at site: international agreement on important wetland o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial management. fishing; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries Option 1 is recommended: • Threats to birds from current/future activity: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area with environmental and cultural values. experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing • May include terms to guide land use. human disturbance related to cruise ship • May include direction to regulatory authorities. tourism; risk of oil spills and operational releases originating from shipping; risk of

16 | Nunavut Planning Commission

bycatch from potential commercial fishing activities Cape Hay (outside of Bylot Island Migratory Bird • Potential consequences for bird populations: Sanctuary) o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; (see Map 15) disruption of feeding and nesting birds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct CWS noted the following: loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds • Category: from fishing bycatch o Moderately risk intolerant • Recommended setbacks: • Qualifying Criterion: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS o Contains 5%-10% of the national population of Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS one or more migratory bird species that are Terrestrial Setback (All Seabirds) NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 (Black-legged Kittiwake, Thick-billed Murre) Additional considerations: • Feature bird group: o Seabirds • Priorities and values of residents include polar • Site details: bear, marine mammals, cultural values, existing o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern), economic development, no shipping, and Peregrine Falcon (Special Concern), Red Knot protection; ssp. islandica (Special Concern) o Non-binding Designations: Important Bird Area • The site’s marine component is in the proposed • Current human activities at site: Lancaster Sound NMCA and in a MBS; o Shipping; cruise ship tourism • Anticipated human activities at site: • The site contains IOL, which is on the MBS o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial portion and considered below; fishing • Threats to birds from current/future activities • The site has possible oil and gas potential; at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • Commercial fishery potential; and experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing human disturbance related to cruise ship • A small portion of the site is left when the tourism; risk of oil spills and operational proposed NMCA and MBS are removed. releases originating from shipping; risk of Remaining area is in Outer Land Fast Ice Zone. bycatch from potential commercial fishing activities Option 2 is recommended: • Potential consequences for bird populations: • May restrict access to some uses. o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • Includes terms to guide land use. originating from all shipping activities; • May include direction to regulatory authorities. disruption of feeding and nesting birds • May identify priorities and values that need to resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct be considered in the design, review, and conduct loss of birds due to contaminants and of the activity. pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds from fishing bycatch Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Recommended setbacks: within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS that project proposal in relation to other development Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds); activities in the planning region. Additional considerations: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, populations identified above during the issuance of polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, permits, licences and authorizations. wildlife, cultural values, impacts, existing economic development, no oil and gas, no Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to shipping, and protection; be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of • The site’s marine component is completely the area. within the proposed Lancaster Sound NMCA; and

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bycatch from potential commercial fishing • The site’s terrestrial component is completely activities within Sirmilik National Park. • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions Option 2 is recommended: originating from all shipping activities; • May restrict access to some uses. disruption of feeding and nesting birds • Includes terms to guide land use. resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct • May include direction to regulatory authorities. loss of birds due to contaminants and • May identify priorities and values that need to pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds be considered in the design, review, and conduct from fishing bycatch of the activity. • Recommended setbacks: o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC- Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds); NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of that project proposal in relation to other development Additional considerations: activities in the planning region. • The existing planning policy framework; Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • The site is partially in the proposed Lancaster populations identified above during the issuance of Sound NMCA; permits, licences and authorizations. • The area has UOM activity and a possible sacred Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to site; be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of • Priorities and values of residents include polar the area. bear, fish, marine mammals, impacts, existing economic development, no oil and gas, no Cape Liddon shipping, and protection; and

(Map 16) Option 2 is recommended: • May restrict access to some uses. CWS noted the following: • Includes terms to guide land use. • Category: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. o Moderately risk intolerant • May identify priorities and values that need to • Qualifying Criterion: be considered in the design, review, and conduct o Contains 5%- 10% of the national population of the activity. of one or more migratory bird species that are NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling (Northern Fulmar) within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • Feature bird group: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o Seabirds that project proposal in relation to other development • Site details: activities in the planning region. o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) o Non-binding Designations: Important Bird Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, Areas; International Biological Program site must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • Current human activities at site: populations identified above during the issuance of o Shipping permits, licences and authorizations. • Anticipated human activities at site: o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to fishing be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have • Threats to birds from current/future activities been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of at site: the area. o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing Frobisher Bay human disturbance related to cruise ship tourism; risk of oil spills and operational (see Map 17) releases originating from shipping; risk of CWS noted the following:

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EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) • Category: (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) o Moderately risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: Additional considerations:

o Local knowledge experts indicate the importance of Frobisher Bay for nesting seaducks/waterfowl and seabirds, as well as • The site has UOM activity and burial sites; the importance of the resource-rich polynya and sea-ice floe edge areas for overwintering • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, and migrating seaducks/waterfowl and polar bear, walrus, fish, marine mammals, land seabirds. mammals, cultural values, impacts, contaminated o Expert opinion indicates the importance of sites, no oil and gas, no shipping, and protection; Frobisher Bay for seaducks/waterfowl and seabirds. • The site has a North Warning System site; • Feature bird group: o Seabird (e.g. Thick-billed Murre), • The site contains some IOL; and Seaduck/Waterfowl (e.g. Common Eider) • Site details: • There are prospecting permits on the adjacent o Important polynya for seaducks and seabirds. shore. Loks Land may support Nunavut’s largest known colony of Razorbills. Dovekies Option 2 is recommended: congregate at the south end of Frobisher Bay • May restrict access to some uses. in late summer. • Includes terms to guide land use. o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern), • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Harlequin Duck (Special Concern) • May identify priorities and values that need to o Non-binding designations: International be considered in the design, review, and conduct Biological Programme Site (Hantzsch Island), of the activity. Important Bird Area (Hantzsch Island) • Current human activities at site: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling o Shipping; mineral claim; cruise ship tourism; within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries that project proposal in relation to other development • Anticipated human activities at site: activities in the planning region. o Shipping; mineral exploration; cruise ship tourism; commercial fishing; harvesting and Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Agreement beneficiaries populations identified above during the issuance of • Threats to birds from current/future activity: permits, licences and authorizations. o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increase in Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to air traffic disturbance related to mineral be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have exploration activities; human disturbance from been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of mineral exploration activities; increasing the area. human disturbance related to cruise ship tourism; risk of oil spills and operational Hell Gate and Cardigan Strait releases originating from ships; risk of bycatch from potential commercial fishing activities (see Map 18) • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions CWS noted the following: originating from all shipping activities; • Category: disruption of feeding and nesting birds o Moderately risk intolerant resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct • Qualifying Criterion: loss of birds due to contaminants and o Contains 5%- 10% of the national population pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds of one or more migratory bird species that are and seaducks from fishing bycatch NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 • Recommended setbacks: (Northern Fulmar) o EC-CWS Aerial (All Seabirds) (Coastal Waterfowl • Feature bird group: and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All o Seabirds. Also important at site: Seaducks (e.g. Seabirds) (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); Common Eider), Coastal Waterfowl (e.g. Brant)

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• Site details: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Non-binding Designations: Important Bird must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Areas (Cape Vera, North Kent Is, Calf Island), populations identified above during the issuance of International Biological Programme site permits, licences and authorizations. • Current human activities at site: Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to o Biological research; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have beneficiaries been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of • Anticipated human activities at site: the area.

o Shipping; biological research; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims North Spicer Island Agreement beneficiaries • Threats to birds from current/future activities (see Map 19) at site: CWS noted the following: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil spills and operational releases originating from • Category: shipping; human and terrestrial traffic o Moderately risk intolerant disturbance related to research activities • Qualifying Criterion: • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Contains 1% to 5% of the national populations of one or more migratory birds species that o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; direct ARE exhibiting populations declines as of loss of birds due to contaminants and 2005 (Atlantic Brant) pollution; disruption of feeding and nesting • Feature bird group: birds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young o Waterfowl • Recommended setbacks: • Site details: Non-binding designations: None o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC- o CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS • Current human activities at site: Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) EC-CWS o None Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and • Anticipated human activities at site: Seaducks); o Shipping; contaminated site remediation • Threats to birds from current/future activities Additional considerations: at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • The existing planning policy framework; and experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil spills and operational releases originating from • The site has UOM activities; shipping; disturbance from aircraft related to contaminated site remediation • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, • Potential consequences for bird populations: polar bear, walrus, birds, marine mammals, o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions cultural values, impacts, potential economic originating from all shipping activities; direct development, existing economic development, loss of birds due to contaminants and and protection. pollution; potential for bird-aircraft collisions originating from air traffic at low altitude or Option 2 is recommended: too close to concentration of birds • May restrict access to some uses. • Recommended setbacks: • Includes terms to guide land use. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl • May include direction to regulatory authorities. and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Sea- • May identify priorities and values that need to level Coastal Nesters); EC-CWS Terrestrial be considered in the design, review, and conduct Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) of the activity. Additional considerations: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • Priorities and values of residents include polar NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of bear, walrus, fish, cultural values, and protection. that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. Option 2 is recommended: • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use.

20 | Nunavut Planning Commission

• May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Potential consequences for bird populations: • May identify priorities and values that need to o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions be considered in the design, review, and conduct originating from all shipping activities; of the activity. disruption of feeding and nesting birds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • Recommended setbacks: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC- that project proposal in relation to other development CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS activities in the planning region. Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds)

Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, Additional considerations: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird populations identified above during the issuance of • The site is partially in the proposed Lancaster permits, licences and authorizations. Sound NMCA;

Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to • The site encircles a MBS; be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of • The site has UOM activity; the area. • Priorities and values of residents include polar, Prince Leopold Island (outside of the Migratory Bird birds, fish, marine mammals, land mammals, Sanctuary) wildlife, cultural values, impacts, existing economic development, no oil and gas, no (Map 20) shipping, and protection; and

CWS noted the following: • The site is adjacent to IOL; • Category: o Moderately risk intolerant Option 2 is recommended: • Qualifying Criterion: • May restrict access to some uses. o Contains 5%- 10% of the national population • Includes terms to guide land use. of one or more migratory bird species that are • May include direction to regulatory authorities. NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 • May identify priorities and values that need to (Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar) be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Feature bird group: of the activity. o Seabirds • Site details: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling o Major seabird feeding area and adjacent to within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the large seabird colonies. NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o Species at risk present: Polar Bear (Special that project proposal in relation to other development Concern) activities in the planning region. o Non-binding Designations: Important Bird Area, International Biological Programme site Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o A large portion of site falls within the must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird proposed Lancaster Sound National Marine populations identified above during the issuance of Conservation Area. permits, licences and authorizations. • Current human activities at site: o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; biological Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to research be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have • Anticipated human activities at site: been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; biological the area. research • Threats to birds from current/future activities Scott inlet at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area (see Map 21) experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing human disturbance related to cruise ship CWS noted the following: tourism and biological research; risk of oil spills and operational releases originating from ships • Category:

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o Moderately risk intolerant Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Qualifying Criterion: within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the o Contains 5%- 10% of the national population NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of of one or more migratory bird species that are that project proposal in relation to other development NOT exhibiting population declines as of 2005 activities in the planning region. (Northern Fulmar) • Feature bird group: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird o Seabird • Site details: populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. o Species at risk present: Polar bear (Special Concern) Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to o Non-binding Designations: Important Bird Area be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have o Candidate for Territorial Park status • Current human activities at site: been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of the area. o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • Anticipated human activities at site: Seymour Island (outside of Migratory Bird Sanctuary)

o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims (see Map 22) Agreement beneficiaries • Threats to birds from current/future activities CWS noted the following: at site: • Category: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing o Moderately risk intolerant human disturbance related to cruise ship • Qualifying Criterion: tourism; risk of oil spills and operational o Feeding area adjacent to nesting colony for releases originating from shipping migratory bird species listed as Endangered on • Potential consequences for bird populations: Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (Ivory Gull)* o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; • Feature bird group: disruption of feeding and nesting birds o Seabirds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct • Site details: loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution o Species at risk present: Ivory Gull (endangered) • Recommended setbacks: o Non-binding Designations: Important Bird Area, International Biological Programme site o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC- CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS o This site provides feeding habitat for the Ivory Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) Gull. • Current human activities at site: Additional considerations: o None • Anticipated human activities at site: o Shipping • The site has UOM activity; • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: • Priorities and values of residents include birds, o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area drinking water, cultural values, impacts, potential experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil economic development no oil and gas, shipping, spills and operational releases originating from and protection; and shipping • Potential consequences for bird populations: • The site contains IOL. o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; direct Option 2 is recommended: loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • May restrict access to some uses. • Recommended setbacks: • Includes terms to guide land use. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Terrestrial Setbacks (Ivory Gulls); • May identify priorities and values that need to o * Based on current knowledge of Ivory Gull be considered in the design, review, and conduct feeding behaviour, and level of human activity of the activity. at this site, It is classed in the ‘moderately risk intolerant’ category. EC recommends this site be re-assessed once additional information on

22 | Nunavut Planning Commission

Ivory Gull feeding behaviour is acquired or as o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area new industrial activities are proposed. experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil spills and operational releases originating from Additional considerations: ships • Potential consequences for bird populations: • The existing planning policy framework; o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; direct • The site has the potential for oil and gas related loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution activities; • Recommended setbacks: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Option 2 is recommended: Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS • May restrict access to some uses. Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Additional considerations: • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • The site has UOM activity; of the activity. • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling polar bear, birds, fish, marine mammals, drinking within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the water, cultural values, existing economic NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of development, and protection; and that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. • The site has a total area of approximately 17 km2. Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Option 1 is recommended: populations identified above during the issuance of • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible permits, licences and authorizations. with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. Option 2 was chosen given that the area is considered to • May include direction to regulatory authorities. be moderately risk intolerant and that setbacks have • May identify priorities and values that need to been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of be considered in the design, review, and conduct the area. of the activity.

Abbajalik and Ijutuk Islands The following uses are prohibited: • Mineral exploration and production; (see Map 23) • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Quarries; CWS noted the following: • Hydro development; • All weather roads; and • Category: • Related research. o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Hosts more than 10% of a national population must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird of one or more migratory bird species populations identified above during the issuance of (American Dovekie) permits, licences and authorizations. • Feature bird group: o Seabird Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Site details: be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are o Only known Dovekie breeding colony in incompatible with the protection of environmental Nunavut values should be restricted. o Species at risk: None o Non-binding designations: None Baillarge Bay • Current human activities at site: o Shipping (see Map 24) • Anticipated human activities at site: o Shipping CWS noted the following: • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: • Category:

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o Highly risk intolerant • May identify priorities and values that need to • Qualifying Criterion: be considered in the design, review, and conduct o Hosts more than 10% of a national population of the activity. of one or more migratory bird species (Northern Fulmar) The following uses are prohibited: • Feature bird group: • Oil and gas exploration and production; and o Seabird • Related research. • Site details: o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • Current human activities at site: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and that project proposal in relation to other development ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims activities in the planning region. Agreement beneficiaries • Anticipated human activities at site: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; 3. harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims populations identified above during the issuance of Agreement beneficiaries permits, licences and authorizations. • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing incompatible with the protection of environmental human disturbance related to cruise ship values should be restricted. tourism; risk of oil spills and operational releases originating from ships Belcher Islands Polynyas • Potential consequences for bird populations: (see Map 25) o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; disruption of feeding and nesting birds CWS noted the following: resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • Category: • Recommended setbacks: o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC- CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS o Host more than 10% of a national population Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) of one or more migratory bird species (Common Eider ssp. sedentaria) Additional considerations: o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the • The site’s terrestrial component is partially percentage of 'sustainable loss' that the located in Sirmilik National Park and the site’s population can tolerate (Common Eider ssp. marine component is partially within the sedentaria) proposed Lancaster Sound NMCA; • Feature bird group: o Seaduck • The site has UOM activity and shipping; • Site details: o Critical breeding islands and critical wintering • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, polynyas polar bear, birds, fish, marine mammals, cultural o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) values, impacts, existing economic development, o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area no oil and gas, no shipping, and protection; and • Current human activities at site: o Shipping; mineral exploration (iron ore) lease; • The site contains a small portion of IOL. municipality; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Option 1 is recommended: beneficiaries • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • Anticipated human activities at site: with environmental and cultural values. o Shipping; mineral production and mine • May include terms to guide land use. construction; marine cable installation; • May include direction to regulatory authorities. municipality; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries

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• Threats to birds from current/future activities that project proposal in relation to other development at site: activities in the planning region. o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, spills and operational releases originating from must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird ships; increase in air traffic disturbance related populations identified above during the issuance of to mining activities; human disturbance from permits, licences and authorizations. mining activities; alteration of seabed due from dredging for marine cable Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Potential consequences for bird populations: be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are incompatible with the protection of environmental o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; direct values should be restricted. loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution; disruption of feeding and nesting Buchan Gulf birds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; potential for bird-aircraft collisions originating (see Map 26) from air traffic at low altitude or too close from concentration of birds; loss of benthic prey for CWS noted the following: seaducks/waterfowl and seabirds • Recommended setbacks: • Category: Highly risk intolerant o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl o and Seaducks); EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks • Qualifying Criterion: (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS o Hosts more than 10% of a national population Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and of one or more migratory bird species Seaducks), (Northern Fulmar) • Feature bird group: Additional considerations: o Seabird • Site details: • The site has UOM activity; o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area; • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, International Biological Programme Site polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, • Current human activities at site: shellfish, fishing river or lake, land mammals, o None wildlife, drinking water, cultural values, • Anticipated human activities at site: contaminated sites, existing economic o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial development, transportation and infrastructure, fishing and protection; • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: • Portions of the area have been identified for o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area high mineral potential; and experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing human disturbance related to cruise ship • The site’s terrestrial component is all IOL. tourism; risk for oil spills and operational releases originating from shipping; risk of Option 1 is recommended: bycatch from commercial fishing activities • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible anticipated with environmental and cultural values. • Potential consequences for bird populations: • May include terms to guide land use. o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • May include direction to regulatory authorities. originating from all shipping activities; • May identify priorities and values that need to disruption of feeding and nesting birds due to be considered in the design, review, and conduct increase of traffic; direct loss of birds due to of the activity. contaminants and pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds from fishing bycatch The following uses are prohibited: • Recommended setbacks: • Oil and gas exploration and production; and o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS • Related research. Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the Additional considerations: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of

