VILLAGE OF TESLIN OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN

November 2009

Village of Teslin Official Community Plan

Prepared by Té Khâ Planning and Development Brad Stoneman, Principal PO Box 286, Teslin, Yukon Territory Y0A 1B0 (867) 390-2733

with the assistance of

Beverly Suderman, Principal Avril Orloff, Graphic Facilitator Michael E. Kelly, Principal Vancouver, BC ME Kelly Consulting http://avrilorloff.com/ [email protected] Duncan, British Columbia

Damon Oriente Danica Rice Landscape Architect Valhalla Trails Ltd Vancouver, BC Cowichan Bay, British Columbia (604) 222-9200 www.valhallacontracting.com www.damonoriente.ca

Acknowledgements

The consultants would like to thank the participants in the focus groups and community meetings for their thoughtful and insightful input into the Official Community Plan review process. We could not have completed this Plan to your satisfaction without that support.

The consultants would also like to thank Wes Wirth, former Chief Administrative Officer for the Village of Teslin, and all the staff for their unstinting time and efforts to make sure that we got our facts right.

THANK YOU! GUNALCHÉESH !

Village of Teslin Official Community Plan Implementation Schedule

Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) Encourage improvements to the Alaska Highway. 5.5.11.10 Advocacy 36 months High to 5.5.11.14 Ensure the primary water supply is fully in 5.5.10.11 Management 6 months High compliance with federal and territorial drinking water quality regulations. Develop a secondary water supply, to provide 5.5.10.12 Management 12 months High redundancy and ensure uninterrupted water for residents. Pursue detailed planning to upgrade the RecPlex and 5.5.12.1 Management 12 months High provide opportunities for the development of a youth 5.5.12.9 centre and seniors centre, or some combination. Pursue a low-flush toilet rebate initiative. 5.5.10.13 Management 12 months High Stop the disposal of dangerous household chemicals 5.5.10.14 Advocacy 12 months High into the wastewater treatment system. Increase the waste diversion programs, invest in 5.5.10.15 Advocacy 12 months High additional waste-diversion infrastructure, and undertake public education to increase waste diversion, to extend the life of the landfill and promote the sustainability of the Village of Teslin. Commission a landfill study to plan for future waste 5.5.10.16 Management 12 months High management initiatives. Improve the energy efficiency of public and private 5.5.4.10 Management & 24 months High buildings, with a particular emphasis on lighting Advocacy within municipal buildings, and waste heat recovery

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Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) and re-use from indoor facilities. Develop policy that mandates the installation of 5.5.4.13 Management & 12 months High water conservation fixtures and energy efficient Advocacy appliances, lighting, and heating devices for all new construction. Make modifications to Zoning Bylaw and Zoning 6.1 Management 12 months High Map. 8.1 Work closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council to 5.5.2.4 Management 12 months High undertake joint planning at the staff and governance 5.5.2.8 level. Establish a joint planning mechanism at the staff 6.2 Management 12 months High level with the Teslin Tlingit Council. Revise village boundaries. 5.5.2.9 Advocacy 36 months High 6.3 Acquire land along the lakeshore to support the 5.5.12.7 Management 36 months High development of a public beach along Teslin Lake in proximity to the Recreation Centre/Village Square area. Develop a priority list for road upgrades within the 5.5.11.8 Management 12 months High Village, and pursue funding to implement the road improvements. (See Section 4.6.2) Engage in joint planning exercises to review 5.5.3.1.3.3 Management 12 months High proposed developments in light of sustainability principles, the desire for compact community form, energy use and infrastructure servicing costs, and cultural considerations. Acquire and subdivide lands within the Municipal 5.5.3.3.5 Advocacy 12 months High boundaries currently zoned as industrial, or in other

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Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) ways ensure that this land is available for industrial uses. Pursue intersection improvements at both ends of 5.5.11.9 Management 12 months High Nisutlin Drive, with priority to addressing the parking and safety issues at the Nisutlin Drive/Airport Road/Alaska Highway intersection. Consider the Village Square concept plan, and pursue 5.5.3.4.5 Management 12 months High further detailed planning to implement its design ideas. Monitor OCP implementation & report to 6.6 Management Annual High community. Explore the potential for developing renewable 5.5.4.8 Management 12 months High energy resources in the area, including the potential for a biomass-based district heating system or the geo-thermal energy potential of Teslin Lake. Manage vegetation within municipal boundaries to 5.5.3.1.3.5 Management Annual High create firebreaks and to reduce the amount of fuel loading on the ground surface. Sustainability: Create a triple-bottom line analysis for 5.5.1.2 Management 36 months Medium projects, to assist with project-related decision- making. Develop a lighting policy and street lighting bylaw 5.5.1.3 Management 24 months Medium for the Village of Teslin that emphasizes protection of dark sky and energy conservation. Take appropriate measures to flood-proof the village 5.5.10.10 Management 24 months Medium water well and sewage lift stations near Teslin Lake. Pursue the formation of a Trans Canada Trail 5.5.12.12 Management & 24 months Medium committee, under the leadership of the Recreation Advocacy

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Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) Manager or the Teslin Recreation Society. Consider the recommendations of the Village 5.5.12.13 Management 12 months Medium Recreation Plan, and decide on an implementation plan for upgrading recreation facilities and programming. Investigate the feasibility of developing an alternate 5.5.11.15 Management & 24 months Medium off-road transportation system for quads and snow Advocacy machines. Investigate the feasibility of improving the marina 5.5.11.16 Management 12 months Medium through construction of a fish-cleaning table near to 5.5.12.8 the water, lengthening the boat ramp, and cleaning up the marina/dock area in the lake (bikes, tires, concrete, etc.). Develop an implementation plan to undertake 5.5.10.17 Management 12 months Medium drainage upgrades for identified areas within the Village, as feasible. Raise awareness amongst the residents of Teslin 5.5.4.11 Advocacy 24 months Medium about climate change impacts, and the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt as a community. Develop a climate change adaptation plan for the 5.5.4.12 Management 36 months Medium community. Investigate the feasibility of adopting the Northern 5.5.4.14 Management 12 months Medium Building Code for Teslin, to apply to all new construction. Pursue a program to retrofit existing toilets through 5.5.4.16 Management & 12 months Medium the installation of low-flush or dual-flush toilets in Advocacy Teslin homes as a water and energy conservation

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Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) measure. Support the Teslin Tlingit Council’s efforts to 5.5.2.4 Advocacy 12 months Medium complete the Teslin Regional Land Use Plan. 5.5.2.7 5.5.9.17 Identify and document environmentally sensitive 5.5.5.12 Management 12 months Medium lands within the current and proposed municipal boundaries, with the view of creating a new “Environmental Reserve” zoning designation. Develop one or more gateways into Teslin 5.5.2.5 Management 24 months Medium 5.5.2.6 Examine the feasibility of using public facilities such 5.5.9.11 Management 12 months Medium as the arena and community centre to support local business economic development initiatives. Examine the feasibility of establishing a “buy local” 5.5.9.12 Management 12 months Medium policy for goods and services. Develop a Teslin-based tourism strategy, including 5.5.9.13 Management 24 months Medium community readiness components. Investigate the feasibility of developing a community 5.5.9.14 Management 24 months Medium economic development agency. Encourage the Teslin Chamber of Commerce to 5.5.9.16 Advocacy 12 months Medium update and enhance the kiosk at the community overlook to promote local businesses, community services (including churches), and recreational opportunities. Develop a comprehensive Fire Smart program related 5.5.3.1.3.4 Advocacy 24 months Medium to Country Residential housing development . Relocate its public works yard to the Airport 5.5.3.3.6 Management 48 months Medium Industrial site, to provide for enhanced recreational

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Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) opportunities in the village centre. Designate a greenbelt area between the Airport 5.5.3.3.7 Management 12 months Medium Industrial site and the Airport residential subdivision, and ensure that it is planted with trees to screen the industrial uses. Create a Climate Change Mitigation Plan for 5.5.4.9 Management 24 months Medium municipal operations. Enact a Landscaping and Screening Bylaw. 5.5.7.6 Management 24 months Medium Develop a procedure to ensure that heritage 5.5.6.8 Management 12 months Medium assessments are developed in advance of the issuance of demolition permits related to structures. Pursue the development of a community gateway at 5.5.3.2.9 Management 24 months Medium the intersection of Nisutlin Drive and the Alaska Highway, at the foot of the Nisutlin Bridge, and possibly also at the west end of the village. Undertake the necessary background studies 5.5.3.5.7 Advocacy 24 months Medium preparatory to creating an Environmental Reserve 5.5.3.5.8 zone and develop policy for the designation as Environmental Reserve lands. Hold annual “Most Improved Yard” contests for 5.5.7.7 Management 24 months Medium residential and commercial properties. Encourage the formation of youth or other 5.5.7.8 Management & 24 months Medium community work parties on a regular basis to clean Advocacy up litter and other trash within the Village. Develop a procedure to include park space allocation 5.5.3.5.9 Advocacy 24 months Medium within the subdivision process. Consider modifying existing bylaws to ensure that 5.5.7.9 Management & 24 months Medium derelict vehicles are not permitted on private property Advocacy