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• The site is a turbot area of abundance; o Non-binding designations: None • Current human activities at site: • The site has UOM activity; o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims • Priorities and values of residents include polar Agreement beneficiaries bear, birds, marine mammals, drinking water, • Anticipated human activities at site: cultural values, contaminated sites, existing o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial economic development, and protection; and fishing; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • The site contains IOL. • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: Option 1 is recommended: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible experiences ship traffic; increasing human with environmental and cultural values. disturbance related to cruise ship tourism; risk • May include terms to guide land use. for oil spills and operational releases • May include direction to regulatory authorities. originating from shipping; risk of bycatch from • May identify priorities and values that need to commercial fishing activities anticipated be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Potential consequences for bird populations: of the activity. o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; The following uses are prohibited: disruption of feeding and nesting birds due to • Oil and gas exploration and production; and increase of traffic; direct loss of birds due to • Related research. contaminants and pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds from fishing bycatch Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Recommended setbacks: within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC-CWS that project proposal in relation to other development Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) activities in the planning region. Additional considerations: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • The site has UOM activity; populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, cultural Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to values, impacts, existing economic development, be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are transportation and infrastructure, and protection; incompatible with the protection of environmental values should be restricted. • The site has a North Warning System site and a land remediation site; Cape Searle / Reid • The site has two NWAs; and (see Map 27) • The sites terrestrial component is all IOL. CWS noted the following: Option 1 is recommended: • Category: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o Highly risk intolerant with environmental and cultural values. • Qualifying Criterion: • May include terms to guide land use. o Supports a percentage of a national species • May include direction to regulatory authorities. population equal to or greater than the • May identify priorities and values that need to percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the be considered in the design, review, and conduct population can tolerate (Northern Fulmar and of the activity. Thick-billed Murre) • Feature bird group: The following uses are prohibited: o Seabird • Oil and gas exploration and production; and • Site details: • Related research. o Species at risk: Peregrine Falcon (Special Concern), Polar Bear (Special Concern)

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Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • The site’s three islands are part of the Bathurst NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of Island proposed National Park. that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, with environmental and cultural values. must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • May include terms to guide land use. populations identified above during the issuance of • May include direction to regulatory authorities. permits, licences and authorizations. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to of the activity. be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are incompatible with the protection of environmental The following uses are prohibited: values should be restricted. • Mineral exploration and production; • Oil and gas exploration and production; Cheyne Islands • Quarries; • Hydro development; (see Map 28) • All weather roads; and • Related research. CWS noted the following: • Category: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Highly risk intolerant must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • Qualifying Criterion: populations identified above during the issuance of o Contains habitat likely to be identified as permits, licences and authorizations. Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as 'endangered' or 'threatened' under the Species Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to at Risk Act (Ross's Gull) be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are • Feature bird group: incompatible with the protection of environmental o Seabird values should be restricted. • Site details: o Species at risk: Ross’s Gull (Threatened) Creswell Bay o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area • Current human activities at site: (see Map 29) o None • Anticipated human activities at site: CWS noted the following: o Shipping • Threats to birds from current/future activities • Category: at site: o Highly risk intolerant o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • Qualifying Criterion: experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil o Contain habitat likely to be identified as spills and operational releases originating from Critical Habitat for a species listed as shipping ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species • Potential consequences for bird populations: at Risk Act (Peary Caribou) Higher potential for bird-ship collisions o o Hosts more than 5% of a national population originating from all shipping activities; direct of one or more species exhibiting population loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution decline as of 2005 (Buff-breasted Sandpiper) • Recommended setbacks: • Feature bird group: EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); o o Shorebird EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Sea-level Coastal o Also important at site: Seabirds (e.g. Northern Nesters) (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Terrestrial Fulmar, Black-legged Kittiwake), Inland Setbacks (All Seabirds) Seaduck (King Eider, Long-tailed Duck) • Site details: Additional considerations: o Species at risk: Peary Caribou (Endangered), Red Knot spp. islandica (Special Concern), Polar • Priorities and values of residents include cultural Bear (Special Concern) values, and existing economic development; o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area, International Biological Programme site • The existing planning policy framework; • Current human activities at site:

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o Land-based tourism; shipping; marine cable • Related research. installation; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling beneficiaries within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • Anticipated human activities at site: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o Land-based tourism; shipping; cruise ship that project proposal in relation to other development tourism; marine and terrestrial cable activities in the planning region. installation; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, beneficiaries must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • Threats to birds from current/future activities populations identified above during the issuance of at site: permits, licences and authorizations. o Increased human disturbance related to tourism; marine traffic/shipping disturbance as Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to the area experiences increasing ship traffic; be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are risk for oil spills and operational releases incompatible with the protection of environmental originating from shipping; alteration of seabed values should be restricted. and lakebeds, pons due from dredging for marine, freshwater, terrestrial cable East Axel Heiberg Islands • Potential consequences for bird populations: (see Map 30) o Disruption of feeding and nesting birds resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating CWS noted the following: from all shipping activities; direct loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution; loss of • Category: benthic prey for shorebirds, seabirds, and o Highly risk intolerant seaducks • Qualifying Criterion: • Recommended setbacks: o Hosts more than 5% of a national population o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl of one or more species exhibiting population and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All declines as of 2005 (Red Knot ssp. islandica) Seabirds); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All o Contains habitat likely to be identified as Migratory Birds) Critical Habitat for Peary Caribou which is listed as 'endangered' or 'threatened' under Additional considerations: the Species at Risk Act • Feature bird group: • The site is an Arctic char area of abundance; o Shorebird • Site details: • The site has UOM activity, burial sites and a o Important habitat for Peary Caribou possible sacred area; o Species at risk: Peary Caribou (Endangered), Red Knot spp. islandica (special concern) • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, o Non-binding designations: none polar bear, marine mammals, land mammals, • Current human activities at site: wildlife, drinking water, cultural values, impacts, o Shipping; coal exploration license existing economic development, no oil and gas, • Anticipated human activities at site: no shipping, and protection; and o Shipping; coal exploration • Threats to birds from current/future activity: • The site’s terrestrial component is IOL. o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil Option 1 is recommended: spills and operational releases originating from • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible ships; human disturbance from mineral with environmental and cultural values. prospecting/mining activities anticipated; • May include terms to guide land use. increase in air traffic disturbance related to • May include direction to regulatory authorities. mineral prospecting/mining activities • May identify priorities and values that need to anticipated. be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Potential consequences for bird populations: of the activity. o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; direct The following uses are prohibited: loss of birds due to contaminants and • Oil and gas exploration and production; and pollution; higher potential for bird-aircraft

28 | Nunavut Planning Commission

collisions originating from air traffic at low o Contains habitat likely to be identified as altitude or from flying too close to Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as concentration of birds; disruption of feeding ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species and nesting birds resulting in loss of eggs at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) and/or young. • Feature bird group: • Recommended setbacks: o Seabird o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); • Site details: EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (Endangered) EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area Birds); • Current human activities at site:

o None Additional considerations: • Anticipated human activities at site:

o None • The existing planning policy framework; • Threats to birds from current /future activities at site: • The site contains IOL; o None • Potential consequences for bird populations: • The site has possible oil and gas potential; o None • Recommended setbacks: • The site has the potential for coal related o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Ivory Gull); EC-CWS activities; Terrestrial Setbacks (Ivory Gull); EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds), Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible Additional considerations: with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. • Priorities and values of residents include polar • May include direction to regulatory authorities. bear, and existing economic development; and • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • The existing planning policy framework. of the activity. Option 1 is recommended: The following uses are prohibited: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • Mineral exploration and production; with environmental and cultural values. • Oil and gas exploration and production; • May include terms to guide land use. • Quarries; • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Hydro development; • May identify priorities and values that need to • All weather roads; and be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Related research. of the activity.

Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, The following uses are prohibited: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • Mineral exploration and production; populations identified above during the issuance of • Oil and gas exploration and production; permits, licences and authorizations. • Quarries; • Hydro development; • All weather roads; and Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Related research. be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are incompatible with the protection of environmental Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, values should be restricted. must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird populations identified above during the issuance of Eastern Devon Island permits, licences and authorizations.

(see Map 31) Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are CWS noted the following: incompatible with the protection of environmental • Category: values should be restricted. o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: Eastern Jones Sound

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(see Map 32) • The site has adjacent prospecting permits; CWS noted the following: • The site has UOM activities; • Category: o Highly risk intolerant • Priorities and values of residents include polar • Qualifying Criterion: bear, birds, fish, marine mammals, wildlife, o Contains habitat likely to be identified as cultural values, impacts, contaminated sites, Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as existing economic development, no oil and gas, ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species no shipping, and protection; and at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) o Hosts more than 10% of a national population • The site is used for shipping. of one or more migratory bird species (Thick- billed Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake) Option 1 is recommended: o Supports a percentage of a national species • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible population equal to or greater than the with environmental and cultural values. percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the • May include terms to guide land use. population can tolerate (Thick-billed Murre) • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Feature bird group: • May identify priorities and values that need to o Seabird be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Site details: of the activity. o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (Endangered), Polar Bear (Special Concern) The following uses are prohibited: o Non-binding designation: None • Oil and gas exploration and production; and • Current human activities at site: • Related research. o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Anticipated human activities at site: within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the o Shipping; commercial fishing; harvesting and NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims that project proposal in relation to other development Agreement beneficiaries activities in the planning region. • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil populations identified above during the issuance of spills and operational releases originating from permits, licences and authorizations. shipping; risk of bycatch from commercial fishing activities anticipated Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Potential consequences for bird populations: be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions incompatible with the protection of environmental originating from all shipping activities; risk for values should be restricted. oil spills and operational releases originating from shipping; potential for direct loss of Eastern Lancaster Sound seabirds from fishing bycatch • Recommended setbacks: (Map 33) o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS CWS noted the following: Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) • Category: Additional considerations: o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: • The existing planning policy framework; o Hosts more than 10% of a national population of one or more migratory bird species (Black- • Portions of the site are in the proposed legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, Thick-billed Lancaster Sound National Maine Conservation Murre) Area (NMCA); o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the • Portions of the site are in the Nirjutiqavvik percentage of 'sustainable loss' that the National Wildlife Area (NWA); population can tolerate (Thick-billed Murre)

30 | Nunavut Planning Commission

o Contains habitat likely to be identified as • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as • May identify priorities and values that need to ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species be considered in the design, review, and conduct at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) of the activity. • Feature bird group: o Seabird The following uses are prohibited: • Site details: • Oil and gas exploration and production; and o Important stopover during migration for many • Related research. migratory bird species o Important feeding site – floe edge and polynya Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling o Important area for many species of marine within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the mammals NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (Endangered), Polar that project proposal in relation to other development Bear (Special Concern) activities in the planning region. o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area • Current human activities at site: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims populations identified above during the issuance of Agreement beneficiaries permits, licences and authorizations. • Anticipated human activities at site: o Shipping; commercial fishing; cruise ship Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to tourism; harvesting and ancillary activities by be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries incompatible with the protection of environmental • Threats to birds from current/future activities values should be restricted. at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area Fosheim Peninsula experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing human disturbance related to cruise ship (see Map 34) tourism; risk of oil spills and operational releases originating from ships; risk of bycatch CWS noted the following: from commercial fishing activities anticipated • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Category: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions o Highly risk intolerant originating from all shipping activities; • Qualifying Criterion: disruption of feeding and nesting birds o Hosts more than 5% of a national population resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct of one or more species exhibiting population loss of birds due to contaminants and declines as of 2005 (Ruddy Turnstone, Red pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds Knot) from fishing bycatch o Contains habitat likely to be identified as • Recommended setbacks: Critical Habitat for a species listed as o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS 'endangered' or 'threatened' under the Species Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS at Risk Act (Peary Caribou) Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) • Feature bird group: o Shorebird Additional considerations: • Site details: o Species at risk: Peary Caribou (Endangered), • Priorities and values of residents include polar Red Knot spp. islandica (Special Concern) bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, o Non-binding designations: None wildlife, cultural values, impacts, existing • Current human activities at site: economic development, no oil and gas, no o Coal exploration license; shipping; weather shipping, and protection; and station/military base • Anticipated human activities at site: • The area is mainly in the proposed Lancaster o Coal exploration; shipping; weather Sound NMCA. station/military base • Threats to birds from current/future activities Option 1 is recommended: at site: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o Human and terrestrial traffic disturbance with environmental and cultural values. related to mining-exploration, military, and • May include terms to guide land use. weather station activities; air traffic

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 31

disturbance related to mining exploration, Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to military, and weather station activities; marine be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are traffic/shipping disturbance as the area incompatible with the protection of environmental experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil values should be restricted. spills and operational releases originating from ships Foxe Basin Islands • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Disruption of feeding and nesting birds (see Map 35) resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; potential for bird-aircraft collisions originating CWS noted the following: from air traffic at low altitude or too close from concentration of birds • Category: • Recommended setbacks: o Highly risk intolerant o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); • Qualifying Criterion: EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory o Contain habitat likely to be identified as Birds) Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species Additional considerations: at Risk Act (Red Knot, Ross’s Gull) o Hosts more than 10% of a national population • The existing planning policy framework; of one or more migratory bird species (Dunlin, Red Phalarope, White-rumped Sandpiper, • The site contains IOL; Ruddy Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, Long- tailed Jaeger, Sabine's Gull, Atlantic Brant) • The site has potential for coal related activities; o Hosts more than 5% of a national population of one or more species exhibiting population • The site has possible oil and gas potential; decline as of 2005 (Dunlin, Red Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone) • The site provides suitable habitat high-arctic • Feature bird group: habitat for Peary caribou and muskox; o Seabird, Shorebird, Waterfowl • Site details: • The site includes Canadian Forces Station (CFS) o Species at risk: Red Knot spp. rufa Eureka, and; (Endangered), Ross’s Gull (Endangered), Polar Bear (Special Concern) • The Nunavut Impact Review Board (the NIRB) o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area previously recommended that coal exploration in • Current human activities at site: the area, as proposed, was not appropriate. o Shipping • Anticipated human activities at site: Option 1 is recommended: o Shipping • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • Threats to birds from current/future activities with environmental and cultural values. at site: • May include terms to guide land use. o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • May include direction to regulatory authorities. experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil • May identify priorities and values that need to spills and operational releases originating from be considered in the design, review, and conduct shipping of the activity. • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions The following uses are prohibited: originating from all shipping activities; direct • Mineral exploration and production; loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Recommended setbacks: • Quarries; o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl • Hydro development; and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks • All weather roads; and (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS • Related research. Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Additional considerations: populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. • Priorities and values of residents include cultural values, and protection.; and

32 | Nunavut Planning Commission

o Non-binding designations: Ramsar Wetland of • The site has possible oil and gas potential; International Importance; International Biological Programme Site; Important Bird Area Option 1 is recommended: • Current human activities at site: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o None with environmental and cultural values. • Anticipated human activities at site: • May include terms to guide land use. o Shipping • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Threats to birds from current/future activities • May identify priorities and values that need to at site: be considered in the design, review, and conduct o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area of the activity. experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil spills and operational releases originating from The following uses are prohibited: shipping • Mineral exploration and production; • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Oil and gas exploration and production; o Disruption of feeding and nesting birds • Quarries; resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct • Hydro development; loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • All weather roads; and • Recommended setbacks: • Related research. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. Additional considerations:

Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • The site has an Arctic char area of abundance; be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are incompatible with the protection of environmental • The site has UOM activity; values should be restricted. • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Great Plain of the Koukdjuak birds, fish, marine mammals, river or lake of interest, wildlife, drinking water, cultural values, (see Map 36) contaminated sites, existing economic development, and protection; CWS noted the following: • The site is adjacent to a MBS on both sides; and • Category: • The site has some IOL. o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: Option 1 is recommended: o Contains habitat likely to be identified as Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible 'endangered' or 'threatened' under the Species with environmental and cultural values. at Risk Act (Red Knot) • May include terms to guide land use. o Hosts more than 10% of a national population • May include direction to regulatory authorities. of one or more migratory bird species (Black- • May identify priorities and values that need to bellied Plover, Dunlin, Red Phalarope, Red be considered in the design, review, and conduct Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, White-rumped of the activity. Sandpiper, Lesser Snow Goose) o Hosts more than 5% of a national population The following uses are prohibited: of one or more species exhibiting population • Mineral exploration and production; decline as of 2005 (American Golden-Plover, • Oil and gas exploration and production; Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Red Phalarope, • Quarries; Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone) • Hydro development; • Feature bird group: • All weather roads; and o Shorebird, Waterfowl. Also important at site: • Related research. Coastal Waterfowl (Atlantic Brant) • Site details: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, o Species at risk: Red Knot spp. rufa must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird (Endangered)

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 33 populations identified above during the issuance of • Related research. permits, licences and authorizations. Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are populations identified above during the issuance of incompatible with the protection of environmental permits, licences and authorizations. values should be restricted. Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to Grinnell Peninsula be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are incompatible with the protection of environmental (see Map 37) values should be restricted.

CWS noted the following: Hobhouse Inlet

• Category: (Map 38) o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: CWS noted the following: o Contain habitat likely to be identified as Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as • Category: ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species o Highly risk intolerant at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) • Qualifying Criterion: • Feature bird group: o Hosts more than 10% of a national population o Seabird of one or more migratory bird species • Site details: (Northern Fulmar) o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (Endangered) • Feature bird group: o Non-binding designations: None o Seabird • Current human activities at site: • Site details: o None o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) • Anticipated human activities at site: o Non-binding designations: International o None Biological Programme Site; Important Bird Area • Threats to birds from current/future activities • Current human activities at site: at site: o Shipping o None • Anticipated human activities at site: • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial o None fishing • Recommended setbacks: • Threats to birds from current/future activities o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS at site: Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing Additional considerations: human disturbance related to cruise ship tourism; risk of oil spills and operational • Priorities and values of residents include releases originating from ships; risk of bycatch caribou. from commercial fishing activities anticipated • Potential consequences for bird populations: Option 1 is recommended: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible originating from all shipping activities; with environmental and cultural values. disruption of feeding and nesting birds • May include terms to guide land use. resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct • May include direction to regulatory authorities. loss of birds due to contaminants and • May identify priorities and values that need to pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds be considered in the design, review, and conduct from fishing bycatch of the activity. • Recommended setbacks: o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC- The following uses are prohibited: CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS • Mineral exploration and production; Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds); • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Quarries; Additional considerations: • Hydro development; • All weather roads; and

34 | Nunavut Planning Commission

• Priorities and values of residents include walrus, • Threats to birds from current/future activities fish, marine mammals, land mammals, wildlife, at site: cultural values, impacts, no oil and gas, no o None shipping, and protection; and • Potential consequences for bird populations: o None • The area is in the proposed Lancaster Sound • Recommended setbacks: NMCA; o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (Ivory Gull) Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible Additional considerations: with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. • Priorities and values of residents include polar • May include direction to regulatory authorities. bear and existing economic development; • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • The existing planning policy framework; of the activity. • The site is comprised of different areas; and The following uses are prohibited: • Oil and gas exploration and production; and • One of the areas contains IOL. • Related research. Option 1 is recommended: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the with environmental and cultural values. NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of • May include terms to guide land use. that project proposal in relation to other development • May include direction to regulatory authorities. activities in the planning region. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, of the activity. must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird populations identified above during the issuance of The following uses are prohibited: permits, licences and authorizations. • Mineral exploration and production; • Oil and gas exploration and production; Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Quarries; be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are • Hydro development; incompatible with the protection of environmental • All weather roads; and values should be restricted. • Related research.

Inglefield Mountains Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird (see Map 39) populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. CWS noted the following: Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to • Category: be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are o Highly risk intolerant incompatible with the protection of environmental • Qualifying Criterion: values should be restricted. o Contains habitat likely to be identified as Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as Markham Bay ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) (see Map 40) • Feature bird group: o Seabird CWS noted the following: • Site details: o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (Endangered) • Category: Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area o o Highly risk intolerant • Current human activities at site: • Qualifying Criterion: None o o Supports a percentage of a national species • Anticipated human activities at site: population equal to or greater than the o None Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 35

percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the that project proposal in relation to other development population can tolerate (Common Eider) activities in the planning region. • Feature bird group: o Seaduck Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • Site details: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird populations identified above during the issuance of o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) permits, licences and authorizations. o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area • Current human activities at site: Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are • Anticipated human activities at site: incompatible with the protection of environmental values should be restricted. o Shipping; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • Threats to birds from current/future activities Nasaruvaalik Island at site: (see Map 41) o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil spills and operational releases originating from CWS noted the following: shipping • Category: • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; o Contain habitat likely to be identified as disruption of feeding and nesting birds Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution at Risk Act (Ross’s Gull) • Recommended setbacks: o Hosts more than 10% of a national population of one or more migratory bird species (Ross's o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks Gull) (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) • Feature bird group: o Seabird Additional considerations: o Also important at site: Seaduck (Common eider) • Site details: • The site has UOM activity, burial sites and a o Species at risk: Ross’s Gull (Threatened) possible sacred site; o Non-binding designations: None • Current human activities at site: • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, o None polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, • Anticipated human activities at site: shellfish, land mammals, drinking water, cultural o Shipping values, contaminated sites, potential economic • Threats to birds from current/future activities development, and protection; and at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • The site contains some IOL. experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil spills and operational releases originating from Option 1 is recommended: shipping • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • Potential consequences for bird populations: with environmental and cultural values. o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • May include terms to guide land use. originating from all shipping activities; • May include direction to regulatory authorities. disruption of feeding and nesting birds • May identify priorities and values that need to resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct be considered in the design, review, and conduct loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution of the activity. • Recommended setbacks: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds) (Coastal The following uses are prohibited: Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine • Oil and gas exploration and production; and Setbacks (All Seabirds) (Coastal Waterfowl and • Related research. Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the Additional considerations: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of

36 | Nunavut Planning Commission

• Priorities and values of residents include cultural o Shipping; cruise ship tourism values, existing economic development, and • Anticipated human activities at site: protection; and o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial fishing • The existing planning policy framework. • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: Option 1 is recommended: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing with environmental and cultural values. human disturbance related to cruise ship • May include terms to guide land use. tourism; risk for oil spills and operational • May include direction to regulatory authorities. releases originating from shipping; risk of • May identify priorities and values that need to bycatch from commercial fishing activities be considered in the design, review, and conduct anticipated of the activity. • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions The following uses are prohibited: originating from all shipping activities; • Mineral exploration and production; disruption of feeding birds resulting in • Oil and gas exploration and production; compromised energetics; direct loss of birds • Quarries; due to contaminants and pollution; potential • Hydro development; for direct loss of seabirds from fishing bycatch • All weather roads; and • Recommended setbacks: • Related research. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Additional considerations: populations identified above during the issuance of permits, licences and authorizations. • Priorities and values of residents include polar bear, and existing economic development; Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are • The existing planning policy framework; incompatible with the protection of environmental values should be restricted. • Within the NSA, the site is comprised of two areas and is considered biologically diverse; and North Water Polynya • The site has oil and gas production potential. (see Map 42) Option 1 is recommended: CWS noted the following: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • Category: with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to o Contains habitat likely to be identified as Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as be considered in the design, review, and conduct ‘endangered’ or ‘threatened’ under the Species of the activity. at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) The following uses are prohibited: o Contains species with population >10% of national population (Black-legged Kittiwake, • Oil and gas exploration and production; and Thick-billed Murre, Ivory Gull) • Related research. o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, percentage of 'sustainable loss' (Thick-billed must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird Murre) populations identified above during the issuance of • Feature bird group: permits, licences and authorizations. o Seabird, Seaducks (Common Eider) • Site details: Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (Endangered); Polar Bear (Special Concern) incompatible with the protection of environmental values should be restricted. o Non-binding designations: None • Current human activities at site:

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 37

Northwestern Brodeur Peninsula • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Quarries; (see Map 43) • Hydro development; • All weather roads; and CWS noted the following: • Related research. • Category: o Highly risk intolerant Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • Qualifying Criterion: must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird o Contains habitat likely to be identified as populations identified above during the issuance of Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as permits, licences and authorizations. 'endangered' or 'threatened' under the Species at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to o Hosts more than 10% of a national population be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are of a migratory bird species (Ivory Gull) incompatible with the protection of environmental • Feature bird group: values should be restricted. o Seabird • Site details: Sabine Peninsula o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (Endangered) o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area (see Map 44) • Current human activities at site: o Mineral claim CWS noted the following: • Anticipated human activities at site: o Mineral claim • Category: • Threats to birds from current/future activities o Highly risk intolerant at site: • Qualifying Criterion: o Air traffic disturbance related to mining o Contains habitat likely to be identified as exploration activities Critical Habitat for a species listed as • Potential consequences for bird populations: 'endangered' or 'threatened' under the Species o Potential for bird-aircraft collisions originating at Risk Act (Peary Caribou) from air traffic at low altitude or from flying o Also expected to qualify as ‘site containing 5 too close to concentration of birds; disruption to 10% of one or more species listed as of feeding and nesting birds resulting in loss of declining as of 2005’, pending field studies in eggs and/or young summer 2014. • Recommended setbacks: • Feature bird group: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS o Shorebird (e.g. Purple Sandpiper), Waterfowl Terrestrial Setbacks (Ivory Gull) (e.g. high arctic Brant) • Site details: Additional considerations: o High quality Arctic wetland – an oasis among dry uplands • Priorities and values of residents include marine o Species at risk: Peary Caribou (Endangered), mammals, wildlife, and potential economic Red Knot spp. islandica (Special Concern), Buff- development; breasted Sandpiper (Special Concern) o Non-binding designations: None • The site is comprised of three areas that are • Current human activities at site: 2 each approximately 1 km in size; and o None • Anticipated human activities at site: • The site has active mineral claims. o Shipping; oil and gas exploration and production Option 1 is recommended: • Threats to birds from current/future activities • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible at site: with environmental and cultural values. o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area • May include terms to guide land use. experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil • May include direction to regulatory authorities. spills and operational releases originating from • May identify priorities and values that need to shipping; risk of oil spills and operational be considered in the design, review, and conduct releases originating from oil and gas of the activity. exploration • Potential consequences for bird populations: The following uses are prohibited: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • Mineral exploration and production; originating from all shipping activities direct

38 | Nunavut Planning Commission

loss of birds due to contaminants and • Site details: pollution; increased risk of oil blow outs and/or o Virtually all of Hudson Bay subspecies of spills, causing acute oil pollution Common Eider overwinter and breed here, and • Recommended setbacks: in the Belcher Island polynyas o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl o Species at risk: None and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS • Current human activities at site: Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and o Shipping Seaducks) • Anticipated human activities at site:

o Shipping Additional considerations: • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: • The existing planning policy framework; o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil • The site has the potential for oil and gas related spills and operational releases originating from activities and other future economic ships development. • Potential consequences for bird populations:

o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions Option 2 is recommended: originating from all shipping activities direct • May restrict access to some uses. loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • Includes terms to guide land use. • Recommended setbacks: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl • May identify priorities and values that need to and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks be considered in the design, review, and conduct (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS of the activity. Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the Additional considerations: NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of that project proposal in relation to other development • The site contains mostly IOL; activities in the planning region. • The site has UOM activity; Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird • Priorities and values of residents include polar populations identified above during the issuance of bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, land permits, licences and authorizations. mammals, drinking water, cultural values, existing economic development, and protection; Option 2 was chosen given the economic potential of the and area and that setbacks have been developed to manage land use within the vicinity of the area. • The site is partly in an area of equal use and occupancy. Sleeper Islands Option 1 is recommended: (see Map 45) • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. CWS noted the following: • May include terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Category: • May identify priorities and values that need to o Highly risk intolerant be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Qualifying Criterion: of the activity. o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the The following uses are prohibited: percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the • Mineral exploration and production; population can tolerate (Common Eider) • Oil and gas exploration and production; o Hosts more than 10% of a national population • Quarries; of one or more migratory bird species (Common • Hydro development; Eider) • All weather roads; and • Feature bird group: • Related research. o Seaduck

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 39

Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, loss of birds due to contaminants and must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds populations identified above during the issuance of from fishing bycatch; potential for bird-aircraft permits, licences and authorizations. collisions originating from air traffic at low altitude or from flying too close to Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to concentration of birds be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are • Recommended setbacks: incompatible with the protection of environmental o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl values should be restricted. and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Western Cumberland Sound Archipelago Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) (see Map 46) Additional considerations: CWS noted the following: • The site contains IOL; • Category: o Highly risk intolerant • The site has UOM activity, burial sites and • Qualifying Criterion: possible sacred sites; o Host more than 10% of a national population of one or more migratory bird species (Iceland • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Gull) polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, o Supports a percentage of a national species shellfish, river or lake of interest, wildlife, population equal to or greater than the drinking water, cultural values, impacts, percentage of 'sustainable loss' that the contaminated sites, potential economic population can tolerate (Common Eider) development, existing economic development, • Feature bird group: no shipping, and protection; o Seabird, Seaduck • Site details: • The site has mineral claims and prospecting o Largest breeding concentration of Iceland Gulls permits; in Canada o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern), • Importance of Clearwater Fiord to the residents Beluga Whale (Endangered, schedule 2, SE of Pangnirtung; Baffin Island/Cumberland Sound population) o Non-binding designations: None • The site has both an Arctic char and shrimp area • Current human activities at site: of abundance. o Shipping; mineral claim; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Option 1 is recommended for the area outside of the area Agreement beneficiaries identified for high mineral potential: • Anticipated human activities at site: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible o Shipping; mineral exploration; commercial with environmental and cultural values. fishing; harvesting and ancillary activities by • May include terms to guide land use. Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Threats to birds from current/future activities • May identify priorities and values that need to at site: be considered in the design, review, and conduct o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area of the activity. experiences increasing ship traffic; risk for oil spills and operational releases originating from The following uses are prohibited: shipping; risk of bycatch from commercial • Mineral exploration and production; fishing activities anticipated; air traffic • Oil and gas exploration and production; disturbance related to mineral exploration; • Quarries; human and terrestrial traffic disturbance • Hydro development; related to mineral exploration; risk of bycatch • All weather roads; and from commercial fishing activities anticipated • Related research. • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, originating from all shipping activities; must incorporate the setbacks in Table 1 for the bird disruption of feeding and nesting birds populations identified above during the issuance of resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct permits, licences and authorizations.

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• The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan prohibits Option 1 was chosen given that the area is considered to development activities on all public lands and be highly risk intolerant and that access to uses that are waters in caribou calving areas during calving incompatible with the protection of environmental season. Development should be restricted to values should be restricted. avoid disturbing caribou.

Caribou Habitat • The North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan prohibits development in calving areas during (see Map 47 – Map 51) calving season. Identifies caribou calving areas as significant areas. Caribou are an essential part of northern ecosystems and Inuit cultural heritage. Most caribou rely on vast ranges • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining at different times of the year. Strategy identifies the need to create conditions for a strong and sustainable minerals industry Calving and Post-Calving Areas that contributes to a high and sustainable quality of life for all Nunavummiut; (see Map 47) • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy Calving and post-calving areas are generally identifies the need for land and marine acknowledged as areas where caribou are particularly transportation networks to facilitate the vulnerable to disturbance and the need for movement of goods and provision of services; uninterrupted foraging is greatest. • Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou Considered Information for managing calving and post- Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species calving areas: with important economic and cultural values identifies caribou as a keystone species with • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a important economic and cultural values; land use plan to take into account environmental considerations, including wildlife habitat. • There is some mineral activity in caribou calving and post-calving areas; • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to • It is an objective NPCs broad planning policies, manage land use in and around areas of objectives and goals that any proposed biological importance. restrictions on land use are achieved with the least possible impact on undiscovered mineral • The Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Wildlife resources, while taking into account Management Board (NWMB), Beverly and environmental and social objectives; Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board (BQCMB), Nunavut’s three regional wildlife • Some areas contain IOL; boards (Kivalliq Wildlife Board, Kitikmeot Wildlife Board and Qikitarjuaq Wildlife Board), the five • 17.1.3 Inuit Owned Lands shall, to the extent Kivalliq Hunters and Trappers Organizations, possible, provide for a mix of the characteristics Aboriginal organizations outside of Nunavut outlined above in order to secure balanced (Athabasca Denesuline Né Né Land Corporation, economic development. However, the relative Fort Smith Metis Council, Lutsel K’e Dene First weighting of the characteristics with respect to Nation, Northwest Territory Metis Nation, Sayisi any particular community or region shall turn on Dene First Nation) and other organizations the actual or potential economic opportunities at (GNWT Department of Environment and Natural hand and the particular community or regional Resources, WWF, Mining Watch Canada) have preferences; recommended protection of caribou calving and post-calving areas; • Some areas have qualities that have been recognized as important to promoting other • Caribou cows and calves are most sensitive to Goals; disturbance during the calving and post-calving season; • The Commission recognizes the Caribou Protection Measures designed and implemented • Deliniating calving and post-calving areas by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development together reduced habitat fragmentation; Canada (AANDC);

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 41

• Recently used calving and post-calving areas are Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling defined as all areas known to be used by caribou within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the within the last 20 years based on tracking NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of caribou (collared cows) by telemetry; and that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. NOTE: • The National Park awaiting full Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, establishment in Wager Bay (Ukkusiksalik) need to mitigate impacts on caribou calving and post- contains caribou calving and post-calving calving areas. areas; Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of • The Queen Maud Gulf MBS contains caribou calving and post-calving areas is maintained. calving areas; Sea Ice Crossings • The Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary contains caribou calving and post-calving areas and is (see Map 48-50) assigned a Protected Area designation below; and Some caribou herds migrate across the frozen sea ice to reach their calving areas. These herds are vulnerable to • The area being considered for a national park changing sea ice conditions, and disturbance by ice in the Kitikmeot Region in the Bluenose Lake breaking. area contains caribou calving and post- calving areas. Considered Information for managing caribou sea ice crossings: Recommendation for Caribou Calving and Post-Calving Areas • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to take into account environmental Option 1 is recommended for caribou calving and post- considerations, including wildlife habitat. calving areas that have not been identified for high mineral potential: • For the crossing in the Coronation Gulf, there is • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible concern about ice breaking. In the transcripts for with environmental and cultural values. the GN’s consultation on its Draft Caribou • May include terms to guide land use. Management Strategy, HTOs in Cambridge Bay • May include direction to regulatory authorities. are concerned about community resupply; however, community resupply is exempt from • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct screening by NIRB; of the activity. • There is some UOM and mineral activity in The following uses are prohibited: caribou sea ice crossings;

• Mineral exploration and production; • The Commission recognizes the Caribou • Oil and gas exploration and production; Protection Measures designed and implemented • Quarries; by AANDC; • Hydro development;

• All weather roads; and • The Fall Caribou Crossing has been identified for • Related research. its historic significance and is assigned an Option 1 was chosen given that these areas have been Protected Area designation below; identified by planning partners and communities noted above as areas requiring protection. • Dolphin Union heard trans-island movements have been identified (Victoria Island); Option 2 is recommended for caribou calving and post- calving areas that overlap with high mineral potential: • Peary caribou trans-island movements have been identified (Prince of Wales, Somerset and • May restrict access to some uses. Boothia Peninsula; • Includes terms to guide land use.