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Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) (residential, commercial, or industrial). Encourage the Teslin School to create a bouldering 5.5.12.10 Advocacy 12 months Low wall, as an additional recreational facility for the community. Adapt or redesign the skate park to make it more 5.5.12.11 Management & 24 months Low user-friendly for younger skateboarders, and Advocacy incorporate the potential for use by BMX-type bikes. Investigate the feasibility of entering into bulk 5.5.4.15 Management 24 months Low purchase agreements for new developments for water and energy efficient fixtures such as low-flow toilets, etc. Develop a procedure for its approvals on those lands 5.5.7.10 Advocacy 36 months Low designated as DC by the Teslin Tlingit Council. Ensure that all new single family homes meet basic 5.5.8.10 Advocacy 36 months Low access criteria, and that all new multi-family homes and apartments are built to have a basic level of access throughout, and that a percentage of all suites are fully accessible, through universal design or other standard. Audit Municipal facilities using the Measuring Up 5.5.8.11 Management 36 months Low Built Environment Self-Assessment Guide (or other tool), and upgrade as necessary, to ensure that all municipal facilities meet basic access criteria. Identify and document the heritage value of historic 5.5.6.4 Management & 48 months Low buildings, cultural landscapes (landforms and their Advocacy settings), and viewscapes (cultural and environmental features). Enhance the Village website to promote local 5.5.9.15 Management 12 months Low

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Action Policy & Action Type of Action Time Frame Priority Reference Management/ (High, Medium, Advocacy Low) businesses. Create an inventory of energy and emissions, 5.5.4.7 Management 24 months Low preliminary to setting targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Develop a heritage protection policy and bylaw, 5.5.6.5 Management & 24 months Low including a process for nominating particular sites for 5.5.6.6 Advocacy municipal designation. Establish an aerodrome approach overlay for the 5.5.3.5.6 Management 24 months Low zoning map. Investigate the potential for enhancing cultural 5.5.6.7 Management & 24 months Low heritage protection by developing a larger strategy Advocacy that incorporates civic design objectives.

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Table of Contents

Implementation Schedule

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Purpose of Plan ...... 1 1.2 Relationship to Other Plans ...... 1 1.3 History Of Community Government ...... 4 1.4 Relationship to Teslin Tlingit Council Land Claim & Self-Governance Agreements ...... 4 1.5 How This Plan Was Developed ...... 4

2. COMMUNITY PROFILE ...... 9 2.1 History...... 9 2.2 Geography...... 10 2.2.1 Soils & Development Suitability...... 10 2.3 Population ...... 11 2.3.1 Population Figures ...... 13 2.4 Economy ...... 16 2.4.1. Teslin Tlingit Council Economic Development Initiatives ...... 17 2.4.2. Economic Development Potential...... 17

3. CURRENT PLANNING ISSUES...... 25 3.1 Sustainability...... 25 3.1.1 Lighting and Dark Sky Value...... 28 3.2 Climate Change...... 28 3.3 Energy...... 31 3.4 Housing...... 33 3.5 Land Use ...... 36 3.5.1 Growth Management & Compact Community Form...... 37 3.5.2 Village Square...... 38 3.5.3 Commercial Development...... 38 3.5.4 Industrial Land Uses ...... 38 3.6 Social Development...... 38 3.6.1 Creating a Safe Community through Accessible Design...... 39 3.6.2 Supporting Skill Development...... 39 3.7 Economic Development...... 40 3.7.1 Tourism...... 41 3.7.2 Local Community Economic Development...... 42 3.7.3 Challenges & Opportunities...... 43 3.8 Recreation ...... 43 3.9 Heritage Conservation ...... 45 3.10 Civic Beautification ...... 46

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3.11 Joint Planning with Teslin Tlingit Council...... 48 3.12 Transportation...... 48

4. EXISTING LAND USE & FUTURE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ...... 51 4.1 Existing Land Use...... 51 4.1.1 Residential...... 52 4.1.2 Commercial...... 53 4.1.3 Industrial ...... 54 4.1.4 Institutional & Community Facilities ...... 55 4.1.5 Parks & Open Space ...... 56 4.2 Land Ownership & Tenure ...... 57 4.3 Zoning...... 57 4.4 Land capability and physical development needs...... 58 4.4.1 Vacant Serviced Land...... 58 4.4.2 Undeveloped Land...... 58 4.4.3 Undevelopable Land...... 59 4.5 Infrastructure Assessment...... 59 4.5.1 Domestic Water Supply...... 59 4.5.2 Wastewater...... 60 4.5.3 Fire Protection...... 61 4.5.4 Solid Waste...... 61 4.5.5 Roads & Drainage...... 62 4.5.6 Alaska Highway...... 63 4.5.7 Marina & Dock ...... 64 4.5.8 Other Community Amenities...... 64 4.6 Infrastructure Improvements...... 65 4.6.1 Service Infrastructure...... 65 4.6.2 Roads...... 67 4.6.3 Infrastructure Priorities...... 69

5. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES...... 71 5.1 Community Vision and Values...... 71 5.2 Community Development Goals...... 71 5.3 Community Development Objectives...... 71 5.4 Development Principles...... 72 5.5 Policies & Actions ...... 73 5.5.1 Sustainability...... 73 5.5.2 Growth Management ...... 73 5.5.3 Land Use...... 75 5.5.4 Climate Change & Energy...... 81 5.5.5 Environmentally Sensitive Land & Lakeshore Protection...... 82 5.5.6 Heritage Protection ...... 84 5.5.7 Civic Design & Beautification...... 85 5.5.8 Social Development...... 86 5.5.9 Economic Development...... 87 5.5.10 Municipal Services & Infrastructure...... 88

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5.5.11 Transportation...... 90 5.5.12 Recreation ...... 91

6. IMPLEMENTATION OF VILLAGE PLAN...... 93 6.1 Development Control...... 93 6.2 Joint Community Planning ...... 93 6.3 Boundary Expansion...... 95 6.4 Community Priorities...... 97 6.5 Capital Project Priorities...... 99 6.6 Plan Monitoring ...... 101 6.7 Plan Review & Amendment ...... 102

7. MAPS...... 103

8. APPENDICES ...... 105 8.1 Zoning Bylaw Modifications...... 107 8.2 List of Participants in Planning Process...... 115 8.3 Universal Design...... 119 8.4 Schedule of 2009 Delisted Land Parcels ...... 120 8.5 Community Consultation Murals...... 121

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1. INTRODUCTION Like many places in the Yukon and northern Canada, the Village of Teslin is governed by overlapping authorities. In addition to being subordinate to Yukon territorial and federal governments, a portion of Teslin’s land base makes up part of the Teslin Tlingit Settlement Lands. This situation creates a complex multijurisdictional service delivery environment, particularly for social services and housing, and to a lesser extent, economic development.

The Village of Teslin retains leadership in providing the traditional municipal services of water supply and waste water infrastructure; fire suppression and emergency response; solid waste management; road maintenance; recreational facilities; and land use planning and control to the entire community. The village, through various contracts and agreements, also provides selected services from this array to rural residents in the surrounding area.

1.1 Purpose of Plan The Yukon Municipal Act requires a municipality to prepare and adopt an Official Community Plan (OCP) within two years of incorporation. The municipality is also responsible to undertake a review of the plan at regular intervals. The plan is intended to serve as a “road-map” for community development and a reference to help Village and Teslin Tlingit councils to work together to make decisions about the use and development of land within community boundaries. It should also help others with jurisdiction over lands adjacent to village boundaries to understand how their actions may affect the municipality.

The Act provides that the OCP will: • Reflect Council’s intentions for future land use and development within municipal boundaries by serving as a framework for formulating development policies and making decisions; • Identify the physical factors and matters of government interest relevant to the use and development of land; • Describe the types of future physical, social and economic policies needed to maintain a healthy sustainable community; • Set forth the desired timing, sequence, pattern and characteristics of future development including the consequences thereof; • Outline the methods to be used to ensure the best use and development of land and other resources, in coordination with adjacent jurisdictions; • Identify the programs and actions necessary for successful implementation of the plan’s goals and objectives.