• May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Peary caribou trans-island movements within the • May identify priorities and values that need to Bathurst Island Complex have been identified; be considered in the design, review, and conduct and of the activity.

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• Some areas contain IOL. is recommended that all uses be permitted but with seasonal restrictions based on regional Recommendation for Caribou Sea Ice Crossings dates informed by Inuit knowledge and research. For approved projects, it should be recommended Option 3 is recommended: that proponents consider wildlife impacts • Allows all uses. outside of the seasonal restrictions; • May identify priorities and values that should be considered in the design, review, and conduct of • Reflects the priorities and values of residents; the activity. • Was included in the results of the 2012-2014 Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, consultation tour and planning partner need to mitigate impacts of project proposals with ship consultations; and traffic on spring and fall caribou sea ice crossing. • Reflects the International Agreement on the Option 3 was chosen for these areas given that limited Conservation of Polar Bears. information is available regarding timing of sea ice crossings to formulate specific management options. Recommendation for Polar Bear Habitat Polar Bear Denning Areas Option 2 is recommended: (see Map 51) • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use. Polar bears are integral to the marine ecosystem and an • May include direction to regulatory authorities. important part of Inuit culture and economies. Spending • May identify priorities and values that need to most of their life on the sea ice, polar bears are be considered in the design, review, and conduct considered susceptible to climate change. of the activity.

Polar bear denning areas are important coastal habitats Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling where females give birth and feed their cubs. The within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the majority of dens are located on land within 50km of the NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of coast, although multi-year ice is also used in the winter. that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. Considered Information: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • The polar bear is designated under the Species need to mitigate impacts on polar bear habitat. at Risk Act as a species of Special Concern; Option 2 was chosen to reflect feedback received from NIRB has advised that consideration should be government agencies and residents and to mitigate given for polar bear habitat. Further, that impacts on this unique indicator species. attention should be given to the risk for potential habitat fragmentation; Walrus Haul-Outs

• Nunavut Wildlife Resource and Habitat Values The Atlantic walrus plays a major role in the ecological Report, 2012; function of the marine ecosystem and is an important

part of the traditional subsistence economy for the Inuit • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining of Nunavut. Habitat requirements for walrus are very Strategy identifies the need to create conditions specific requiring sea ice and shallow water habitat in for a strong and sustainable minerals industry the winter and congregate in the summer and fall to that contributes to a high and sustainable “haul out” on-low, rocky shores. quality of life for all Nunavummiut;

(see Map 52) • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy

identifies the need for land and marine Considered information: transportation networks to facilitate the

movement of goods and provision of services; • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a

land use plan to take into account environmental • WWF has provided comment that there should be considerations, including wildlife habitat; restrictions on denning areas, polar bear summer

retreat habitat, and polar bear sea ice habitat. It

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 43

• The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan and the Small landlocked populations of Atlantic Cod have been North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan state that identified in three coastal saltwater lakes on south- “Development activities shall be restricted near eastern Baffin Island. These populations are significant polar bear denning areas and walrus haul-outs”; because they are genetically distinct from marine populations and from each other. • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy identifies the need to create conditions Considered Information: for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a quality of life for all Nunavummiut; land use plan to take into account environmental considerations, including wildlife habitat. • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine • The GoC’s direction that these cod are no longer transportation networks to facilitate the being considered for listing as a species of movement of goods and provision of services; special concern under SARA;.

• Results of the 2012-2014 Community • Priorities and values of the residents; Consultation Tour and Planning Partner Consultations; • it is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to • Information provided by the DFO on the Fox protect the integrity of ecosystems, flora and Basin AOI marine area as a central aggregation wildlife habitats, paying special attention to area for walrus; species at risk, and critical habitats;

• The Atlantic Walrus is being considered for • Two of the three lakes are on IOL and it is NTI’s listing under the federal Species at Risk Act direction that development activity should not (SARA); and be restricted on IOL;

• The habitat requirements for walrus are very • DFO’s direction that no restrictions are needed specific, requiring ice or land nearby to ‘haul out’. on these lakes;

Recommendation for Walrus Haul-Outs • One of the sites is in and another is adjacent to the Western Cumberland Sound Archipelago key Option 2 is recommended: bird habitat site; • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use. • As the combined surface area of the lakes is 2 • May include direction to regulatory authorities. approximately 20 km , they comprise a small and • May identify priorities and values that need to unique habitat; be considered in the design, review, and conduct Recommendation for Cod Lakes of the activity. Option 3 is recommended: Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling • Allows all uses. within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the • May include direction to regulatory authorities. NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of • May identify priorities and values that need to that project proposal in relation to other development be considered in the design, review, and conduct activities in the planning region. of the activity.

Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has need to mitigate impacts on walrus haul-outs. indicated that these populations of land locked Atlantic Cod are no longer being considered for listing as a Option 2 was chosen to reflect feedback received from species of special concern under SARA. The DFO has residents and government agencies given that the further indicated that commercial fishing should be habitat requirements for walrus are very specific, allowed on these lakes. Based on the DFO submission it requiring ice or land nearby to ‘haul out’. is recommended that the Atlantic Cod Lakes be considered Option 3: Mixed Use, and not be identified in Atlantic Cod Lakes in plan.

(see Map 53 - Map 55) Marine Areas of Importance

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(see Map 56-57) • In light of the information gaps that exist, a precautionary approach is required to ensure Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) that future conservation options are not The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has foreclosed in areas that have been identified as provided the Commission with the location of ecologically or biologically significant. It holds Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in out the possibility of relaxing restrictions once the NSA. These areas have been identified for their the area is better understood; ecological and/or biologic importance to the marine environment. Upon suggestion from the DFO, the • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Commission has included EBSAs in the DNLUP. Strategy identifies the need to create conditions The designated EBSA’s are a work in progress. In the for a strong and sustainable minerals industry future, as available science, traditional knowledge, and that contributes to a high and sustainable an understanding of these areas expand, DFO may be quality of life for all Nunavummiut; able to provide additional information to NPC to assist with the designation and recommendations for these • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy areas. identifies the need for land and marine transportation networks to facilitate the Considered Information: movement of goods and provision of services; and • It is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports respect and consider sites of ecological the development and enhancement of significance that are not officially protected, attractions through the investment in Parks, such as critical habitat that has been identified Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage but not yet declared; rivers and other attractions.

• The EBSAs were identified through a technical Recommendation for EBSAs process, combining the best available and traditional knowledge. They were evaluated Option 3 is recommended: against a specific set of criteria, including: • Allows all uses. uniqueness; aggregation; fitness consequence; • May include direction to regulatory authorities. resilience and naturalness; • May identify priorities and values that should be considered in the design, review, and conduct of • The evaluation considered to create the EBSA’s the activity. considered a number of published local and traditional ecological knowledge (LEK/TEK) Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, reports; need to mitigate impacts on Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas. • For most EBSAs there was a relatively high degree of confidence that the areas Option 3 was chosen for these biologically important contained ecologically and/or biologically areas because of the large geographic area and limited significant features; information is available to formulate specific management options. • The NWMB’s direction that identifying EBSAs allows for most of the important marine mammal Polynyas areas to be noted and contributes to more Polynyas are areas of persistent open water surrounded effective protection of marine wildlife; by sea ice. The Commission was provided with the location of polynyas in the NSA by both the Department • As defined by DFO, EBSAs are not meant to be a of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the World Wildlife general strategy for protecting all habitats and Foundation (WWF). Following feedback received from marine communities; rather a tool to call community consultation and recommendations from attention to areas that have particularly high planning partners (DFO, PCA, WWF) polynyas have been ecological or biological significance to allow included as values in the DNLUP. appropriate management; The location of polynyas may change over time due to • DFO does not provide policy guidance on the climate change and other environmental factors, management of all EBSAs (only those where a however they should continue to be highlighted and higher degree of risk aversion is needed); their location be reviewed as part of the periodic review.

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Considered Information: Transboundary Considerations

• It is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Impacts outside the NSA Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to respect and consider sites of ecological (see Map 58) significance that are not officially protected, such as polynyas; Activities occurring in the NSA may impact areas outside the NSA. The Great Bear Lake watershed has been • Polynyas are widely distributed across the identified as an important ecological and cultural area in Canadian Arctic Archipelago and are an important the Sahtu region of the Northwest Territories, and a component the physical and the biological portion of the watershed is within the NSA. systems in ice-covered seas; Considered Information for the Great Bear Lake • Polynyas are important areas for wildlife as they Watershed: provide areas access between the ocean and the atmosphere for many species and are nutrient • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a rich, biologically productive areas; land use plan to take into account environmental considerations, and cultural factors and priorities; • Polynyas are all highly sensitive the impact of human activities on these environments should • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of be minimal; Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to encourage the inter-jurisdictional management • Industry seeks clarification on how management of land, air, and water resources; activities in polynyas would impact marine shipping; • A portion of the Great Bear Lake watershed is within the NSA, and it has been identified as an • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining important ecological and cultural area in the Strategy identifies the need to create conditions Northwest Territories. A management plan which for a strong and sustainable minerals industry has no legal force has been developed to that contributes to a high and sustainable manage the area; quality of life for all Nunavummiut; • The approved Sahtu Land Use Plan includes • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy; provisions to manage the area; and • There are active mineral claims in the portion • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports within the NSA; and the development and enhancement of attractions through the investment in Parks, • There is UOM activity within the area. Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage rivers and other attractions. Recommendation for the Great Bear Lake Watershed

Recommendation for Polynyas Option 3 is recommended: • Allows all uses. Option 3 is recommended: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Allows all uses. • May identify priorities and values that should be • May include direction to regulatory authorities. considered in the design, review, and conduct of • May identify priorities and values that should be the activity. considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. DIrection: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, need to mitigate impacts on the Great Bear Lake Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, Watershed. need to mitigate impacts on polynyas. Option 3 was chosen given that a small portion of the Option 3 was chosen for these biologically active areas watershed is within the NSA and that limited information given that limited information is available to formulate is available to formulate specific management options. specific management options. Land use outside the NSA

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Activities occurring outside the NSA may impact areas they rely on. Transportation and infrastructure are also inside the NSA. The Commission is concerned about the susceptible to impacts from changing ice and permafrost potential transboundary impacts on the NSA from oil and conditions. gas exploration and hydroelectric development in adjacent areas. Considered Information:

Considered Information: • it is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to, • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a where appropriate, provide direction to the land use plan to take into account environmental Nunavut Impact Review Board, government considerations, and cultural factors and priorities; regulatory authorities, and Inuit land managers to manage climate change issues; • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of Protecting and Sustaining the Environment to • The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan states: encourage the inter-jurisdictional management “Concerns related to … climate change are valid, of land, air, and water resources; but … are beyond the scope of a regional land use plan.”; • The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan requires that “The possible cumulative impacts of At this time there are no agreed upon terms that additional hydroelectric power development in would be appropriate to implement through a Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec on the ecosystem land use plan; and of Hudson Bay, James Bay and Hudson Strait must be examined before more hydroelectric • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy development proceeds.”; identifies the need for land and marine transportation networks to facilitate the • Nunavut Marine Council requested that the movement of goods and provision of services. National Energy Board not proceed with seismic activity related to oil and gas activity in the Recommendation for Climate Change Baffin Bay and Davis Strait until a strategic environmental assessment is complete; Option 4 is recommended: • Direction to Government departments, agencies • Community of Sanikiluaq expressed concerns and other regulatory authorities. regarding hydro development in the James Bay in • May identify priorities and values that need to Quebec; be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. Recommendation for Managing Land Use Outside the NSA Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, need to address the Commission’s objectives on climate Option 4 is recommended: change during the review of Project Proposals. • Direction to Government departments, agencies and other regulatory authorities. Option 4 is recommended as it best supports the • May identify priorities and values that need to Commission’s objectives related to climate change as be considered in the design, review, and conduct outlined in the Commission’s broad policies, objectives of the activity. and goals. Direction Government departments and agencies will request that NIRB either undertake, or be directly involved in the screening and review of seismic research and oil and gas exploration and development in areas adjacent to the NSA. Option 4 reflects the fact that the Commission does not have jurisdiction over these areas.

Climate Change

Climate change is an important consideration in the NSA. Changing ice conditions may have an impact on residents’ use of the land, and many wildlife populations can be affected by changes to the unique habitat that

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 47

 The proposed Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA); Chapter 3  Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary;

Encouraging Conservation  Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs);

Planning  National Wildlife Areas (NWAs);

 Historic Sites; and “The Goal of Encouraging Conservation Planning is described as: forming an important part of the land and  Heritage Rivers. resource management regime in Nunavut. Conservation planning recognizes that Parks and Conservation Areas Parks Awaiting Full Establishment may be established through legislation. The protection of other Areas of Interest may also be achieved through the application of zoning in the land use plan. The purpose of (see Map 59-71) conservation planning is to protect the natural environment, culturally significant areas and special PCA and the GN have identified and provided the places for the benefit of Nunavummiut and all Canadians. Commission with areas awaiting full establishment as This will be achieved by recognizing the general National and Territorial Parks. desirability to establish Parks in the Nunavut Settlement Area, supporting Conservation Area initiatives of National Parks include: Government, and by protecting Areas of Interest under  Ukkusiksalik National Park; and the authority of the land use plan.”  Ward Hunt Island Introduction Territorial Parks include: Encouraging Conservation Planning is one of five Baffin Region planning Goals in the Nunavut Planning Commission’s  Katannilik Territorial Park (Kimmirut/Iqaluit) Broad Planning Polices, Objectives and Goals. It is the primary aim of this Chapter to provide a practical policy  Mallikjuaq Territorial Park (Cape Dorset) direction that is able to support this Goal.  Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park (Iqaluit) Specifically, this Chapter;  Pisuktinu Territorial Park Campground  identifies key areas of Nunavut that are critical (Pangnirtung) to encouraging conservation planning;  Tamaarvik Territorial Park Campground (Pond  provides options for managing these key areas; Inlet)

 recommends a preferred option for the  Taqaiqsirvik Territorial Park Campground management of these areas that is best able to (Kimmirut) support this Goal; and  Tupirvik Territorial Park Campground (Resolute  translates the preferred recommendation into a Bay language that a Land Use Plan can articulate and implement. Kitikmeot Region  Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park (Kugluktuk) Key Areas and Issues  Ovayok Territorial Park (Cambridge Bay) Areas and issues of the NSA identified by the Commission as important to encouraging  Northwest Passage Territorial Park (Gjoa Haven) conservation planning are; Kivalliq Region  National Parks Awaiting Full Establishment;  Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park (Rankin Inlet)  Proposed National Parks;

48  Nunavut Planning Commission

• Inuujaarvik Territorial Park Campground (Baker • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible Lake) with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. Considered Information: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a be considered in the design, review, and conduct land use plan to take into account environmental of the activity. considerations, including Parks and Conservation Areas. The following uses are prohibited: • Mineral exploration and production; • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of • Oil and gas exploration and production; Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide • Quarries; for the establishment and continued protection • Hydro development; of the ecological integrity of Parks and • All weather roads; and Conservation Areas; • Related research.

• The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan supports Option 1 was chosen given that these areas have been the creation of a national park in the Wager Bay identified as future National Parks and lands have been area (Ukkusiksalik National Park) withdrawn in the areas.

• There are mineral claims and prospecting permits Recommendation for Territorial Parks Awaiting Full adjacent to Ukkusiksalik National Park; Establishment

• PCA has requested that these areas be protected Option 1 is recommended for areas outside municipal from development that is incompatible with boundaries: National Parks; • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. • PCA has advised that these areas are under land • May include terms to guide land use. withdrawals; • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to • 4 of the Territorial Parks Awaiting Full be considered in the design, review, and conduct Establishment are outside municipal boundaries. of the activity.

• Municipal plans manage land use within The following uses are prohibited: municipal boundaries. • Mineral exploration and production; • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining • Quarries; Strategy identifies the need to create conditions • Hydro development; for a strong and sustainable minerals industry • All weather roads; and that contributes to a high and sustainable • Related research. quality of life for all Nunavummiut; Option 1 was chosen given that these areas have been • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identified as Candidate Territorial Parks and lands have identifies the need for land and marine been withdrawn in the areas. transportation networks to facilitate the movement of goods and provision of services; Option 3 is recommended areas inside municipal and boundaries: • Allows all uses. • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports • May include direction to regulatory authorities. the development and enhancement of • May identify priorities and values that need to attractions through the investment in Parks, be considered in the design, review, and conduct Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage of the activity. rivers and other attractions. Option 3 was chosen based on the ability of municipal Recommendation for National Parks Awaiting Full land use plans to manage land use. Establishment Proposed Parks Option 1 is recommended: (see Map 72- 74) Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 49

• Peary Caribou on Bathurst Island are listed as PCA and the GN have identified proposed Parks in the endangered under the Species at Risk Act; NSA. One is proposed in the Kitikmeot Region in the Bluenose Lake Area and is contiguous to the existing • PCA has advised that PCA and the Qikiqtani Inuit Tuktut Nogait National Park. Another one is the proposed Association (QIA) are currently in the process of Qausuittuq National Park in the Qikiqtaaluk Region on negotiating an IIBA for a National Park on northern Bathurst Island. Finally, the GN has identified a Bathurst Island; proposed territorial park, the Aggutinni Study Area, near Clyde River. • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy identifies the need to create conditions Considered Information: for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a quality of life for all Nunavummiut; land use plan to take into account environmental considerations, including Parks and Conservation • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy Areas. identifies the need for land and marine transportation networks to facilitate the • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of movement of goods and provision of services; Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide and for the establishment and continued protection of the ecological integrity of Parks and • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports Conservation Areas; the development and enhancement of attractions through the investment in Parks, • The North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage supports the creation of a national park on rivers and other attractions. supports the Bathurst Island; development and enhancement of attractions through the investment in Parks, Conservation • The Bluenose Lake Area contains IOL; Areas, historic places, heritage rivers and other attractions. • The Bathurst Island and Bluenose Lake areas include possible caribou calving and post-calving Recommendation for Proposed National Parks areas; Option 1 is recommended for the Blue Nose Lake Area • PCA has advised that the proposed park in the Proposed National Park: Bluenose Lake Area has no agreed upon • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible boundary or land withdrawal; with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. • PCA has advised that there is no agreement with • May include direction to regulatory authorities. the community that the Blue Nose Lake area • May identify priorities and values that need to should be a National Park; be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. • PCA has advised that the proposed Bathurst Island National Park has a land withdrawal for The following uses are prohibited: the terrestrial portions of the national park study • Mineral exploration and production; area; • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Quarries; • PCA has advised that there is now a proposed • Hydro development; boundary for the Bathurst Island National Park; • All weather roads; and • Related research. • PCA has advised that “The area east of the proposed Qausuittuq NP boundary (currently Option 1 was chosen given that this area has been covered by a land withdrawal) should be proposed as a National Park. protected from development as decided by the Senior MERA Committee in 2002 (moratorium on Option 1 is recommended for the proposed Qausuittuq mineral exploration and development until the National Park on Bathurst Island and adjacent area: Peary caribou recover and/or their fate is • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible otherwise determined.)”; with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities.

50 | Nunavut Planning Commission

• May identify priorities and values that need to for the establishment and continued protection be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the ecological integrity of Parks and of the activity. Conservation Areas;

The following uses are prohibited: • The North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan • Mineral exploration and production; identifies Lancaster Sound as “essential to the • Oil and gas exploration and production; survival of several million seabirds, which occur • Quarries; in concentrations not found elsewhere in the • Hydro development; Arctic. The biophysical richness of the central • All weather roads; and part of the region around Lancaster Sound • Related research. makes it an ecosystem of international significance. The NBRLUP also identifies Option 1 was chosen given that this area has been Lancaster Sound as having the highest known oil proposed as a National Park and land withdrawals have and gas potential of the sedimentary basins of been identified in support of a national park. As well the Arctic islands; there are adjacent areas that are important to supporting the integrity of the park. • The area is adjacent to Similik National Park;

Recommendation for Proposed Territorial Parks • The area contains extensive UOM activities;

Option 1 is recommended for the Aggutinni Study Area: • The areas includes numerous key bird habitat • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible areas; with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. • PCA has advised that there is a boundary for the • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Proposed Lancaster Sound NMCA; • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • PCA has advised that the only outright of the activity. prohibitions that would apply under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act are The following uses are prohibited: mineral and petroleum exploration and • Mineral exploration and production; development, and ocean dumping; • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Quarries; • PCA has advised that there is no agreement with • Hydro development; communities that the area should be a NMCA; • All weather roads; and • Related research. • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine Option 1 was chosen given that this area has been transportation networks to facilitate the proposed as a Territorial Park. movement of goods and provision of services; and Proposed National Marine Conservation • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports Areas the development and enhancement of attractions through the investment in Parks, (see Map 75) Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage rivers and other attractions. The Commission recognizes PCA’s initiative to establish a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in Lancaster Recommendation for the Proposed Lancaster Sound Sound. NMCA

Considered Information: Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a with environmental and cultural values. land use plan to take into account environmental • May include terms to guide land use. considerations, including Parks and Conservation • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Areas; • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of of the activity. Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 51

The following uses are prohibited: • Hydro development; • Mineral exploration and production; • All weather roads; and • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Related research. • Hydro development; and • Related research. Option 1 was chosen given that this area already has a land withdrawal in place. Option 1 was chosen given that this area is under consideration to be established as a NMCA. Migratory Bird Sanctuaries

Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary (See Map 77 – Map 89)

(see Map 76) Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs) are important to supporting and protecting migratory birds in the NSA. EC- The Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1927 CWS identifies the following MBSs: Seymour Island and supports a wide variety of wildlife. Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Prince Leopold Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Considered Information: Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary, East Bay Migratory Bird • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a Sanctuary, Harry Gibbons Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and land use plan to take into account environmental McConnell River Migratory Bird Sanctuary. considerations, including Parks and Conservation Areas; Considered Information: • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a for the establishment and continued protection land use plan to take into account environmental of the ecological integrity of Parks and considerations, including Parks and Conservation Conservation Areas; Areas.

• The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan supports • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of the restriction of development activities; Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide for the establishment and continued protection • GoC has advised that the Sanctuary is likely an of the ecological integrity of Parks and important movement corridor for many species Conservation Areas; expanding their ranges northward; • Some sites are located within the boundaries of • The lands are withdrawn; the NBRLUP. The NBRLUP places an emphasis on protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat and • The Thelon River is a Canadian Heritage River; ensuring impacts on wildlife are minimized;

• There is an adjacent key bird habitat site; and • Some sites are located within the boundaries of the KRLUP. The Keewatin Regional Land Use • There are adjacent mineral claims; Plan identifies healthy wildlife populations as vital to Inuit. It places an emphasis on the Recommendation for the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary protection and preservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat for use by future generations. Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • EC-CWS has advised the Commission that there with environmental and cultural values. should be limited access to MBSs; • May include terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • There is IOL in some of the MBSs; • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • NTI has advised the Commission that activity of the activity. should not be restricted on IOL;

The following uses are prohibited: • Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou • Mineral exploration and production; Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species • Oil and gas exploration and production; with important economic and cultural values; • Quarries; and 52 | Nunavut Planning Commission

• Current human activities at site: • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports o Biological research; harvesting and ancillary the development and enhancement of activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement attractions through the investment in Parks, beneficiaries Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage • Anticipated human activities at site: rivers and other attractions. o Research; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries Recommendation for MBSs • Threats to birds from current/future activities at site: Option 1 is recommended: o Increased human disturbance related to • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible permitted activities; increasing human with environmental and cultural values. disturbance related to cruise ship tourism • May include terms to guide land use. • Potential consequences for bird populations: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. o Disruption of feeding and nesting birds • May identify priorities and values that need to resulting in loss of eggs and/or young be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Recommended setbacks: of the activity. o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks The following uses are prohibited: (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS • Mineral exploration and production; Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and • Oil and gas exploration and production; Seaducks) • Quarries; • Hydro development; Additional considerations: • All weather roads; and • Related research. • The site has UOM activity, a possible sacred site, burial sites and possible caribou calving and Terms: Refer to each designated bird sanctuary below post-calving areas; and Table 1 to identify the setbacks that need to be applied. • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, Option 1 was chosen given that these areas are existing shellfish, impacts, potential economic established Conservation Areas. development, no oil and gas, and protection; and

KIVALLIQ REGION • The site surrounds a MBS;

East Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary • The site has prospecting permits; and

(see Map 77) • The site contains some IOL.

CWS noted the following: Harry Gibbons Migratogry Bird Sanctuary

• Category: (see Map 78) o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying criterion: CWS noted the following: o Legislated protected area under the Migratory Birds Convention Act • Category: Supports a percentage of a national species o o Highly risk intolerant population equal to or greater than the • Qualifying criterion: percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the o Legislated protected area under the Migratory population can tolerate (Common Eider) Birds Convention Act • Feature bird group: o Hosts more than 10% of a national population o Seaduck (Common Eider) of one or more migratory bird species (Lesser o Also important at site: Waterfowl (Lesser Snow Snow Goose) Goose), Seabird (Black Guillemot), shorebird • Feature bird group: (e.g. Red Phalarope) o Inland waterfowl (Lesser Snow Goose) • Site details: o Also important at site: Shorebird (e.g. Red o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) Phalarope) o Non-binding designation: Important Bird Area • Site details: Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 53

o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area o Non-binding designations: International experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing Biological Programme Site; Important Bird Area human disturbance related to cruise ship • Current human activities at site: tourism; risk for oil spills and operational o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut releases originating from shipping Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Anticipated human activities at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area o Harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries human disturbance related to cruise ship • Threats to birds from current/future activities tourism; risk for oil spills and operational at site: releases originating from shipping o None • Recommended setbacks: • Potential consequences for bird populations: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks o None • Recommended setbacks: (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks Seaducks) (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Additional considerations: Seaducks) • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Additional considerations: polar bear, birds, fish, marine mammals, fishing river or lake, land mammals, drinking water, • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, cultural values, impacts, and protection. polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, shellfish, cultural values, potential economic KITIKMEOT REGION development, no oil and gas, and protection. Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary McConnell River Migratory Bird Sanctuary (see Map 80) (see Map 79) CWS noted the following: CWS noted the following: • Category: • Category: o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying criterion: o Legislated protected area under the Migratory Birds Convention Act o Legislated protected area under the Migratory Birds Convention Act o Hosts more than 5% of a national population of one or more species exhibiting population o Contains 5 – 10% of the national population of a species NOT exhibiting declines as of 2005 declines as of 2005 (American Golden Plover, (Ross’ Goose) Dunlin, Semipalmated Sandpiper) • Feature bird group: o Hosts more than 10% of a national population of one or more migratory bird species (Ross’s o Waterfowl • Site details: Goose, Snow Goose, American Golden Plover, Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern), Short-eared Owl (Special Concern) Sandpiper) • Feature bird group: o Non-binding designations: Ramsar Wetland of International Importance; International o Shorebird Biological Programme Site; Important Bird Area o Also important at site: Inland Seaduck (e.g. • Current human activities at site: King Eider), Waterfowl (e.g. Greater White- fronted Goose) o None • Anticipated human activities at site: • Site details: Most extensive wetland in mid-Arctic o Cruise ship tourism; harvesting and ancillary o activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement o Species at risk: Wolverine (Special Concern), beneficiaries Grizzly Bear (Special Concern) • Threats to birds from current/future activities o Non-binding designations: Ramsar Wetland of at site: International Importance; International Biological Programme Site; Important Bird Area

54 | Nunavut Planning Commission

• Current human activities at site: o Shorebird (e.g. Ringed Plover) o Shipping; biological research; harvesting and • Site details: ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims o Species at risk: Red Knot spp. islandica (Special Agreement beneficiaries Concern), Peregrine Falcon (Special Concern), • Anticipated human activities at site: Polar Bear (Special Concern) o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; biological o Part of Migratory Bird Sanctuary is contained research; harvesting and ancillary activities by within Sirmilik National Park Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries o Non-binding designations: International • Threats to birds from current/future activities Biological Programme Site, Important Bird Area at site: • Current human activities at site: o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area o Land-based tourism; shipping; cruise ship experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing tourism; biological research; harvesting and human disturbance related to cruise ship ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims tourism; risk for oil spills and operational Agreement beneficiaries releases originating from shipping; human, • Anticipated human activities at site: aerial and terrestrial traffic disturbance related o Land-based tourism; shipping; cruise ship to research activities; air traffic disturbance tourism; biological research; harvesting and related to potential research activities ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims • Recommended setbacks: Agreement beneficiaries o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds) • Threats to birds from current/future activities (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS at site: Marine Setbacks (All Migratory Birds) (Coastal o Human and terrestrial traffic disturbance Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial related to land-based tourism activities; marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing Additional considerations: human disturbance related to cruise ship tourism; direct loss of birds due to • The site has UOM activity; contaminants and pollution • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, o Disruption of feeding and nesting birds birds, fish, land mammals, wildlife, drinking resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; higher water, cultural values, contaminated sites, potential for bird-ship collisions originating existing economic development, and protection; from all shipping activities; direct loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • The site has a North Warning System site and • Recommended setbacks: land remediation site, which are assigned o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Building Healthy Communities designations Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS below. Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds); o Note that the Nunavut Land Use Plan does not QIKIQTAALUK REGION apply within Sirmilik National Park.

Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary Additional considerations:

(see Map 81) • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, CWS noted the following: wildlife, cultural values, impacts, contaminated sites, existing economic development, • Category: transportation and infrastructure, no oil and gas, o Highly risk intolerant no shipping, and protection. • Qualifying Criterion: Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary o Legislated protected area under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (see Map 82) o Supports a percentage of a national population equal to or greater than the percentage of 'sustainable loss' that the population can CWS noted the following: tolerate (Thick-billed Murre) • Feature bird group: • Category: Highly risk intolerant o Seabird (including Black-legged Kittiwake) o o Waterfowl (Greater Snow Goose) • Qualifying Criterion:

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 55

o Legislated protected area under the Migratory o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area; Birds Convention Act International Biological Programme Site, o Contains habitat likely to be identified as UNESCO World Heritage Site Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as • Current human activities at site: 'endangered' or 'threatened' under the Species o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; biological at Risk Act (Red Knot) research o Hosts more than 10% of a national population • Anticipated human activities at site: of one or more migratory bird species (Black- o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; biological bellied Plover, Dunlin, Red Phalarope, Red research; commercial fishing Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, White-rumped • Threats to birds from current/future activities Sandpiper, Lesser Snow Goose) at site: Hosts more than 5% of a national population o o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area of one or more species exhibiting population experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing decline as of 2005 (American Golden-Plover, human disturbance related to cruise ship Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Red Phalarope, tourism; risk for oil spills and operational Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone) releases originating from shipping; risk of • Feature bird group: bycatch from commercial fishing activities o Shorebird anticipated o Also important at site: Waterfowl (Lesser Snow • Potential consequences for bird populations: Goose, Atlantic Brant) o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions • Site details: originating from all shipping activities; o Species at risk: Red Knot spp. rufa disruption of feeding and nesting birds (Endangered) resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct o Non-binding designations: Ramsar Wetland of loss of birds due to contaminants; potential for International Importance; International direct loss of seabirds from fishing bycatch Biological Programme Site; Important Bird Area • Recommended setbacks: • Current human activities at site: o EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmars); o None EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS • Anticipated human activities at site: Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) o None • Threats to birds from current/future activities Additional considerations: at site: o None • Priorities and values of residents include polar • Potential consequences for bird populations: bear, birds, fish, marine mammals, land mammals, o None wildlife, impacts, existing economic • Recommended setbacks: development, no oil and gas, no shipping, and o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); protection. EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks Seymour Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks) (see Map 84) Prince Leopold Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary CWS noted the following:

(see Map 83) • Category:

Highly risk intolerant CWS noted the following: o • Qualifying Criterion:

o Legislated protected area under the Migratory • Category: Birds Convention Act Highly risk intolerant o o Contains habitat likely to be identified as • Qualifying Criterion: Critical Habitat for a migratory bird listed as o Legislated protected area under the Migratory 'endangered' or 'threatened' under the Species Birds Convention Act at Risk Act (Ivory Gull) Hosts more than 10% of a national population o • Feature bird group: of one or more migratory bird species (Black- Seabird legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar). o • Site details: • Feature bird group: Largest known Ivory Gull colony in Canada Seabird o o Species at risk: Ivory Gull (endangered) • Site details: o o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) 56 | Nunavut Planning Commission

o Non-binding designations: International • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Biological Programme Site; Important Bird Area Strategy identifies the need to create conditions • Current human activities at site: for a strong and sustainable minerals industry o None that contributes to a high and sustainable • Anticipated human activities at site: quality of life for all Nunavummiut; o Shipping • Threats to birds from current/future activities • Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou at site: Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area with important economic and cultural values; experiences increasing ship traffic; risk of oil and spills and operational releases originating from ships • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy • Potential consequences for bird populations: identifies the need for land and marine o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions transportation networks to facilitate the originating from all shipping activities; direct movement of goods and provision of services; loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution • Recommended setbacks: Recommendation for NWAs

o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Option 1 is recommended: Terrestrial Setbacks (Ivory Gull) • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. National Wildlife Areas • May include terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. (see Map 85 – Map 89) • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) have been identified and of the activity. provided to the Commission by the GoC. These areas are: Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area, Nirjutiqavvik The following uses are prohibited: National Wildlife Area, Niginganiq National Wildlife Area, • Mineral exploration and production; Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area, and Akpait National • Oil and gas exploration and production; Wildlife Area. • Quarries; • Hydro development; Considered Information: • All weather roads; and • Related research. • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to take into account environmental Terms: Refer to each designated wildlife area below and considerations, including Parks and Conservation Table 1 to identify the setbacks that need to be applied. Areas. Option 1 was chosen given that these areas are existing • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of established Conservation Areas. Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide for the establishment and continued protection QIKIQTAALUK REGION of the ecological integrity of Parks and Conservation Areas; Akpait National Wildlife Area

• Some sites are located within the boundaries of (see Map 85) the NBRLUP. The NBRLUP places an emphasis on protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat and CWS noted the following: ensuring impacts on wildlife are minimized; • Category: • GoC has advised the Commission that NWAs o Highly risk intolerant require special management and limited access; • Qualifying Criterion: o Legislated protected area under the Canada • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports Wildlife Act the development and enhancement of o Hosts more than 10% of a national population attractions through the investment in Parks, of one or more migratory bird species (Thick- Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage billed Murre, Northern Fulmar) rivers and other attractions. o Supports a percentage of a national species population equal to or greater than the

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 57

percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the • Anticipated human activities at site: population can tolerate (Thick-billed Murre) o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and • Feature bird group: ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims o Seabird Agreement beneficiaries • Site details: • Threats to whales and birds from o Species at risk: Polar Bear (special concern), current/future activity: Peregrine Falcon (special concern) o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area; experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing International Biological Program Site human disturbance related to cruise ship • Current human activities at site: tourism; risk for oil spills and operational o Shipping; cruise ship tourism releases originating from shipping • Anticipated human activities at site: • Potential consequences for whale and bird o Shipping; cruise ship tourism populations: • Threats to birds from current/future activity: o Higher potential for animal-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing disruption of feeding animals resulting in human disturbance related to cruise ship energetic losses; direct loss of animals due to tourism; risk of oil spills and operational contaminants and pollution releases originating from ships • Recommended setbacks: • Potential consequences for bird populations: o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Migratory Birds); o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; EC-CWS Terrestrial Setbacks (All Migratory disruption of feeding and nesting birds Birds); resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution Additional considerations: • Recommended setbacks: • Priorities and values of residents include polar o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC-CWS bear, walrus, bird, fish, marine mammals, drinking Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) water, cultural values, existing economic development, transportation and infrastructure, Additional considerations: and protection.

• Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area birds, cultural values, and impacts. (see Map 87) Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area CWS noted the following: (see Map 86) • Category: CWS noted the following: o Highly risk intolerant • Qualifying Criterion: • Category: o Legislated protected area under the Canada o Highly risk intolerant Wildlife Act • Qualifying Criterion: o Hosts more than 10% of a national population o Legislated protected area under the Canada of one or more migratory bird species (Thick- Wildlife Act billed Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake) • Feature bird group: o Supports a percentage of a national species o Seabird (Northern Fulmar, Dovekie) population equal to or greater than the • Site details: percentage of ‘sustainable loss’ that the o National Wildlife Area established to protect population can tolerate (Thick-billed Murre) Bowhead Whale habitat; largest known • Feature bird group: concentration of Bowhead Whales o Seabird o Species at risk: Peregrine Falcon (Special • Site details: Concern), Polar Bear (Special Concern) o Species at risk: Polar Bear (Special Concern) Non-binding designations: None o o Non-binding designations: Important Bird Area; • Current human activities at site: International Biological Programme Site o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and • Current human activities at site: ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; Agreement beneficiaries • Anticipated human activities at site:

58 | Nunavut Planning Commission

o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial o Biological research; shipping; harvesting and fishing ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims • Threats to birds from current/future activities Agreement beneficiaries at site: • Threats to birds from current/future activities o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area at site: experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing o Human disturbance related to biological human disturbance related to cruise ship research; marine traffic/shipping disturbance tourism; risk for oil spills and operational as the area experiences increasing ship traffic; releases originating from shipping; risk of risk for oil spills and operational releases bycatch from commercial fishing activities originating from shipping anticipated • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Potential consequences for bird populations: o Disruption of feeding and nesting birds o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct originating from all shipping activities; loss of birds due to contaminants and pollution disruption of feeding and nesting birds • Recommended setbacks: resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl loss of birds due to contaminants and and Seaducks); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds (Coastal Waterfowl and Seaducks); EC-CWS from fishing bycatch Terrestrial Setbacks (Coastal Waterfowl and • Recommended setbacks: Seaducks) o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Marine Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS Additional considerations: Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Additional considerations: walrus, marine mammals, polynyas, cultural values, contaminated sites, existing economic • Priorities and values of residents include polar development, and protection. bear, birds, marine mammals, cultural values, existing economic development, and protection. Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area

Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area (see Map 89)

(see Map 88) CWS noted the following:

CWS noted the following: • Category: o Highly risk intolerant • Category: • Qualifying Criterion: Legislated protected area under the Canada o Highly risk intolerant o • Qualifying Criterion: Wildlife Act Hosts more than 10% of a national population o Legislated protected area under the Canada o Wildlife Act of one or more migratory bird species • Feature bird group: (Northern Fulmar) • Feature bird group: o Shorebird (e.g. red phalarope, white-rumped sandpiper), Seaduck (e.g. King Eider), o Seabird Waterfowl (e.g. Greater Snow Goose) • Site details: • Site details: o Largest Northern Fulmar colony in Canada Species at risk: Peregrine Falcon (Special o High arctic wetland of exceptional biological o diversity Concern); Polar Bear (Special Concern) Non-binding designations: International o Species at risk: Peary Caribou (Endangered), o Red Knot spp. islandica (Special Concern) Biological Programme Site, Important Bird Area • Current human activities at site: o Non-binding designations: Ramsar Wetland of International Importance; International o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; harvesting and Biological Programme Site ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims • Current human activities at site: Agreement beneficiaries • Anticipated human activities at site: o Biological research; harvesting and ancillary activities by Nunavut Land Claims Agreement o Shipping; cruise ship tourism; commercial beneficiaries fishing; harvesting and ancillary activities by • Anticipated human activities at site: Nunavut Land Claims Agreement beneficiaries

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• Threats to birds from current/future activities • The North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan at site: identifies historic sites having significant cultural o Marine traffic/shipping disturbance as the area value; experiences increasing ship traffic; increasing human disturbance related to cruise ship • The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan tourism; risk for oil spills and operational recognizes the importance of protecting historic releases originating from ships; risk of bycatch sites; from commercial fishing activities anticipated • Potential consequences for bird populations: • Some of the sites occur on IOL; o Higher potential for bird-ship collisions originating from all shipping activities; • The GoC has advised the Commission that they disruption of feeding and nesting birds would like all activities in the NSA to take into resulting in loss of eggs and/or young; direct consideration impacts to commemorative loss of birds due to contaminants and integrity and cultural resources of National pollution; potential for direct loss of seabirds Historic Sites; from fishing bycatch • Recommended setbacks: • National historic sites can be found in almost any o EC-CWS Aerial Setbacks (All Seabirds); EC-CWS setting, from urban or industrial locales to Marine Setbacks (Northern Fulmar); EC-CWS wilderness environments, requiring the need for Terrestrial Setbacks (All Seabirds) flexibility in incorporating National Historic Sites (NHS) in all zones and allowing for the Additional considerations: preservation of their heritage value.

• Priorities and values of residents include birds, • The GN has advised the Commission that they cultural values, transportation and infrastructure, place importance on the protection of areas of and protection. historic and cultural value;

Historic Sites • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports the development and enhancement of (see Map 90 - 104) attractions through the investment in Parks, Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage The National Historic Sites have been identified and rivers and other attractions. provided to the Commission by the GoC. These sites are: Kodlunarn Island, Inuksuk, Bloody Falls, Igloolik Island • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Archaeological Sites, Port Refuge, Blacklead Island Strategy identifies the need to create conditions Whaling Station, Kekerten Island Whaling Station, Wreck for a strong and sustainable minerals industry of the HMS Breadalbane, Beechey Island Sites, Erebus that contributes to a high and sustainable and Terror, Fall Caribou Crossing, and Arvia’juaq and quality of life for all Nunavummiut; Qikiqtaarjuk. • Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou The Territorial Historic Sites have been identified by the Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species Commission from the Historical Resources Act. These with important economic and cultural values; sites are: Dealy Island, Beechey Island, Fort Conger, and and Marble Island. Options were not considered for Fort Conger as it is in Quttinirpaaq National Park. • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine Considered Information: transportation networks to facilitate the movement of goods and provision of services; • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to take into account cultural Recommendation for the Historic Sites factors and priorities. Option 1 is recommended: • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide with environmental and cultural values. for the establishment and continued protection • May include terms to guide land use. of the ecological integrity of Parks and • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Conservation Areas; • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity.

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The following uses are prohibited: • The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan • Mineral exploration and production; recognizes the importance of the heritage • Oil and gas exploration and production; resources; • Quarries; • Hydro development; • Management plans have been developed by the • All weather roads; and GoC and the GN in consultation with • Related research. communities;

Option 1 was chosen given that these areas are of • The GoC’s comments that the management plans historic significance and have been designated through contain policies and practices that ensure that legislation. the rivers’ development, management and use are consistent with CHRS objectives and Heritage Rivers guidelines;

(See Map 105 – Map 107) • The management plans for the Thelon and Kazan heritage rivers identify a 1km buffer along the The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada’s river; national river conservation program. It promotes, protects and enhances Canada's river heritage, and • The management plan for the Soper River ensures that Canada’s leading rivers are managed in a applies to the watershed of the river; sustainable manner. There are currently three designated Canadian Heritage Rivers within the NSA: the • The GN Parks and Special Places manages the Thelon, Kazan, and Soper. Management plans are in place CHRS system in Nunavut; and to manage the unique heritage values of the three designated Canadian Heritage Rivers. • The Thelon Heritage River is Baker Lake’s community drinking water supply and is Considered Information: considered in the Community Drinking Water Supplies section of this document. • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to take into account cultural NOTE: factors and priorities; • A significant portion of the Soper River is within • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports Katannilik Territorial Park; the development and enhancement of attractions through the investment in Parks, • A portion of the Thelon River is within the Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary, which is assigned a rivers and other attractions. Protected Area designation above; and

• Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining • A portion of the Kazan River is within the Fall Strategy identifies the need to create conditions Caribou Crossing National Historic Site, which is for a strong and sustainable minerals industry assigned a Protected Area designation above. that contributes to a high and sustainable quality of life for all Nunavummiut; Recommendation for the Heritage Rivers

• Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou The Commission believes that the direction provided in Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species the management plan for the particular river should be with important economic and cultural values; the guiding principle when recommending an Option for management. The management plans are the result of • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy extensive consultation. identifies the need for land and marine transportation networks to facilitate the Option 1 is recommended for the Soper River movement of goods and provision of services; watershed outside of Katannilik Territorial Park: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of with environmental and cultural values. Encouraging Conservation Planning to provide • May include terms to guide land use. for the establishment and continued protection • May include direction to regulatory authorities. of the ecological integrity of Parks and Conservation Areas;

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• May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity.

The following uses are prohibited: • Mineral exploration and production; • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Quarries; • Hydro development; • All weather roads; and • Related research.

Option 1 was chosen given that it supports the management of Katannilik Territorial Park and reflects the uses anticipated and direction provided in the Soper River management plan.

Option 2 is recommended for the Kazan River and Thelon River: • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity.

Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region.

Direction: The NWB, where appropriate, needs to mitigate the impacts of the following project proposals on the waters flowing into the heritage river to ensure that the integrity of the river system is maintained: • Mineral exploration and production; • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Quarries; • Hydro development; • All weather roads; and • Related research.

Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the water system is maintained.

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Chapter 4  Community drinking water supplies;

 Land remediation; Building Healthier  Contaminated Sites; Communities  Aerodromes;

“The promotion and strengthening of Inuit culture  DND Establishments; and and heritage is integral to the goal of building healthy communities in Nunavut. It is also one of  North Warning System sites. the fundamental objectives of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA). Protection and Community Areas of Interest promotion of the well-being of Nunavut’s residents and communities is the primary purpose of land (see Map 108 - 117) use planning under Article 11 of the NLCA, is implicit in other NLCA provisions, and is an inherent The management of areas of particular significance for goal in land use related territorial and federal ecological, cultural, social, archaeological, historic, statutes and policies.” research, restoration of environment integrity or other

similar purposes are a key aspect of building healthier Introduction communities. In the absence of legislation, the Commission supports the identification and management Building Healthy Communities is one of five planning of these areas through land use planning. In many Goals in the Nunavut Planning Commission’s Broad instances, important areas identified by communities are Planning Polices, Objectives and Goals. It is the primary included in other key areas identified throughout this aim of this Chapter to provide a practical policy direction plan. The following areas have been identified by that is able to support this Goal. communities as important areas that do not have significant overlap with other areas discussed in the Specifically, this Chapter; plan:

 identifies key areas of Nunavut that are critical  Hiukitak River (Bathurst Inlet and Umingmaktok to building healthier communities;  Duke of York Bay (Coral Harbour and Repulse

Bay)  provides options for managing these key areas;  Foxe Basin Marine Area of Interest (Igloolik)  recommends a preferred option for the  Moffett Inlet (Arctic Bay) management of these areas that is best able to  Nettiling Lake (Cape Dorset, Pangnirtung) support this Goal; and  Walrus Island (Coral Harbour)

 translates the preferred recommendation into a Considered Information: language that a Land Use Plan can articulate and implement.  The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to take into account cultural Key Areas and Issues factors and priorities;

The following areas and issues have been identified for  It is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Building their significance to building healthy communities and Healthy Communities to support Inuit social and the well-being of Nunavut’s residents: cultural needs and aspirations by providing special management to areas of cultural  Community Areas of Interest; importance;

 Community Land Use Areas;  It is an objective NPCs broad planning policies, objectives and goals that any proposed  Transportation infrastructure; restrictions on land use are achieved with the least possible impact on undiscovered mineral  Unincorporated communities; resources, while taking into account environmental and social objectives;  Alternative energy sources;

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• Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports • Hydro development; the development and enhancement of • All weather roads; and attractions through the investment in Parks, • Related research. Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage rivers and other attractions. Option 1 was chosen given the importance of the area to residents and that it recognizes the support from a • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining number of other planning partners to protect this area. Strategy identifies the need to create conditions for a strong and sustainable minerals industry Duke of York Bay that contributes to a high and sustainable quality of life for all Nunavummiut; Additional Considerations:

• Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou • Duke of York Bay was identified as an area of Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species interest by the communities of Coral Harbour and with important economic and cultural values; Repulse Bay. An interest in tourism was also identified in the area. • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine • DFO community consultation data and reports transportation networks to facilitate the identified this area as important for biodiversity, movement of goods and provision of services; fishing, and general habitat. The area includes

habitat for seals, beluga, char, polar bear, Hiukitak River bearded seal, ringed seal, shellfish, walrus, Additional Considerations: narwhal, killer whale, bowhead whale, and walrus. • The KIA’s efforts to protect the area from mining activity to preserve the cultural significance of • The area has UOM activity including sacred sites, the area; overnight sites, and harvesting/hunting areas.

• The GoC’s comments that the Hiukitak River belongs under the heading Community Areas of • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Interest in the Plan; polar bear, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, shellfish, drinking water, cultural values, • The site contains IOL and crown land; potential economic development, existing economic development, no oil and gas, and • The area contains historic caribou calving and protection. post-calving areas; and

• The Frozen Strait bird area abuts the entry to • A portion of the area is contained within the Queen Maud Bird Sanctuary. Duke of York Bay.

• The NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines, TMAC • This area is adjacent to a large polynya as Resources, the Nunavut Impact Review Board identified by the WWF. and the Nunavut Water Board expressed support for protecting the area; • This area contained polar bear summer retreat habitat as identified by GN. This area is adjacent Option 1 is recommended: to polar bear winter concentration habitat as • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible identified by GN. with environmental and cultural values.

• May include terms to guide land use. Option 1 is recommended: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct with environmental and cultural values. of the activity. • May include terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. The following uses are prohibited: • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Mineral exploration and production; of the activity. • Oil and gas exploration and production;

• Quarries;

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The following uses are prohibited: • Community residents are concerned about the • Mineral exploration and production; impacts of helicopter activity, cruise ships, and • Oil and gas exploration and production; ice breaking in Admiralty Inlet. • Hydro development; and • Related research. • DFO community consultation data and reports

Option 1 was chosen given the importance of the area to identified Moffat Inlet as a source of arctic char, residents. and habitat for Greenland shark, narwhal, bowhead whales, bearded seals, harp seals, ring Foxe Basin Marine Area of Interest seals. Killer whales and beluga whales also use this area. Additional considerations: • The area has UOM activity including sacred sites • DFO community consultation data and reports and hunting and harvesting activity. identified the Foxe Basin area as important for biodiversity including birds, seals, polar bear, and • Priorities and values of residents include caribou, walrus. The area includes general habitat, polar bear, birds, fish, marine mammals, river or migration, and birthing grounds for much wildlife. lake of interest, land mammals, wildlife, cultural values, impacts, contaminated sites, potential • This area has UOM activity including birth sites, economic development, existing economic overnight sites, and hunting and harvesting development, no oil and gas, no shipping, and activity. protection.

• Priorities and values of residents include caribou, • This area is adjacent to polar bear summer polar bears, walrus, birds, fish, marine mammals, retreat habitat. wildlife, cultural values, impacts, potential

economic development, no transportation and Option 1 is recommended: infrastructure, no shipping, and protection. • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. • This area is crossed by a large polynya as • May include terms to guide land use. identified by the WWF. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to Option 1 is recommended: be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible of the activity. with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. The following uses are prohibited: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Mineral exploration and production; • May identify priorities and values that need to • Oil and gas exploration and production; be considered in the design, review, and conduct • Commercial shipping; of the activity. • Cruise ships; • Hydro development; and The following uses are prohibited: • Related research. • Mineral exploration and production; • Oil and gas exploration and production; Option 1 was chosen given the importance of the area to • Commercial shipping; residents. • Cruise Ships • Hydro development; and Nettiling Lake • Related research. Additional considerations: Option 1 was chosen given the importance of the area to residents. • DFO community consultation data and reports identified this area as important for fish and Moffett Inlet seals including general habitat and migration corridors. Additional considerations:

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• The area has UOM activity including overnight to polar bear winter concentration habitat as sites, and harvesting/hunting areas. identified by GN.