1.2 Relationship to Other Plans The first General Development Plan was prepared in 1974 by Underwood McLellan & Associates Limited when the community was part of the Teslin Local Improvement

Teslin Official Community Plan Page 1

District. The boundaries coincided with the Block Land Transfer. In 1984, Teslin became an incorporated community and the boundary included some reserve lands.

The first Village of Teslin OCP was completed in 1989 by David Nairne & Associates Ltd. The company completed a separate plan for First Nation lands at the same time and included a capital planning budget which focused primarily on housing and infrastructure needs.

In 1999, a second OCP was completed by Inukshuk Planning & Development (Ian Robertson, Principal). It included provisions for the protection of the lakeshore and other environmentally sensitive lands, heritage protection, and land use policies. The capital projects list featured a wide variety of studies and infrastructure upgrades, most of which have been completed or are in process in 2009.

Since 1999, two other community plans have been developed,: • Teslin Tlingit Council Community Development Plan (2000), the purpose of which is to guide future development for First Nations lands in conjunction with the Teslin OCP. It provides detailed site designs for Tlingit lands within the Village boundaries, as well as recommendations for lands with high development potential outside the Village boundaries. It proposes some land use designation changes for the Teslin OCP, including: o Conversion of the Airport subdivision from Village Residential to Country Residential; o Establishment of a Direct Control area, with provisions for detailed use and design controls in these area; and o Division of the Parks/Open Space zone into those areas which are parks, and those areas which are Environmental Reserve • Our Bridge to the Future: Teslin Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (2007), prepared jointly by the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village of Teslin. Its purpose was to determine the community’s values and goals related to sustainability, envision a sustainable future, and conduct a sustainability analysis in the areas of water, energy, solid waste, and transportation.

Summary of 1974 General Development Plan Recommendations

Provision of piped water and sewage facilities throughout community to be a minimum level of service to all residents. Outcome: Trucked water delivery with gravity fed sewage collection to holding tanks for truck pump out and treatment in sewage lagoon. Phase 2 main designed but not constructed because cost prohibitive. Current system works well for population size.

30 m shoreline strip to be retained for public use with good public access to all areas. Outcome: Only minor progress; no consistent or coordinated effort to date.

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Flight path for aerodrome should be recognized as an unsuitable area for building purposes. Outcome: The 1989 Aerodrome Development Plan limits development (e.g., building heights) in the flight path.

No further development of existing residential land uses at airport site. Outcome: No further residential development has occurred in the Old Airport Subdivision.

A 5 year capital expenditure program be formally prepared and followed. Outcome: Complete.

Regulatory controls concerning land use and building standards to be put in place. Outcome: Area Development Regulations applied by YTG.

Summary of 1989 Official Community Plan Recommendations:

Prepare a zoning by-law consistent with the new OCP. Outcome: Zoning Bylaw adopted in 1999.

Review joint planning options with Teslin Tlingit First Nation. Outcome: Some joint planning has occurred, including Sustainability Plan. However, there is a need for more and better planning and coordination between the two governments.

Initiate flood proofing study and design to determine suitable flood protection for existing structures and new construction located within the flood zone. Outcome: No detailed flood proofing study has been carried out since 1974. Both Nairne (1989) and Inukshuk (1998) reviewed the earlier data and an impact analysis on village infrastructure was carried out in 1992, which resulted in raising the height of some roads and lands around affected lift stations.

When necessary, consider municipal boundary expansion options and timing. Outcome: Discussions initiated but no agreement reached.

Summary of 1999 Official Community Plan Recommendations:

Adopt Zoning Bylaw. Zoning Bylaw #99-105 adopted. It was amended in 2008, in response to a rezoning application.

Expand the Municipal boundary to permit future development. Outcome: A variety of boundary expansion scenarios discussed, but no agreement reached.

Establish future development areas. Outcome: Potential future land uses identified, post boundary expansion. Not adopted. May need to be revisited in light of sustainability considerations.

Form Joint Planning Board. Outcome: A Teslin Regional Land Use Planning Commission was established in 2001, but the experiment was not deemed to be successful.

Clarify road hierarchy. Outcome: No action. Village of Teslin inherited roads maintenance in 2008, making the issue more important now.

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Protect environmentally sensitive lands. Outcome: Designation of lakeshore as Open Space, with the exception of certain areas with development.

Protect community heritage resources. Outcome: No action.

1.3 History Of Community Government Teslin is governed by two administrative bodies: the Village of Teslin and the Teslin Tlingit Council. Since the Village of Teslin was incorporated on August 1, 1984, it has been administered by an elected municipal council, consisting of a mayor and four councillors. The Teslin Tlingit administrative structure is different; the First Nation council structure is based on the clan system. The settlement of the Teslin Tlingit land claim in 1993 included provisions for a range of self-government powers that the First Nation can assume. The institutional arrangements required for cooperative government are still in negotiation.

1.4 Relationship to Teslin Tlingit Council Land Claim & Self-Governance Agreements The Official Community Plan applies to all land within the municipal boundary of the municipality including those lands listed in Part 1, Appendix B, or affected by Part 2, Appendix B of the Teslin Tlingit Council Self Government Agreement. The OCP applies as a law of general application to all Teslin Tlingit Settlement Lands within municipal boundaries including former reserve lands, until such time as the First Nation enacts provisions under their Settlement Land and Resources Act providing for their own plan covering the matters referred to herein. In doing so, the Teslin Tlingit may, at their choice, formally endorse this plan or prepare a similar plan covering the same matters. This plan would only apply to their lands.

The intent of this OCP is to respond to the planning needs of both the native and non- native population by promoting the adoption of one vision for the community as a whole. Part of this vision is reflected in the Self-government Agreement, which recognizes the need for land use compatibility, the creation of local service agreements, and to the extent possible, the opportunity to establish common administrative and planning structures.

1.5 How This Plan Was Developed Té Khâ Planning and Development was awarded the contract for the OCP review in April 2009. Team members undertook a community overview in mid-April, along with meetings with Village staff and Council members. In late May, after completing background research, the planning team undertook a full week of community consultations, with a series of focus groups and meetings:

Date Consultation # of Participants 2009 May 25 Village staff 5 Monday Schools: Grades 4-5 & 8-9 20 Meeting with Chief Peter Johnson, TTC 1

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Date Consultation # of Participants 2009

May 26 Business & commercial lands focus group 6 Tuesday Village Square focus group 19

May 27 Services, infrastructure & housing focus group 7 Wednesday Recreation focus group 14 Community dinner 49

May 28 Teslin: Assets & Areas needing improvement 23 Thursday Visioning: Growth 6

May 29 Visioning: Housing 5 Friday Meeting with Village Council members & staff 6

Number of community consultation participants 161

Participation in the community consultations was encouraged through the use of door prizes. Winners included:

Leslie Jackson (Grade 9) Village Square focus group Mike Hodgson Services & infrastructure focus group Billy Smarch (Grade 9) Recreation focus group Adrianna Kuster (9 years old) Community dinner

Focus group and visioning sessions were documented using graphic facilitation techniques, resulting in a series of five (5) murals that reflect the discussions, concerns, and ideas of workshop participants. These murals can be found in Section 8.5 of this document.

The Teslin Assets and Areas Needing Improvement mural, a photograph of which can also be found in Section 8.5, was created through a community photography project. Individuals were provided with disposable cameras, and asked to take pictures of those places in Teslin which were special, or those areas needing improvement. Cameras were collected on Tuesday evening, and photographs developed in Whitehorse on Wednesday. The photographers were asked to be present on Thursday morning to claim their photographs, and be prepared to talk about them. During the workshop, these photographs were placed on the mural, linked to a place on the map, and words documenting the asset or issue identified in the photograph were added to the mural. Where ideas were shared by a number of people, the number of similar ideas was documented on the map, i.e. one photograph, but 13 “marks” to indicate that 14 people in total were concerned about this issue. Individual private properties identified as areas needing improvement were not included on the mural, but commercial or public properties were. A list of themes related to issues on private property was compiled, and included on the mural.

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In mid-September, another week of community consultation meetings were held to discuss outstanding issues and proposed policies for the revised OCP. An “issues and proposed policies” discussion paper was prepared, and distributed to community members. It was used as the agenda for the focus group and other working group sessions. The week’s agenda included the following focus groups and working sessions:

Date Consultation # of Participants 2009 Sept 15 Infrastructure & Roads Focus Group 8 Tuesday Community dinner 24 Sept 16 Village Square & Heritage Protection Focus Group 8 Wednesday Recreation Focus Group 16 Sept 17 Joint TTC/VOT Workshop 10 Thursday Staff and leadership May 29 Schools: Grades 4-5 & 8-9 20 Friday VOT Council 4

Number of community consultation participants 90

In total, there were 251 people participating in the development of the Teslin OCP review process, based on attendance in spring and fall 2009. Participants provided excellent, thoughtful input into their community plan.

Focus groups and community meetings referenced the murals created during the first round of community consultations, which were posted around the community centre inside the RecPlex as reference materials, so that meeting participants could see how the ideas that were brought forward originally were being treated within the OCP.

Based on the additional input and policy direction from the community, the consultants revised the draft OCP, for submission to the Village of Teslin for its consideration and further decision-making.

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PLAN MAKING

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Teslin Location Map

Canada Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. (1984) TESLIN 1:50,000 105 C/2 Edition 3.

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2. COMMUNITY PROFILE Teslin ( Dèslin in Tlingit) is a small, picturesque and historic community, consisting of approximately 300 residents, with a service area population of approximately 450 people, predominantly First Nations. It is located at Mile 804 (Kilometer 1,244) on the Alaska Highway on the north-east shore of Teslin Lake ( Tes-Lin-Too in Tlingit) at Nisutlin Bay, 183 km south- east of Whitehorse. The original village area is located on the peninsula south of the highway.

The name Teslin is derived from the Inland Tlingit word tás t?en or “long sewing sinew”, which refers to the long and narrow Teslin Lake.

2.1 History The Tlingit Indians originated in an area of southeastern Alaska. 1 The Teslin Tlingit are descended from a coastal Tlingit group and became known as Inland Tlingit. Their traditional lands included a substantial portion of northern British Columbia and southern Yukon, from the Pacific Coast northeast to the area around Teslin Lake. By the 18 th century, the Tlingit Indians had become heavily involved in the fur trade with the Russians and other Europeans. The increased emphasis on trapping meant that some Tlingit people covered larger territories inland and spent less time on the coast.

Teslin became a summer meeting and rendez-vous spot for the Tlingit nation. The Tlingit would spend the summer on the shores of Teslin Lake fishing and collecting berries in preparation for the long winters in the bush. Each year, members would transport the accumulation of furs to the coast where they were traded for staples such as flour, sugar, tea, salt and ammunition.

In 1898, the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post at the south end of Teslin Lake. The long narrow lake provided an excellent waterway for travelling to and from the major trade centres, including the gold fields in the Klondike. By 1903, after the gold rush was over, the Hudson Bay trading post closed and the Nisutlin Trading Post was opened by Tom Smith and George Geddes in the current village location at the confluence of Teslin Lake and Nisutlin Bay. The Northwest Mounted Police arrived shortly after that.

In 1906 the Anglican Church opened a mission to serve the community. That early Log building is still in use as a parish hall. In 1938 the Roman Catholic Mission was opened with a resident priest.

Although George Johnston, a Tlingit Indian, brought the first car to Teslin in 1928, extensive road access through the Yukon to Alaska did not exist until the Alaska Highway was completed in 1942. Due to their experience in the bush, several Teslin Tlingit Band members were actively involved in identifying and laying out the route. Development of the highway helped to centralize services in the region and eventually resulted in Teslin’s establishment as a service centre for travelers and residents.

1 Adapted from Teslin Tlingit Council’s Community Development Plan, section 1.2.2, and the Village of Teslin website ( http://www.teslin.ca/ ).

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Growth of the community has been relatively steady and stable since the 1960’s. The adoption of Bill C-31 in 1985 showed a dramatic increase in the Teslin Tlingit population because a greater number of citizens were acknowledged as having Native status. The Village, which is known specifically for the 584 m bridge that spans the mouth of Nisutlin Bay, the longest water span on the Alaska Highway, is an important centre along the highway for construction and maintenance as well as meeting the needs of the travellers who use the highway. It is also an important service centre for the region.

The Village of Teslin was incorporated as a Municipality in 1984, and celebrated its 25 th anniversary in 2009. There are some indications that the Teslin Tlingit leadership was behind the formation of the municipal government, in their frustrations with the lack of treaty, and the need to exercise some level of control over local governance.

2.2 Geography Teslin is located in the central part of the cordilleran region, approximately 25 km north of the Yukon-British Columbia border. It falls within the Yukon Southern Lakes ecoregion. It lies in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, an area characterized by a series of long finger lakes, plateaux and rounded hills. According to Yukon Wild: Natural Regions of the Yukon , about 65% of the area is coniferous forest and 30% alpine tundra.

The highest elevation in the vicinity of the village is 682 m above sea level, but the majority of the area has a much lower elevation and an average slope of less than 5%. The largest mountains in the region, the Tlènaxh Tawê or Lone Sheep (also known as Dawson Peak or the Three Aces) are located southeast of the Village. The plateaux and hills in the region are typically forested by open stands of white spruce, with aspen poplar on south-western exposed slopes. Black spruce are typically present in low-lying, ice-rich soils.

Teslin Lake is 125 km long and 3 km wide, and drains via the Nisutlin, Morley, Swift, Wolf and Teslin Rivers. The Nisutlin River empties into Nisutlin Bay north-east of Teslin. Hermit Lake lies north of the Village boundaries and drains south into Teslin Lake. The Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area, established after 1993, covers 52.7 km 2, and protects key wetland habitat immediately east of the community.

A large wetland lies west of the Village boundaries, immediately south of Fox Creek. In 1992, this wetland was incorporated into the sewage treatment system.

2.2.1 Soils & Development Suitability Soils in Teslin were formed as a result of glacial deposition and generally consist of a hard mixture of silt and clay. The Village of Teslin lies in an area of discontinuous permafrost, but most of the village is not affected. The subsoil is generally granular till interspersed with gravel or stones (Nairne, 1988). The topsoil varies from negligible amounts on hilltops to 0.3-0.6 m of organic material in low wet areas.

A development suitability map was prepared for the study area in 1989 by David Nairne and Associates and updated for the 1999 OCP by Inukshuk Planning & Development. The primary consideration in determining land suitability is the dominant soil type and condition as modified

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by slope and drainage. Site conditions within the community vary considerably and previous experience with the new subdivisions constructed near the airport and along Sawmill Road have encountered problems with permafrost, a high water table, and poor drainage resulting in a number of unsuitable lots. For the 2009 Plan, these lots have been removed from the inventory of available land.

The 1999 Development Suitability Map (reproduced in Section 7, Figure 1) shows that a significant portion of the land between Airport Road and Sawmill Road north of the Alaska Highway has limited suitability for development due to poor soil and drainage conditions. While these constraints can be overcome, the cost is considered prohibitive for individuals or developers who may wish to develop housing in Teslin.

Climate change, the impact of which is already being felt in terms of increased snowfall in Teslin, is anticipated to melt permafrost, but when and where, and what the specific impacts will be in terms of development suitability is unknown at this time. It may be time for an updated Development Suitability Map to be created for the Village of Teslin.

The 1974 Flood Study by Fenco determined the 100-year flood line to be 688.45 m. The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND) has completed a more recent analysis and the latest figures show the 100-year flood line to be closer to 686.66 m (DIAND, 1992). The highest recorded extreme water level to date was 685.81 m (DIAND, 1992). The lake level fluctuates significantly during the year and the shallow shoreline grade can leave significant beach areas exposed in early spring only to be flooded later in the summer as the water rises reflecting the run-off rates from the adjacent mountains and hills. These studies are starting to show their age. In light of climate change, new studies should be commissioned as soon as feasible.

A revised flood-line was meant to be added to the 1999 OCP and Zoning maps, but it did not appear on the maps provided to the consultants in 2009. The line apparently showed that lots backing onto the lake along Nisutlin Drive and Jackson Avenue were (and continue to be) most at risk from flooding. As a general principle, development in the floodplain is normally discouraged. Where development has occurred, there are two future planning strategy options. The first option is to discourage redevelopment and encourage existing buildings to be flood- proofed. This can be done by raising buildings or lot grades above flood level. The second option is for the municipality to gradually acquire the properties affected and remove any type of development that would be compromised by flooding. This option is often pursued in conjunction with plans to upgrade the waterfront and improve public access. Within Teslin, an environmental reserve designation zoned as Parks and Open Space has been created along the lakeshore wherever possible, a minimum of 30 m wide. Some properties, including some private properties and the cemetery, may be vulnerable to flooding due to proximity to the lake, where the environmental reserve has not been able to be put in place.