• Priorities and values of residents include caribou, Option 1 is recommended: birds, fish, marine mammals, shellfish, river or • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible lake of interest, wildlife, drinking water, cultural with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. values, contaminated sites, potential economic • May include direction to regulatory authorities. development, existing economic development, • May identify priorities and values that need to and protection. be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. • The Great Plain of Koukdjuak bird habitat borders the lake. Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary The following uses are prohibited: is approximately 65 km to the southwest of the • Mineral exploration and production; Lake. Portions of the Western Cumberland Sound • Oil and gas exploration and production; Archipelago bird habitat are approximately 20 • Quarries; and 50 km east of the Lake. • All-weather roads; • Hydro development; and Option 1 is recommended: • Related research. • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. Option 1 was chosen given the importance of the area to • May include terms to guide land use. residents. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to Community Priorities and Values be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. (see Tables 2 and 3)

The following uses are prohibited: During consultations, communities identified numerous • Mineral exploration and production; priorities and values that have been taken into account • Oil and gas exploration and production; throughout this document. • Quarries; • Hydro development; Considered information: • Hydro development; and • Related research. • NLCA requires land use plans to reflect the priorities and values of residents. Option 1 was chosen given the importance of the area to residents. Recommendation for Community Priorities and Values

Walrus Island Option 3 is recommended: • Allows all uses. Additional considerations: • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to • DFO community consultation data and reports be considered in the design, review, and conduct identified this area as important for arctic cod of the activity. and walrus including walrus haul-outs and aggregations. Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, need to mitigate impacts on the priorities and values of residents (see Tables 2 and 3). • The area has UOM activity including a sacred

area and hunting/harvesting. Option 3 was chosen based on feedback received during the 2012-2014 Community Consultation Tour and • Priorities and values of residents include walrus, Planning Partner Consultations. marine mammals, cultural values, existing economic development, no oil and gas, and Community Land Use Areas protection. (see map 118) • This area contained polar bear summer retreat habitat as identified by GN. This area is adjacent

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Nunavummiut rely on migrating species for subsistence, Areas of Equal Use and Occupancy are lands that are and as a result, have a long established history of land jointly owned and managed between the Inuit of use across much of the NSA. The Commission has been Northern Quebec (Nunavik) as represented by Makivik working to map this history by hosting Use and and the Inuit of Nunavut represented by Nunavut Occupancy Mapping interviews with hunters and Tunngavik Incorporated as illustrated under Article 40 of trappers throughout the territory. the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. These areas are generally located around the Salisbury and Nottingham Considered Information: Islands in the Hudson Strait; and the Bakers Dozen, King George and Sleeper Islands in the Hudson Bay. • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to take into account cultural Considered Information: factors and priorities. • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of land use plan to take into account cultural Building Healthy Communities to ensure the factors and priorities; social, cultural, economic, and environmental endeavours of the human community are central • It is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Building to land use planning and implementation; Healthy Communities to support Inuit social and cultural needs and aspirations by providing • Some of the areas are within the boundaries of special management to areas of cultural the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan, which importance; recognizes the important link between people of the region and the land; • It is an objective NPCs broad planning policies, objectives and goals that any proposed • Some of the areas are within the boundaries of restrictions on land use are achieved with the the Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan, which least possible impact on undiscovered mineral recognizes the important of community use resources, while taking into account areas; environmental and social objectives;

• Many of the areas include IOL; • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports the development and enhancement of • At this time, the Use and Occupancy Mapping attractions through the investment in Parks, information identifies areas that are used by Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage community members, but does not include the rivers and other attractions. communities’ views on the relative importance of the areas and management direction that may • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining be appropriate. Strategy identifies the need to create conditions for a strong and sustainable minerals industry Recommendation for Community Land Use Areas that contributes to a high and sustainable quality of life for all Nunavummiut; Option 3 is recommended: • Allows all uses. • The areas were identified by residents of • May include direction to regulatory authorities. multiple communities in Nunavut and Nunavik as • May identify priorities and values that need to important for a variety of environmental and be considered in the design, review, and conduct cultural reasons. of the activity. Recommendation for Areas of Equal Use and Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, Occupancy need to mitigate impacts on the priorities and values of residents (see Table 4). Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible Option 3 was chosen based on feedback received during with environmental and cultural values. the based on feedback received during the 2012-2014 • May include terms to guide land use. Community Consultation Tour and Planning Partner • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Consultations. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct Areas of Equal Use and Occupancy of the activity.

The following uses are prohibited:

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• Mineral exploration and production; Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where appropriate, • Oil and gas exploration and production; need to mitigate impacts on the priorities and values of • Hydro development; and residents (see Table 2). • Related research. Option 3 was chosen based on feedback received during Option 1 was chosen given the importance of the area to the 2012-2014 Community Consultation Tour and residents. Planning Partner Consultations.

Denesuline Areas of Asserted Title Claim Transportation Infrastructure

Denesuline living in northern Manitoba and northern (see Map 119, Map 120) Saskatchewan have interests in lands in the southern Kivalliq region that they have traditionally used and Transportation is a key element in building and continue to use. sustaining healthy communities.

Considered information: Considered Information:

• There are two areas of asserted title claim • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a currently under negotiation: the Athabasca land use plan to take into account transportation Denesuline Area of Asserted Title Claim under corridors; the Benoanie Litigation, and the Manitoba Denesuline Area of Asserted Title Claim under • It is an objective of the Commission’s Goal of Samuel/Thorassie Litigation. Building Healthy Communities to take into account the development and maintenance of • In order to facilitate the conclusion of these territorial and community infrastructure outside Aboriginal land agreements, certain tracts of municipal boundaries, including transportation land have been withdrawn from disposition. infrastructure.

Recommendation for Denesuline Land Withdrawals • The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan recognizes the importance of the development Option 1 is recommended: of transportation infrastructure for the Region; • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible with environmental and cultural values. • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy • May include terms to guide land use. identifies the need for land and marine • May include direction to regulatory authorities. transportation networks to facilitate the • May identify priorities and values that need to movement of goods and provision of services; be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. • The GN’s comments that land and marine transportation is a core component of the Plan; The following uses are prohibited: and • Mineral exploration and production; • Oil and gas exploration and production; • Information on existing known transportation • Quarries; routes. • Hydro development; • All weather roads; and Recommendation for Transportation Infrastructure • Related research. Option 3 is recommended: Option 1 was chosen given that the lands are withdrawn. • Allows all uses. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. Recommendation for Denesuline Areas of Asserted • May identify priorities and values that need to Title Claim be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. Option 3 is recommended: • Allows all uses. Option 3 was chosen given that the scale of the region, • May include direction to regulatory authorities. environmental factors and ever changing economic • May identify priorities and values that need to circumstances makes it difficult to identify future land be considered in the design, review, and conduct and marine transportation needs. of the activity.

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Unincorporated Communities • Related research.

(see Map 121 - Map 122) Option 1 was chosen given that it prohibits uses which, at this time, are considered incompatible with the Bathurst Inlet and Umingmaktok are unique continued operation and cultural and historic significance unincorporated communities that are not recognized by of these communities. the Government as municipalities. They are considered to contain significant historical and cultural value. Alternative Energy Sources

Considered Information: (see Map 123 – Map 125)

• The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a Nunavut has potential for alternative energy sources. land use plan to take into account cultural The Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) has completed a factors and priorities, including the protection study (“Identification and Evaluation of Hydro-electric and preservation of outpost camps; Generation Opportunities” (2008)) for the Kivalliq Region which identifies three sites where high potential for • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports hydro-electrical generation exists; these are located the development and enhancement of along the Thelon, Kazan, and Quoich Rivers. QEC also attractions through the investment in Parks, completed a study of “Iqaluit Hydro-electric Generation Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage Sites: Identification and Ranking” (2006) which identified rivers and other attractions.; Jaynes Inlet (Qikiqgijavik) as having high potential for hydro-electrical generation. • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy identifies the need to create conditions Considered Information: for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a quality of life for all Nunavummiut; land use plan to take into account energy requirements, sources and availability; • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine • it is a policy of the Commission’s Goal of Building transportation networks to facilitate the Healthy Communities to take into account the movement of goods and provision of services; need and potential for development of alternative energy sources; • The Commission’s Goal of Building Healthy Communities requires land use planning policies • Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports take into account current and future community the development and enhancement of infrastructural requirements including land areas attractions through the investment in Parks, for outpost camps; and Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage rivers and other attractions.; • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement identifies a 2 km radius as a general boundary for outpost • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining camps. However, these areas are not considered Strategy identifies the need to create conditions to be outpost camps. for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable Recommendation for Unincorporated Communities quality of life for all Nunavummiut;

Option 1 is recommended: • The importance placed on promoting alternative • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible energy sources by the GN and GoC; and with environmental and cultural values. • May include terms to guide land use. • The direction provided in QEC reports. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to Recommendation for Alternative Energy Sources be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. Option 1 is recommended: • Restricts access to uses that are incompatible The following uses are prohibited: with environmental and cultural values. • Mineral exploration and production; • May include terms to guide land use. • Oil and gas exploration and production; • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • Hydro development; and

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• May identify priorities and values that need to • Community water supply watersheds vary in size be considered in the design, review, and conduct and basically there are three general distinct of the activity. sizes of watershed: small (less than 20 km in length), medium (over 20 km and under 100 km All uses are prohibited within 100m of the three high in length) and large (over 100 km in length); potential alternative energy sites, except activities associated with hydro-electrical generation. • Some community water supply watersheds are contained solely within the municipal boundary Option 1 was chosen given that it protects the unique while others are contained partially inside the geographic features of the river system. municipal boundary;

The Kazan River site is within the Fall Caribou Crossing • Comments received from the GN state that “the National Historic Site; it was recommended earlier in this NLUP must promote human and environmental document that this site is a protected area that prohibits health, paying particular attention to protecting hydro development. In the Commission’s view the community water sources”; location of the hydro-electrical generation opportunity appears to be located within the boundaries of the • Comments received from the GoC state that protected National Historic Site. With this in mind the “Certain kinds of exploration can be done with protected area designation will prevail. minimal effect (on community watersheds) and prohibiting such activity may not be justifiable”; Community Drinking Water Supplies • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining (see Map 126 – Map 150) Strategy identifies the need to create conditions for a strong and sustainable minerals industry Maintaining the quality of community drinking water that contributes to a high and sustainable supplies is essential to the overall well being of NSA quality of life for all Nunavummiut; communities, and a key component to building healthy communities. NSA Community Plans provide direction for • NTI does not want development activity the management of land use activities in and around restricted on IOL; and community drinking water supplies inside municipal boundaries. • Community Plans for each municipality provide direction for managing community watersheds. Community Plans vary throughout the NSA. Notwithstanding this, all Community Plans recognize the • Many communities in the NSA draw drinking importance of prohibiting activities that can potentially water from small lakes and catchment areas harm the quality of the community’s drinking water. where the entire watershed is within the municipal boundary. In these instances, the Considered Information: municipal land use plans are able to provide direction on how land should be used to maintain • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a the quality and quantity of drinking water. land use plan to take into account community infrastructural requirements including health; • Drinking water may also come from watersheds that extend outside the municipal boundaries. In • A policy of the Commission’s Goal of Building these instances, this Plan can support municipal Healthy Communities is to take into account efforts to manage land use within community current and projected municipal infrastructure drinking water supply watersheds. needs for resources such as clean water;

• Some sites are located in the North Baffin Recommendation for Community Drinking Water Regional Land Use Plan. The NBRLUP requires Supplies water quality be preserved, and no substances that will impair water quality.; It is recommended, that to the full extent possible, the direction provided in the Community Plan be reflected in • Some sites are located in the boundaries of the the Plan. The Community Plan is the result of extensive Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan. The KRLUP community consultation and thorough review and its identifies water quality as a concern of significance to the community and the direction it residents; provides with regards to acceptable land use should be afforded considerable weight.

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Option 2 is recommended for the Community Drinking Grise Fiord Community Plan considers all forms of Water Supplies outside of municipal boundaries: development acceptable inside the watershed, provided • May restrict access to some uses. it does not impact the community water supply (Grise • Includes terms to guide land use. Fiord Community Plan – 2008-2028 (February 2009)). • May include direction to regulatory authorities. There is no IOL. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is of the activity. considered most supportive of the direction in the Community Plan. Terms: The NPC may refer a project proposal falling within Schedule 12-1 to NIRB for screening, where the Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the NPC has concerns respecting the cumulative impact of drinking water supply is maintained. that project proposal in relation to other development activities in the planning region. Rankin Inlet

Direction: The NWB, where appropriate, needs to (see Map 128) mitigate impacts on community water drinking supplies to ensure that the integrity of the drinking water is Rankin Inlet’s community water supply watershed is maintained. small and located completely inside the municipal boundary. The Rankin Inlet Community Plan considers Option 3 is recommended the Community Drinking some forms of development acceptable inside the Water Supplies inside of municipal boundaries: watershed, provided it does not impact the community • Allows all uses. water supply (Rankin Inlet Community Plan (2007)). • May include direction to regulatory authorities. There is no IOL. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is of the activity. contained within municipal boundaries.

Option 3 was chosen based on feedback received during the based on the ability of municipal land use plans to Taloyoak manage land use. (see Map 129) Pangnirtung Taloyoak’s community water supply watershed is small (see Map 126) and located completely in the municipal boundary. The Taloyoak Community Plan considers all forms of Pangnirtung has a small community water supply development inside the watershed acceptable, provided watershed, which is located partially inside the municipal they do not impact community water supply (Taloyoak boundary. There is an existing prospecting permit inside Community Plan & Zoning By-law 2010-2030 (Draft the watershed. There is no IOL. The Pangnirtung 2009)). There is no IOL. Community Plan considers all forms of development acceptable inside the watershed, provided it does not Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is negatively impact the community water supply contained within municipal boundaries. (Pangnirtung Community Plan and Zoning By-law (March 2007)). Cambridge Bay

Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is (see Map 130) considered most supportive of the direction in the Community Plan. Cambridge Bay’s community water supply watershed is small and located completely inside the municipal Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the boundary. The direction from the Cambridge Bay Zoning drinking water supply is maintained. By-law indicates that no development shall take place within 500 m of the watershed (Hamlet of Cambridge Grise Fiord Bay By-laws, No. 222 (approved June 22, 2009)). The Zoning By-law does not map the watershed. Recreation (see Map 127) activities are anticipated in the setback and a future recreation centre and future Arctic College campus are Grise Fiord’s community water supply watershed is small also shown within the setback. (Ikaluktutiak – Cambridge and located partially inside the municipal boundary. The Bay Community Plan 2007-2027 & Zoning By-law (2008 approved)) There is no IOL. Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Options and Recommendations – Draft 2014 | 71

Arviat’s community water supply watershed is medium in Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is size and a small portion is located in the municipal contained within municipal boundaries. boundary. The Arviat Community Plan does not preclude development in the watershed (Hamlet of Arviat Coral Harbour Community Plan and Zoning By-law (August 2010)). Within the Arviat community water supply watershed (see Map 131) there are IOL, possible caribou calving and post-calving areas, active mineral claims, a key bird habitat site and Coral Harbour’s community water supply watershed is proposed transportation and utility corridor. Arviat is medium in size and a portion is located in the municipal actively seeking a new community water supply. boundary. The Coral Harbour Community Plan considers only uses accessory to the supply of water and quarries / Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is gravel pits acceptable in the watershed (Coral Harbour considered most supportive of the direction in the Community Plan & Zoning By-law (2006 draft)). Within Community Plan. the Coral Harbour community water supply watershed, there is also a possible caribou calving and post-calving Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the area as well as active prospecting permits. There is no drinking water supply is maintained. IOL. Whale Cove Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is considered most supportive of the direction in the (see Map 135) Community Plan. Whale Cove’s community water supply watershed is Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the small and located completely in the municipal boundary. drinking water supply is maintained. The Whale Cove Community Plan has no direction for watershed management; however it does provide for Iqaluit management of Fish Lake, which is located in the watershed (Tikirarjuaq Whale Cove Land Use Plan (see Map 132) (August 2002 approved)).

Iqaluit’s existing and proposed community water supply Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is watersheds are small and located completely in the contained within municipal boundaries. municipal boundary. The Iqaluit General Plan By-law allows no development in the proposed and existing city Repulse Bay water supply (Iqaluit General Plan By-law (June 2010 draft)). There is an active mineral claim in the proposed (see Map 136) water supply (anniversary date of claim is 2010). There is no IOL. Repulse Bay’s community water supply watershed is small and almost completely in the municipal boundary. Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is The Repulse Bay Community Plan does not preclude contained within municipal boundaries. development in the watershed. There are active mineral claims inside the Repulse Bay watershed. Sanikiluaq Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is (see Map 133) considered most supportive of the direction in the Community Plan. The Sanikiluaq community water supply watershed is small and located completely in the municipal boundary. Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the The Sanikiluaq Community Plan does not preclude drinking water supply is maintained. development in the watershed (1998 approved). Chesterfield Inlet Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is contained within municipal boundaries. (see Map 137)

Arviat Chesterfield Inlet’s community water supply watershed is small and almost completely inside the municipal (see Map 134) boundary. The Chesterfield Inlet Community Plan does not preclude development in the watershed. There is no

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IOL. There is an active mineral claim inside the watershed development in the watershed. There is an air strip and (anniversary date is March 12, 2011). some IOL within the watershed.

Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is considered most supportive of the direction in the considered most supportive of the direction in the Community Plan. Community Plan.

Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the drinking water supply is maintained. drinking water supply is maintained.