2.3 Population Statistics Canada and the Yukon Bureau of Statistics provide population data that are useful for planning the Village of Teslin’s future. The most recent counts from these sources are 297 persons from the 2006 Canadian census and 448 persons from the 2008 Yukon Bureau of

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Statistics Population Report. Differing data collection methodologies and geographies account for the discrepancies between these counts. The Canadian census data for 2006 represents a total of residents living within the village boundary in early May of that year. The Yukon Bureau of Statistics data represents a service population in the local area, which includes the village area. This is a monthly enumeration that has been averaged to obtain the annual counts.

Historically Canadian census counts for Teslin, which are captured at five year intervals, have fluctuated between 267 and 312 persons while the Yukon Bureau of Statistics local service area counts have ranged from 401 to 490 persons (Section 2.3.1, Figure 1). Both sets of data suggest there is a slight trend toward population increase in place at the present time, but unless there are new population maximums that exceed the existing highs, the longer term pattern (1992-2008) looks flat. In actuality the long term trend line for the data graphed in Section 2.3.1, Figure 1 is in decline at an average rate of -0.10% per year.

There may be artificial suppression of natural population increase in Teslin due to lack of housing within the community. There are many anecdotal stories of people sleeping on couches, or families split between relatives’ homes 2, or inability to hire new staff, based on lack of housing. Additionally, seniors requiring residential care have had to leave the community, leading to a premature exodus. In such a small population, these types of experiences can lead to the appearance of a flat population trend line. If additional affordable housing were available, the population might appear to “explode.”

Analysis of Teslin age by gender profiles for 1999 and 2008 (Section 2.3.1, Figure 2) indicates the Teslin population continues to undergo the structural changes observed in the 1999 OCP. The two most notable trends the graphs show are that the population is aging, i.e., the senior year (55+) bars have expanded between 1999 and 2008, and that there are fewer youth and children in the community, i.e., the early age (19 and under) bars have contracted. These trends are reinforced by an analysis of the percentages of age categories in the Teslin population derived from census data (Section 2.3.1, Figure 3).

These patterns are frequently an indication of a reduced birth rate. A low birth rate could persist under these conditions until there is an in-migration of new adults into the population. These patterns also suggests that there is a need for new directions in physical and social planning in the community so as to be able to meet the service demands of a growing socially and economically dependant segment (seniors) of the population.

Ethnically, the Teslin population is a mix of First Nations and non-First Nation people. According to Statistics Canada (Census 2006) close to 66% (195) of the village population is an “Aboriginal identity” population, most of whom are Teslin Tlingit First Nation citizens. This demographic creates a complex multi-jurisdictional service delivery environment in Teslin, particularly for social services and housing.

Projecting and forecasting future population for northern communities such as Teslin is difficult because of their small size. As a result such communities are subject to wide swings in

2 These types of family situations are tenable for only short periods of time, and may result in families leaving Teslin for communities like Whitehorse where they have a chance of both work and to live together.

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population that come with the in-migration and out-migration of adults, along with their spouses and children, in the pursuit of employment. Projecting from a computed long-term trend line based on an average year over year rate of change can be misleading and is inadvisable.

The one mitigating factor in forecasting a future population scenario for Teslin is that with over 60% of the population being First Nations with strong traditional ties to “the land” there is a stable population base in the community. One possible event looms in the near future that could cause a population surge. This event is the construction of the Alaska Gas Pipeline Project, which if constructed will certainly have short and long term consequences for Teslin, including population change.

2.3.1 Population Figures

Teslin Population 1992 -2008

500

Average Annual Population (Monthly Data) 475 5 Year Moving Average

450

425 Population 400

375

350 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Source: Yukon Bureau of Statistics - Healthcare Registrations

Section 2.3.1, Figure 1. Teslin Service Area Population 1992-2008

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Teslin Demographic Structure Teslin Demographic Structure 1999 2008

75+ 75+ Female 70-74 70-74 Female Male Male 65-69 65-69

60-64 60-64

55-59 55-59

50-54 50-54

45-49 45-49

40-44 40-44 Age Age 35-39 35-39

30-34 30-34

25-29 25-29

20-24 20-24

15-19 15-19

10-14 10-14

5-9 5-9

0-4 0-4

30 20 10 0 10 20 30 30 20 10 0 10 20 30 Source: Yukon Bureau of Statistics Source: Yukon Bureau of Statistics Count Count Healthcare Registrations Healthcare Registrations

Section 2.3.1, Figure 2. Teslin Demographic Structure, 1999 and 2008

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Village of Teslin Population Age Group Structure 1981 - 2006

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

55+ 35-54 50% 15-34 0-14 40%

30%

20% Cumulative Percent of Population AgePopulationGroups of Percent Cumulative

10%

0% 1981 1991 1996 2001* 2006 * Note: Data adjusted for comparability Source: Statistics Canada - Census various years Year

Section 2.3.1, Figure 3. Teslin Population Age Group Structures 1981-2006

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2.4 Economy The greatest source of employment in Teslin is the public sector, including all levels of government. Of these, the Teslin Tlingit Council is the largest employer with approximately 50 employees. Government services provide employment in the areas of education, health, social services, highway services, forestry, communications, the RCMP, Canada Post, and operation of the airport.

According to Census data (2006), the largest area of private sector employment is construction, although tourism dominates the local economy during the summer months. The Teslin Region Tourism Development Plan (1993) outlined a strategy for developing services geared towards highway travellers and suggested there was room to grow for this aspect of the economy. There are currently two motels, one with a licensed restaurant, a gift shop and a wildlife museum, an RV park with Laundromat, a grocery and hardware store, a liquor outlet, and two gas stations along Teslin’s Alaska Highway commercial strip. Although these businesses provide employment for local residents, the majority of these jobs are seasonal.

The Teslin area has been known as a hunting and fishing centre since before the construction of the Alaska Highway; traditional livelihoods garnered from these activities continue to offer year round income and sustenance for many Teslin citizens. There are several companies offering fishing trip charters, wilderness trip charters, houseboat charters and mountain bike rentals in and around Teslin. However, the majority of these companies are based in Whitehorse or elsewhere. Another growing tourist activity is bird and wildlife watching at the Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife area east of the village.

Timber produced in the Teslin region is largely white spruce, alpine fir and pine, which grows to a height of 9 to 30 m and a diameter of 50 cm. A sawmill was constructed on Teslin Tlingit land, near Fox Point, and operated for a few years, employing between 9 and 25 people, depending on the season. It is now closed.

Unemployment is a major concern. According to Statistics Canada’s 2006 Community Profiles, 21% of people living on Teslin Tlingit Council lands (Teslin Post 13, Indian Reserve) were unemployed, while 0% of people living in the Village of Teslin were unemployed. 3 The rate of social assistance is another major concern. Social assistance is of two types: temporary and long- term. Long-term assistance is provided to two (2) families/month. Temporary financial assistance, in a normal year, would be provided to 5-10 individuals or families, with some years less than 5 individuals or families requiring assistance. In 2009, however, the demand has been higher, with between 15-20 individuals or families requiring assistance. This is largely due to the number of 18 year olds in the community who have finished high school but have been unable to obtain employment due to lack of work experience. 4

In 2009, a contract to undertake an economic development strategy was let to North Sky Consulting. At the time of writing, the project had not yet started.

3 These unemployment figures represent a significant improvement over 1998 RCMP figures, as referenced in the Teslin Tlingit Community Development Plan , which indicates that in 1996 42% of people living on Teslin Tlingit lands were unemployed, as compared with only 15% in the Village of Teslin. (p. 7) 4 Source: Kelly Morris, Director of Health and Social Services, Teslin Tlingit Council.

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2.4.1. Teslin Tlingit Council Economic Development Initiatives The Teslin Tlingit Council is very active in pursuit of economic development opportunities. Through their economic development arm, the Tle’ Nax T’awei Group, the Teslin Tlingit have created, acquired and maintained majority ownership in two Limited Partnerships and 11 different businesses, all located throughout Western & Northern Canada. Some of these businesses are based in Teslin, and create jobs within the community, while others create jobs for members in Whitehorse and other parts of Canada.

The Teslin Tlingit Council is also active in meeting the social and housing needs of their members. Their Community Development Plan (2000) outlines several planned residential subdivisions, most of which are located outside of the Village boundaries: • Foxpoint West; • Foxpoint South; • Airport West; and • Sawmill Road Extension. Work towards the completion of these plans is ongoing. The Teslin Tlingit Council has made a significant investment in the development of Airport West (at least $750,000 to date), but focus now appears to be on a joint project with the Yukon Government to extend the Sawmill Road subdivision. This project would provide opportunities for recreational properties away from the lake, to prevent spot development applications for land along the lakeshore.

Development of these subdivisions is seen as a way to provide training opportunities for residents as construction workers, as well as providing investment opportunities for the Teslin Tlingit Council.

The Teslin Tlingit Council is also in negotiations with the Yukon Government about the development of a seniors housing facility within Teslin. At the time of writing, the Yukon Government had approved funding for an 8-person facility, and the Teslin Tlingit Council was negotiating to have that increased to a 12-person facility, to meet future needs.

2.4.2. Economic Development Potential Economic development occurs when new resources are invested in a community, whether from external sources or re-investment of local economic resources. Teslin is in the path or close to several major development projects, which are in start-up phase. These projects are related to resource extraction in the form of the Alaska Highway Pipeline project and the Tintina Mine, and recreation development in the area: Trans Canada Trail development in the Yukon, and the potential establishment of Wolf Lake National Park.

Alaska Highway Pipeline The development of the Alaska Highway Pipeline, a project to transport natural gas from Prudhoe Bay to Alberta, is anticipated to use the existing easement along the north side of the Village. If the project proves viable, and approvals move along quickly, construction is anticipated to start 9-10 years from now. There are two proposals in line to build this pipeline:

1. Trans Canada Pipelines (Foothills), which had the project approved in 1978, but the economics of the project became unviable and it was never built; and

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2. Denali Pipelines, a new player. 5

To ensure that Aboriginal communities along the route benefit from the development of this project, the Alaskan Highway Aboriginal Pipeline Coalition has been established. The project will pass through Teslin Tlingit traditional territory, but at the time of writing, the Teslin Tlingit Council was an observer rather than a member of the Coalition.

Potential benefits to Teslin include: • Employment during pipeline construction 6; and • Property tax revenues once constructed.

There is the possibility that a compressor station will be located in the vicinity of Teslin, which has the potential of basing some (very few) permanent staff in the community, and the drawback of the ongoing noise impact of the station on the surrounding environment. The airport may also prove to be an asset during the construction phase, as well as serving as a base for air monitoring operations once the pipeline is built.

Potential impacts include: • Increased truck traffic as pipe is hauled along the highway during construction; • Disruption to the local ecosystem during construction; and • Negative social impacts due to the construction process.

Questions for Teslin to determine are:

1. Whether the Village of Teslin’s boundaries should be expanded to incorporate the gas pipeline easement, to make a stronger claim to any property tax benefits from the project? 2. Whether the Village would prefer the construction camp to be located close to the Village, or far away? Preliminary thoughts in 2009 were that the camp should be located further away, although there may be short-term benefits in positioning Teslin as a supply community for the camps, i.e. groceries, gas, etc.

Tintina Mine Tintina Mines is in the process of developing the Red Mountain Porphyry Molybdenum Deposit. The claim area is located in the Big Salmon/Saw Tooth Mountain ranges of southern Yukon, in Teslin Tlingit traditional territory. The mine claim area is centred on Slate Mountain, which lies to the north of the Rose/Swift Lake chain, and to the south of the Boswell River, approx. 113.5 km due north of Teslin, or 159 km by road. The Teslin Tlingit Council and Tintina Mines have a Memorandum of Understanding for this project, which could provide business, training, and employment opportunities to Teslin residents.

Upgrading of the original winter trail (the Amoco Trail) to an all-weather road, starting from km 48 of the South Canol Highway #6 to the mine site is anticipated to take place this year (2009).

5 If Denali Pipelines gets the project, the route may be somewhat different. Their proposed route has not yet been publicized. 6 The Yukon government will insist on northern preference hiring policies.

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Assuming the mine is developed, the route will eventually be used as a haul road to move concentrated ore out of the mine, and mining supplies into the mine.

Depending on the longevity of the mine, if developed and once in operation, there may be mining jobs, or miners and their families taking up residence in Teslin, or becoming part of the larger service area.

Potential benefits to Teslin include: • Employment during construction and mining operations; and • Royalties during production.

There is the possibility that Teslin residents may be employed in the mine, or that miners and their families may take up residence in Teslin for the duration of the mine’s operations. The airport may also prove to be an asset to the mine, permitting easier transport by helicopter to and from the mine.

Potential impacts include disruption to the local ecosystem during construction and operation of the mine within Teslin traditional territory. Cultural heritage resources may also be disturbed, although the potential for disturbance should be mitigated during the permitting stage.

Questions for Teslin to determine include:

1. How Teslin businesses can best position themselves to serve the needs of the mine, should it move to the development stage? 2. How Teslin residents should best engage with the mine permitting process to ensure that it is being developed in an environmentally sensitive manner, with a reclamation plan in place?

Other Mining There are a variety of other mineral exploration/mine development projects in the pipeline in the vicinity of Teslin: • Northern Dancer (Largo Resources) around Morley River shows some work continuing in 2009. This area is being billed as “One of the World’s Largest Undeveloped Tungsten-Molybdenum deposits in the world.”7 • Convert and Bar properties (Zinccorp Resources Inc.) host silver-zinc-copper Kuroko- style minerals. Nothing new has been reported since a planned 2007 exploration. 8 • The Silver Hart property, with very high grade silver/zinc ores, is in the advanced stage of production phase development. It is accessed by a 42 kilometer all weather access road, 132 kilometers west on the Alaska highway from the community of Watson Lake (or half-way between Teslin and Watson Lake). Future plans for the Silver Hart property are to complete the mine/mill development permitting for an 80 tonne per day operation, start pre-mine production, development of the mill site and camp facilities, continue

7 http://www.largoresources.com/content.asp?contentID=40 8 http://www.zinc-corp.com/Properties/tabid/827/Default.aspx

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infill drilling on the KL, F, D and M zones, and have an updated NI 43-101 resource estimate. 9 • The Morley River (MOR) Property (Tarsis Capital Corporation) consists of 290 mineral claims (approx 6,000 hectares) located 35 km east of Teslin. The property is just 1.5 km north of the paved, all weather Alaska Highway. A planned hydro-electric generating station is sited 3 km southwest of the property. 10 • Turn River: International KRL Resources partnered with Logan Resources Ltd. to stake this massive land package with promising uranium and nickel potential in the Cassiar Plateau region of the Yukon Territory. The property is located approximately 95 km northeast of Whitehorse and may be serviced from the Canol Road, which is only 60 km northwest of Teslin, and which is being developed to service the Tintina Mine. 11 • Wolf Property: High-grade Silver-Lead-Zinc property staked by International KRL Resources. Closer to Watson Lake than Teslin. 12

Hydro-Electric Development Potential The Yukon Energy Corporation’s 20-Year Resource Plan Hydro Project Options (2006) identifies two potential hydro-electrical development options that fall within the Teslin region: Squanga Creek and Morley River. Both are considered to be very small hydro projects, with potential output of 1-4 megawatts of power.

The Squanga Creek project site is close to Johnson’s Crossing. The site, due to its small size, would only be developed in case of nearby industrial demand. If developed, it is anticipated to be a run-of-the-river development. Development of this site is problematic because of its limited ability to generate power during the winter months, and its location on a weak transmission link. 13

The Morley River site, south of Teslin, has been monitored for water levels, but no further assessment work had been undertaken in 2006. Yukon Energy has the Morley site protected under the Yukon First Nation land claims agreements. Protection under the land claims agreements does not preclude the requirement to consult and work with local First Nations should Yukon Energy determine a need to develop these projects to supply load requirements. 14 Given that the Tarsis mining project is moving forward, and will need power, this project may be moving forward with further assessment. While the hydro-electric potential of this project is relatively small, it may meet the needs of the proposed mine.

Trans Canada Trail Although the Trans Canada Trail has been “off the radar” for Teslin for the past 10 years, the Yukon route has been finalized (2009), and it will run through Teslin along the Alaska Highway. The Yukon partner on this project is the Klondike Snowmobile Association.