Gjoa Haven Pond Inlet

(see Map 138) (see Map 142)

The Gjoa Haven community water supply watershed is The Pond Inlet community water supply watershed is small and located in the municipal boundary. The Gjoa small and partially outside the municipal boundary. The Haven Community Plan does not preclude development Pond Inlet Community Plan contains a general policy that in the watershed. There is no IOL. under no condition shall an activity which can potentially pollute the community’s water source be allowed. The Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is watershed is located in an area of the municipality contained within municipal boundaries. presumed to be designated Hinterland in the Community Plan. Kugaaruk Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is (see Map 139) considered most supportive of the direction in the Community Plan. The Kugaaruk community water supply watershed is medium and mostly located outside the municipal Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the boundary. The Kugaaruk Community Plan does not drinking water supply is maintained. preclude development in the watershed (approved April 2008). There is no IOL. There are some existing mineral Clyde River claims inside the watershed. (see Map 143) Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is considered most supportive of the direction in the Clyde River’s community water supply watershed is small Community Plan. and located completely inside municipal boundary. It is policy of the Clyde River Community Plan that under no Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the condition shall an activity which can potentially pollute drinking water supply is maintained. the community’s water source be allowed (Clyde River Community Plan & Zoning Bylaw (approved January Resolute 2007)). The watershed is presumed to be designated Hinterland. There is no IOL. (see Map 140) Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is The Resolute community water supply watershed is contained within municipal boundaries. small and completely in the municipal boundary. The Resolute Community Plan does not preclude Kimmirut development in the watershed (draft June 2005). (see Map 144) Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is contained within municipal boundaries. The Kimmirut community water supply watershed is small and completely inside the municipal boundary. The Arctic Bay Kimmirut Community Plan does not permit development which can potentially pollute the community’s water (see Map 141) source (Hamlet of Kimmirut, By-Law No. 92-2006 (June 2007 approved)). There is no IOL. The Arctic Bay community water supply watershed is small and almost completely outside municipal boundary. Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is The Arctic Bay Community Plan does not preclude contained within municipal boundaries.

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Qikiqtarjuaq The Kugluktuk community water supply watershed is large and mostly outside the municipal boundary. The (see Map 145) watershed extends into the Northwest Territories. The Kugluktuk Community Plan and Zoning By-law contains The Qikiqtarjuaq community water supply watershed is policy that there is to be no development within the small and completely inside the municipal boundary. The watershed of the water source (Kugluktuk Community Qikiqtarjuaq Community Plan considers all uses inside the Plan By-law No. 205-2007 (2007 approved); Kugluktuk watershed provided it does not pollute the community’s Zoning By-law No. 206-2007 (2007 approved)). water source (Qikiqtarjuaq Community Plan & Zoning By- Law (2005 draft)). There is no IOL. The Coppermine draft heritage river management plan suggests the need for balance between protection and Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is economic development. The Kugluktuk community contained within municipal boundaries. watershed contains some IOL. There is no mineral activity within the municipal boundary; however, there are active mineral interests in watershed. Igloolik Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is (see Map 146) considered most supportive of the direction in the Community Plan. The Igloolik community water supply watershed is small and completely inside the municipal boundary. The Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the Igloolik Community Plan designates the watershed drinking water supply is maintained. Hinterland, which promotes local economic development (Igloolik Community Plan & Zoning By-Law (2010 draft)). Baker Lake

Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is (see Map 150) contained within municipal boundaries. The Baker Lake community water supply watershed is Hall Beach large and is mostly outside the municipal boundary. The watershed extends into the Northwest Territories. The (see Map 147) Baker Lake Community Plan and Zoning By-law offer no direction for watershed management (Baker Lake The Hall Beach community water supply watershed is Community Plan and Zoning By-law (2007 draft)). Water small and completely inside the municipal boundary. The intake is in the Baker Lake. There is some IOL. There are Hall Beach Community Plan designates the watershed also active mineral interests in the watershed, but no Hinterland, which promotes local economic development mineral activity in the municipal boundary. The drinking (Hall Beach Community Plan & Zoning By-Law (2010 water supply is a Canadian Heritage River. draft)). Option 2 is recommended for this community as it is Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is considered most supportive of the direction in the contained within municipal boundaries. Community Plan.

Cape Dorset Option 2 was chosen to ensure that the integrity of the drinking water supply is maintained. (see Map 148) Land Remediation The Cape Dorset community water supply watershed is small and completely inside the municipal boundar (Cape (see Map 151 – Map 152) Dorset Community Plan & Zoning By-Law (1996 approved)). There is no IOL. Land Remediation considers Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line sites administered by the Department of National Option 3 is recommended as the drinking water supply is Defence (DND) and AANDC. These sites are at different contained within municipal boundaries. stages of remediation.

Kugluktuk Considered Information:

(see Map 149) • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to identify and prioritize the requirement to clean up waste sites;

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• A policy of the Commission’s Goal of Building • A policy of the Commission’s Goal of Building Healthy Communities is to identify contaminated Healthy Communities is to identify contaminated sites that should be avoided by residents; sites that should be avoided by residents; • The Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan • GoC provided the Commission with a list of sites recognizes the importance of managing waste that have been remediated and those that have sites; not been remediated; • The North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining recognizes the importance of managing waste Strategy identifies the need to create conditions sites; for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable • The Commission’s Goal of Building Healthy quality of life for all Nunavummiut; Communities;

• DND recognizes that development in DEW Line • Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining sites that have not been remediated should be Strategy identifies the need to create conditions restricted; and for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable • Previous land use. quality of life for all Nunavummiut;

Recommendation for Land Remediation • The NCSP and that the GoC is responsible for the properties identified through the NCSP; Options 2 is recommended: • May restrict access to some uses. • AANDC has provided the Commission with a list • Includes terms to guide land use. of NCSP sites that they administer that are of • May include direction to regulatory authorities. concern for public health and safety. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct Recommendation for Sites Identified in the NCSP of the activity. Option 2 is recommended: All uses are prohibited except Government of Canada • May restrict access to some uses. activities and activities associated with the remediation • Includes terms to guide land use. and monitoring of the sites. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to Option 2 was chosen to reflect feedback received from be considered in the design, review, and conduct government agencies and to provide management of of the activity. public infrastructure. All uses are prohibited except remediation and Contaminated Sites monitoring of the sites.

(see Map 154-Map 168) Option 2 was chosen to reflect feedback received from government agencies and to provide management of AANDC is the custodian of most federal lands in the these NCSP sites. North and is committed to managing a number of contaminated sites. It is responsible for properties Aerodromes identified through its Northern Contaminated Sites Program (NCSP). These sites are located on reserve (see Map 169) lands, on federal lands north of the 60th parallel and on any other lands under AANDC’s custodial responsibility. Each municipality in Nunavut maintains an aerodrome. In 2002, INAC developed a Contaminated Sites Management Plan. Considered Information:

Considered Information: The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a land use plan to take into account community • The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires a infrastructural requirements including health; land use plan to identify and prioritise the requirement to clean up waste sites; • Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine

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transportation networks to facilitate the • May identify priorities and values that need to movement of goods and provision of services; be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. • An objective of the Commission’s Goal of Building Healthy Communities is to ensure that All uses are prohibited except Government of Canada land use activities are not detrimental to the activities. health, well-being and safety of Nunavut residents. Option 2 was chosen to reflect feedback received from government agencies and to provide management of the • The Airport Zoning Regulations created under public infrastructure. the Aeronautics Act, which states Land use activities within the municipal aerodromes (4 km North Warning System Sites radius measured from the midpoint of the runway) are required to comply with existing (see Map 172 – Map 179) Airport Zoning Regulations created under the Aeronautics Act; under these regulations, North Warning System (NWS) sites provide surveillance building heights are restricted and additional of North America airspace. In Nunavut, there are 6 Long hazardous uses are often identified, including Range Radar Sites (LRRS) and 28 Short Range Radar bird attractants, which can pose a significant Sites (SRRS). These sites are vulnerable to activities that threat to aircraft operations. generate electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Recommendation for Aerodromes Considered Information:

Regulations are in place for all Nunavut airports and the • The Commission’s Objective to respect and land use plan does not need to duplicate restrictions. provide for Canada’s sovereignty over Canadian

Arctic Waters; and DND Establishments

(see Map 170 -Map 172) • The comments received from DND, with regards to the management of NWS sites. The DND have The Commission recognizes the contributions of provided a range of setbacks that should be Department of National Defence sites in the NSA to provided in the Plan. national security, and supports the management of these facilities to ensure their continued utility. The DND Recommendation for NWS Sites Establishments of CFS Alert, Eureka and Nanisivik have been established to promote a military presence in the Options 2 is recommended: NSA and are used to control and defend Canada’s • May restrict access to some uses. sovereignty. The High Arctic Data Communication • Includes terms to guide land use. System is a chain of six microwave repeaters sites link • May include direction to regulatory authorities. used for communication purposes • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct Considered Information: of the activity.

• The Commission’s Objective to respect and All uses are prohibited except Government of Canada provide for Canada’s sovereignty over Canadian activities and activities associated with the remediation Arctic Waters; and and monitoring of the sites.

• Comments received from DND that access Option 2 was chosen to reflect feedback received from should be restricted to other uses. government agencies and to provide management of public infrastructure.

Recommendation for DND establishments

Option 2 is recommended: • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities.

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Mineral exploration and production is one of the most Chapter 5 attractive and viable economic activities in the NSA. The Commission recognizes the importance of this industry to Nunavut’s economy. Encouraging Sustainable Considered Information: Economic Development  Article 11 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) requires a land use plan to “The Goal of achieving the economic well-being of take into account economic opportunities and communities underlies many of the articles and needs; provisions of the Nunavut Land Claims (NLCA). It is inherent in the NLCA’s objective of encouraging  An objective of the Commission’s Goal of self-reliance and diverse economic opportunities Encouraging Sustainable Economic Development for Nunavummiut and all Canadians which will arise is to encourage diversified economic from a long-term, healthy, sustainable renewable development that increases employment, and non-renewable resource economy.” business opportunities, training and other benefits Introduction  Terriplan’s Socio-Demographic and Economic Encouraging Sustainable Economic Development is one Sector Analysis identifies mining as “one of the of five planning Goals in the Nunavut Planning most lucrative industries in Nunavut ” Commission’s Broad Planning Polices, Objectives and Goals. It is the primary aim of this Chapter to provide a The 2010 Nunavut Economic Outlook identifies practical policy direction that is able to support this Goal. mining as still being strong despite the world recession, Mining presents its self as one of the Specifically, this Chapter; most attractive and viable economic activities in the NSA. It identifies 8 mines with a high  identifies key areas of Nunavut that are critical potential to develop in the next several years. to the encouraging sustainable economic These mines are Meadowbank Gold Mine, which development; is now in production, Hope Bay Gold Mine, Meliadine Gold Mine, Kiggavik Uranium Mine, Izok  provides options for managing these key areas; Lake, High Lake, Hackett River and Mary River.

 recommends a preferred option for the  NTI has advised that mineral exploration should management of these areas that is best able to not be restricted on IOL; support this Goal; and  It is an objective NPCs broad planning policies,  translates the preferred recommendation into a objectives and goals that any proposed language that a Land Use Plan can articulate and restrictions on land use are achieved with the implement. least possible impact on undiscovered mineral resources, while taking into account Key Areas environmental and social objectives;

Areas of the NSA identified by the Commission as  Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining important to encouraging sustainable economic Strategy identifies the need to create conditions development are; for a strong and sustainable minerals industry that contributes to a high and sustainable  Mineral Exploration and Production; quality of life for all Nunavummiut;

 Oil and Gas exploration and production;  Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou and Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species with important economic and cultural values;  Commercial Fisheries and

Mineral Potential  Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine

transportation networks to facilitate the (see Map 180) movement of goods and provision of services;

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potential to be a main economic activity in the • Some sites are located in the Boundaries of the NSA. North Baffin Planning Region. The NBRLUP identifies mining as influencing the regional • It is an objective NPCs broad planning policies, mixed economy; objectives and goals that any proposed restrictions on land use are achieved with the • Some sites are located in the boundaries of the least possible impact on undiscovered mineral Keewatin Regional Land Use Planning Region. resources, while taking into account The KRLUP identifies mining as important to the environmental and social objectives; economic well being of the region • Nunavut’s Economic Outlook identifies oil and • AANDC provided the Commission with a list of gas as key industry important to sustaining sites for high mineral potential. Nunavut’s economy;

Recommendation for Areas of High Mineral Potential • Some sites are located in the Boundaries of the North Baffin Planning Region. The NBRLUP Options 2 is recommended: identifies oil and gas as influencing the regional • May restrict access to some uses. mixed economy; • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • AANDC provided the Commission with a list of • May identify priorities and values that need to sites containing significant discovery licenses be considered in the design, review, and conduct (SDL) which is the only type of license present of the activity. within Nunavut at this time;

The establishment of tourism facilities, Conservation Recommendation for Areas of High Oil and Gas Areas and Parks are prohibited. Potential

Option 2 was chosen to reflect that these areas have Options 2 is recommended: been prioritized for mineral exploration and production. • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use. Oil and Gas Exploration • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to (see Map 181) be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity. Nunavut has proven oil and gas potential, notably in the Sverdrup basin, where there are several existing The establishment of tourism facilities, Conservation Significant Discovery Licenses. Baffin Bay also has Areas and Parks are prohibited. excellent potential, but the area remains relatively unexplored. The oil and gas sector has the potential Option 2 was chosen to reflect that these areas have to be one of the most lucrative economic activities in been prioritized for oil and gas exploration and Nunavut. production.

Considered Information: Commercial Fisheries

• Article 11 of the Nunavut Land Claims (see Map 182 – Map 184) Agreement (NLCA) requires a land use plan to take into account economic opportunities and The commission recognizes the commercial fishing needs; industry as important to a diversified and sustainable economy. Commercial fisheries are an emerging sector in • An objective of the Commission’s Goal of Nunavut’s economy, with turbot and char currently being Encouraging Sustainable Economic Development harvested. Activity in Nunavut’s commercial fishing is to encourage diversified economic industry is predicted to grow. development that increases employment, business opportunities, training and other Considered Information: benefits • Article 11 of the Nunavut Land Claims • Terriplan’s Socio-Demographic and Economic Agreement (NLCA) requires a land use plan to Sector Analysis identifies oil and gas with the take into account economic opportunities and needs; 78 | Nunavut Planning Commission

• May identify priorities and values that need to • An objective of the Commission’s Goal of be considered in the design, review, and conduct Encouraging Sustainable Economic Development of the activity. is to encourage diversified economic development that increases employment, Direction: Direction: Regulatory Authorities, where business opportunities, training and other appropriate, need to mitigate impacts on areas identified benefits for commercial fishing potential.

Some sites are located in the Boundaries of the Option 3 was chosen to reflect comments received from North Baffin Planning Region. The NBRLUP government agencies and the community and given that identifies fisheries as influencing the regional they are broad areas of abundance with limited mixed economy; information available to formulate specific management options. • Some sites are located in the boundaries of the Keewatin Regional Land Use Planning Region. The KRLUP identifies fisheries as important to the economic well-being of the region;

• Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy identifies the need for land and marine transportation networks to facilitate the movement of goods and provision of services; and

• DFO has provided data on fish areas of abundance.

• Cumberland Sound has been identified as a particularly important turbot fishing area for the community of Pangnirtung. The Cumberland Sound Turbot Management Area was recently extended to the mouth of Cumberland Sound.

Recommendation for Areas with the Potential for Commercial Fisheries

Option 2 is recommended for the Cumberland Sound: • May restrict access to some uses. • Includes terms to guide land use. • May include direction to regulatory authorities. • May identify priorities and values that need to be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity.

The following uses are prohibited: • Oil and gas exploration and production; and • Related research.

Option 2 was chosen to reflect comments received from government agencies and the community and to provide management direction to maintain the integrity of the fish habitat.

Option 3 is recommended for char and turbot areas of abundance: • Allows all uses. • May include direction to regulatory authorities.

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attractions through the investment in Parks, Chapter 6 Conservation Areas, historic places, heritage rivers and other attractions.;

Mixed Use  Parnautit, the GN Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy identifies the need to create conditions for a strong and sustainable minerals industry Mixed Uses have been identified for their potential to that contributes to a high and sustainable support a wide variety of land use activity and quality of life for all Nunavummiut; development. They may contain a range of qualities, or in some instances, opportunity to explore the potential.  Working Together for Caribou, the GN’s Caribou Strategy identifies caribou as a keystone species Introduction with important economic and cultural values;

The Commission recognizes that the NSA contains areas  Ingirrasiliqta, the GN Transportation Strategy that are able to support all land uses. Some of these identifies the need for land and marine areas contain qualities that contribute to the Goals of transportation networks to facilitate the Protecting and Sustaining the Environment, movement of goods and provision of services; Encouraging Conservation Planning, Building Healthier Communities or Encouraging Sustainable Economic  The NLCA identifies social, cultural, economic Development; however, at this time, there is not enough endeavours of the human community to be information to lead the Commission to restrict any land central to land use planning; use in these areas. These areas have been discussed in previous chapters, and where applicable, an option to  Some areas contain values that contribute to provide a recommendation recognizing the particular the Goals of Protecting and Sustaining the quality has been applied. Environment, Encouraging Conservation Some areas able to support all land uses have not been Planning, Building Healthier Communities or identified as containing any particular quality that Encouraging Sustainable Economic contributes to a specific goal. Development.

 It is an objective NPCs broad planning policies, It is the primary aim of this Chapter to provide a objectives and goals that any proposed practical policy direction that is able to support these restrictions on land use are achieved with the areas. least possible impact on undiscovered mineral

resources, while taking into account Specifically, this chapter; environmental and social objectives;

 identifies key areas of Nunavut that are able to  Some areas are located in the boundaries of the support all land use; North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan. Some

areas are located in the boundaries of the  provides options for managing these key areas; Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan. Both plans

generally encourage a wide variety of land uses.  recommends a preferred option for the

management of these areas; and Some areas contain IOL, and the direction  provided by NTI is not to restrict Development  translates the preferred option into a language on IOL. that a Land Use Plan can articulate and implement. Recommendation for Mixed Use

Mixed Use Option 3 is recommended;  Allows all uses. Mixed Uses have been identified for their potential to  May include direction to regulatory authorities. support a wide variety of land use activity and  May identify priorities and values that need to development. be considered in the design, review, and conduct of the activity Considered Information: Option 3 was chosen to provide for a variety of land  Tunngasaiji, the GN’s Tourism Strategy supports uses, which creates a positive environment for potential the development and enhancement of growth and the exploration of opportunities.

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