9 http://www.cmcmetals.ca/s/SilverHart.asp 10 http://www.tarsis.ca/mor.html 11 http://www.krl.net/s/YK_TurnRiver.asp 12 http://www.krl.net/s/YK_Wolf.asp?ReportID=263708 13 Yukon Energy Corporation, 20-Year Resource Plan Hydro Project Options (2006), Appendix B, pp. B-6-7. 14 Yukon Energy Corporation, 20-Year Resource Plan Hydro Project Options (2006), Appendix B, pp. B-2.

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The Trans Canada Trail, announced in 1992 with the goal of being the longest recreational trail in the world, is designed to connect Canada’s cities. The main section runs through southern Canada. There is also a long northern arm, which runs through Alberta and northern BC to the Yukon. The trail is a multi-use trail, and depending on the section may allow hikers, horse back riders, bicyclists, cross country skiers, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles. In theory, the trail is equipped with regularly spaced pavilions which provide shelter as well as fresh water to travellers. Like other long-distance trails, it attracts people who wish to use it for a day, as well as those people who make it their goal to walk the entire length. As such, it provides some economic development opportunities for host communities, because it becomes a community amenity. The community has the economic opportunity to meet the needs of trail users.

Potential benefits to Teslin include: • A community amenity attracting new types of tourists to Teslin; • An economic opportunity to meet the needs of these tourists 15 ; • The opportunity to lobby for a Trans Canada Trail lane across the Teslin Bridge 16 ; and • The opportunity to raise money to obtain other community amenities as part of an overall economic development strategy, generated by the inclusion of Teslin along the trail routing.

Questions for Teslin to determine are:

1. How best to engage with the development of the Trans Canada Trail? The Trans Canada Trail is being developed by volunteers across Canada, and those areas where it is functioning best are places with active community participation in trail development and maintenance, fund-raising, interpretation and signage, and advertising. 2. Whether it will be desirable to route the actual trail through the village, i.e. along Nisutlin Drive or the lake shore, or whether it is better to route the actual trail along the highway, but provide signage kiosks at each end of the village along the trail to indicate community amenities, i.e. places to stay, eat, worship or wash clothes, recreation opportunities, library with internet access, etc. so users can get off the trail?

Funding for Trans Canada Trail improvement projects generally require contributions from the local community, but with creativity and determination, generally matching funds can be found to make the improvements a reality.

Wolf Lake National Park Parks Canada identified the Wolf Lake/Nisutlin ecosystem as a candidate for park study due to its national conservation significance representing Natural Region 7. Wolf Lake and the plateaus to the east, towards the Pelly Mountains ecoregion, were also identified as International Biosphere Sites in 1976.

15 In addition to the services the community has to offer (accommodations, restaurants, grocery store, post office, Laundromat, churches, etc.), it may be that the presence of the Trans Canada Trail will provide more opportunities for supply and outfitting of trail users. 16 Because of the metal superstructure of the Teslin Bridge, it may be possible to “clip on” a lane to the outside of the bridge suitable for pedestrians, snowmobilers, etc.

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An economic development study commissioned by Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society (2005) 17 predicts that a new national park in the Yukon Natural Region 7 would have substantial local and regional economic impacts. The study forecast that Parks Canada would spend $14 million over the first 10 years, and visitors would spend more than $16 million during the same period, for a total of $30 million. The impact on GDP in the local area would be about $1 million annually, and close to 30 FTE (full-time equivalent) jobs would be created.

Parks Canada has been in discussions with the Teslin Tlingit Council, among other First Nation groups, about the potential for developing the Wolf Lake area into a National Park. If this were to occur, Teslin is a natural staging area for park development. However, preliminary results indicate that the Teslin Tlingit are not fully supportive of the establishment of a national park in their traditional territory. The level of support was determined, in part, in the report called Talking to the People (2000), a report prepared by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics for the Teslin Renewable Resources Council. The purpose of the Teslin Renewable Resources Council (TRRC) Survey was to gather resident’s perspectives on local renewable resource concepts and determine the values which residents held in relation to those concepts. Parks appeared to be the most controversial of potential economic development activities, perhaps because it is seen as being in potential conflict with traditional activities, and perhaps because it is not seen as a generator of jobs.

Forestry The Teslin Strategic Forest Management Plan 18 was completed in 2007. It examined the legislative framework for forestry activities in the Teslin area, and identified goals and objectives for any forestry activities, which include: • Conserving biodiversity; • Maintaining forest ecosystem health and productivity; • Conserving and maintaining soil and water resources; • Maintaining and enhancing multiple socio-economic benefits; and • Maintaining and enhancing community sustainability.

Key issues addressed in the Strategic Forest Management Plan included: • Diversification of the local economy; • Biodiversity; • Wildlife of concern; • Visual quality management; • Yukon heritage and archaeology sites; • Uncommon vegetation types; • Teslin local planning area; • Potential for conflict between forestry and other land uses; • Access and access management; and • Large disturbances of the forest environment.

17 For more information, see http://www.cpawsyukon.org/resources/wolf-lake-report.html . 18 Available from http://www.emr.gov.yk.ca/forestry/pdf/fmp_for_tttt.pdf .

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Prior to any logging taking place, a number of further planning and research activities need to be developed, including: • Determination and allocation of the annual allowable cut (AAC); • Selection and distribution of tenure; • Development and execution of an adaptive management framework; and • Integration with other planning processes that impact timber supply.19

To date a Forestry Implementation Team has been established by the Teslin Tlingit Council. A Teslin Timber Harvest Working Group, reporting to the Implementation Team, has also been established. A tender was recently issued by the Implementation Team, Working Group, and Yukon Government asking for a feasibility assessment for the Teslin East unit’s timber resources and other values. 20

Community Economic Development Opportunities Community Economic Development is a community development process that focuses on wealth creation, job creation, and enhanced community viability. In the process, residents and communities become responsible for, organize for, empower themselves, plan for and achieve sustainable social, economic and environmental development and a substantially self-directed future.

During the 2009 community consultation process, the issue of local economic development was on everybody’s minds, whether the concerns were around supporting local businesses to do better, making Teslin a more attractive community to attract tourists to spend money, or developing community amenities in Teslin that would enhance quality of life for residents, while also making Teslin a more attractive community for tourists. Most of these ideas will be discussed further in Chapter 3, but key points included: • Preventing some economic leakage through having a municipal “buy local” policy; and • Enhancing tourism through community development activities, including: heritage protection, improved recreational opportunities, and better collaboration between municipal government and local businesses.

Some of these initiatives will result in cash flowing within the community more times before it leaves Teslin to be spent elsewhere, and others are designed to attract more money into the community.

Teslin needs a diverse economic base to be sustainable. Its economic viability as a community depends on continued traditional subsistence hunting and gathering on the land, expansion of its role as a regional service centre along the Alaska Highway, ability to capitalize on economic development opportunities that come from outside the community, and local investment by community members in the community.

Teslin’s ability to meet the economic challenges ahead depends in part on the level of community capacity (education and social development) of its residents and leadership. The

19 Teslin Strategic Forestry Management Plan, p. 52. 20 Consultation with Tracy Boyes, Renewable Resource Manager, Lands and Resources, Teslin Tlingit Council, August 2009.

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Teslin Tlingit Council, through its sponsorship of the Advancement of Excellence program for its members and other social programming, is assisting its members, many of whom are struggling against the barriers created by the legacy of residential schools and the assimilationist policies of the federal government, to meet their full potential and to contribute to meeting the challenges faced by their community.

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3. CURRENT PLANNING ISSUES The issues discussed in this chapter emerged from community consultations held in May 2009, although not all of them are new issues. While all issues are important, those that have the potential to change the way the Village makes decisions (sustainability, climate change, and energy) are addressed first, followed by issues related to community improvements, as identified by meeting participants in Spring 2009. (Note: all discussions regarding service infrastructure are found in Chapter 4.)

3.1 Sustainability In 2006, the Village of Teslin in partnership with the Teslin Tlingit Council undertook an integrated sustainability planning exercise, resulting in a sustainability plan for the community. Although many of the recommendations of that plan have been implemented, the village continues to grapple with issues of how to create a sustainable Teslin. Key issues that have not yet been addressed include the need for: • A regional land use plan that protects the wilderness around Teslin and its water and biodiversity resources, and promotes effective decision making related to economic development and environmental sustainability, i.e. mineral exploration, forest management; • Relatively high rates on a per capita basis of water usage; and • Ongoing dependence on fossil fuels for heating and transportation.

A regional land use planning commission was established in 2001, but was discontinued when the commissioners’ terms expired in 2004 due to general frustration with the lack of productivity. In theory, at least, this mechanism is still available to the local area. Its mandate has not been cancelled; it is a matter of appointing new Commissioners and getting funding re- allocated. 21 As part of the OCP review discussions in 2009, community members indicated that they had real concerns that economic development initiatives in the region, which are occurring outside of a regional land use plan, may pre-empt Teslin Tlingit aspirations for lands within their traditional territory. They were further concerned that this could lead to development challenges for the Village of Teslin, which should be identified as a service centre for any developments within the region. The need for a Teslin Regional Land Use Plan was reiterated, and the responsibility of the Village to advocate for the completion of the existing initiative was identified.

According to the Teslin Energy Audit (2004), per capita water consumption in Teslin is approx 120 litres/person/day. According to a 2007 study completed by Environment Canada (based on 2004 water usage data), the Canadian average water consumption is 329 litres/person/day 22 , indicating that Teslinites use only 36% of the average Canadian water consumption. Nevertheless, 40% of Teslin water consumption, or 48 litres/person/day, is used for toilet flushing, meaning that the installation of low-flush toilets could reduce Teslin water consumption significantly.

21 Source: http://www.Teslin Tlingit Council-teslin.com/trad_territory.html . 22 Source: http://www.ec.gc.ca/WATER/en/info/pubs/sss/e_mun2004.htm .

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The Village has investigated the feasibility of reducing its water and energy consumption through the replacement of all high-flush toilets with low-flush or dual-flush models. 23 This would reduce the number of water deliveries required each week, thereby saving energy in the pumping of water into the delivery truck, as well as the energy consumed by the truck in making its deliveries. It would have the added benefit of extending the life of the sewer lagoon.

During the 2009 community consultations, it emerged that the Teslin Tlingit Council is preparing to pipe water to households in Smarchville. Studies show that the availability of water on demand dramatically increases water consumption, which will have implications for the life expectancy of the sewage lagoon and the health/viability of the groundwater source.

The sustainability issue, therefore, becomes whether or not Teslinites wish to maintain their very low water consumption rates, or whether they wish to change their water delivery system, which would probably result in increased water consumption. Of course, it is important to keep in mind that sustainability also means ability to maintain the health of the people who depend on the water supply. There is a general belief that piped water systems are cleaner and less vulnerable to contamination than trucked water. However, both types of water delivery systems are vulnerable to contamination, and depend on good design and maintenance to keep the water supply safe for human consumption.

Specific sustainability issues that emerged from the community discussions in May 2009 included: • Making Teslin a more walkable community, so that people are not so dependent on motorized vehicles to get around to meet their basic daily needs, and to improve the health of the community; • Doing better to connect the different parts of the community, to reduce the dangers faced by pedestrians and teenage drivers of quads/snow machines, whether through the establishment of a small-scale public transit system, or an alternate trails network for off- road vehicles, or both; • Addressing pollution of the landscape, including plastic bags and old vehicles; • Providing Teslin students with a choice for completing their high school education, i.e. not forcing all the children to leave the community to finish their education; • Ensuring compatibility between people’s homes and the surrounding forest, by making residences less vulnerable to forest fire, with particular concern for rural subdivisions.

Suggestions from community members for addressing these challenges included: • Ensuring the concentration of essential services, like the post office, bank, health care, and library within the village centre. There appeared to be a lot of support for a coffee shop to be located in the centre as well, although people hesitated to label such a business as an essential service. It was felt that moving the bank and the post office to the highway (as was recently done) made it extremely difficult for elders, in particular,

23 This idea, which originated in the 2004 Energy Audit, did not pass Teslin Village Council in Spring 2009, but it was still alive at the time of community consultations in May 2009. The estimated cost per toilet (2004) was $700- $1,000 (depending on model selected), with savings of 36,500-47,450 litres of water/toilet each year, and payback period (on investment) of less than 4 years. By September 2009, the Village of Teslin had installed low-flush toilets and waterless urinals in municipal buildings.

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to get their daily exercise, because the new locations were beyond walking distance. Younger adults too were more likely to drive to these services in their new locations. The move was having negative impacts on quality of life and on social relations within the community. • Establishing an alternate off-road trail system for quads and snow machines that would increase community connectivity and reduce the risks to teenage drivers who use these vehicles as basic transportation, particularly those teenagers who live outside of the Village peninsula, but need to travel to the Village for school or shopping or recreation activities. • Placing lighting along the Alaska Highway through the village, and marking pedestrian crossings, to make winter use of the highway as a pedestrian corridor safer for community members. • Protecting the night sky from light pollution (dark sky value) while increasing safety. • Enhancing the connectivity of rural subdivisions to the village core through trail development. • Ensuring that new rural subdivision development protects environmental values. • Insisting on Fire Smart development for new construction (particularly in rural subdivisions), including: o Fire resistant construction materials (metal roofs, etc.); o Installation of smoke detectors in private homes, and smoke detectors together with sprinkler systems in community facilities; 24 o Vegetation management (fuel-free zones around houses and other structures); and o The use of covenants on title, so that prospective buyers are aware of their risks and responsibilities in reducing those risks. • Cleaning up pollution: including plastic bags, and old vehicles. • Protecting sensitive ecosystems, including: o Stream protection for the outflow from Hermit Lake; and o Lakeshore protection. • Investigating the feasibility of providing small-scale public transit for the village, and for the area between the village and key destinations like Whitehorse, to reduce dependence on individually owned vehicles, possibly expanding on the existing system. • Investigating the potential for establishing a high school classroom in Teslin to provide Teslin students with a choice of leaving for Whitehorse to complete their high school education, or staying in their community. This option would require collaboration with Yukon College, and extensive use of internet and distance education technologies and resources. High school has been offered in Teslin in the past. Apparently the Yukon Dept. of Education is not receptive to the idea of providing options for completion of high school, unless special programming is in question. If a community offers basic high school education, the Whitehorse high school option is apparently no longer available. This will need further checking.

Many of the issues to be addressed under the banner of sustainability can be seen to be sustainable through the lens of economics, the environment, social, or cultural sustainability. It

24 The TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL Community Development Plan identifies the absence of a policy regarding smoke detectors or sprinklers in private homes, and the need for such a policy.

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may be helpful to the Village of Teslin to investigate the feasibility of establishing a “triple bottom line” analysis procedure when contemplating new projects, to identify more clearly as part of the decision-making process, which projects meet the sustainability criteria in all areas, and where there are deficiencies, to get a clear sense of the trade-offs involved.

3.1.1 Lighting and Dark Sky Value Some businesses and homes have exterior lighting to increase security. Many of the proposed solutions to challenges facing the Village of Teslin involve the installation of lighting along village streets and the Alaska Highway. When this lighting is not well planned, it results in wasted light, which only serves to produce glare, light trespass and light pollution, while wasting energy, money, and natural resources. Excess light in the sky has an adverse impact on the environment and seriously threatens one of humanity’s natural wonders — our view of the universe. One of Teslin’s many environmental assets is its dark night sky.

How can the desire for increased security and pedestrian safety through lighting be reconciled with the equally important desire to maintain the purity of the night sky? Solutions can be found that minimize light pollution without compromising safety, security, or utility. These solutions include:

• Use night lighting only when necessary. Turn off lights when they are not needed. Timers and motion detectors can be very effective. • Use only as much light as needed. Over lighting an area reduces the eye’s ability to see outside of the lit area. In addition, excess light can produce glare, which also reduces visibility. Selecting the correct lamp wattage increases safety and reduces costs. • Direct the light downward, where it is needed. The use and effective placement of well- designed fixtures will achieve excellent lighting control. Select new fixtures that are fully shielded, to prevent the light from shining upwards. When possible, retrofit or replace all existing fixtures of poor quality. In all cases, the goal is to use fixtures that control the light well, minimizing glare, light trespass, light pollution, and energy usage. • Use efficient light sources for outdoor lighting around homes and businesses. Compact fluorescent provides good, energy efficient, economical lighting. A low-wattage lamp gives plenty of light for most properties and applications, and in a fully shielded fixture, it makes an excellent choice. 25

Because there are many issues to consider in determining appropriate lighting, the best solution is for Teslin to develop a Dark Sky Lighting Ordinance, in advance of advocating with the Yukon Territorial Government for highway street lighting, or installing street lighting on Teslin’s streets.

3.2 Climate Change While a changing environment is normal, global warming is changing the climate and the environment at a rate much faster than humans and other species have had to adapt to in the past.

25 Ideas from the International Dark Sky Association, at http://docs.darksky.org/PG/PG1-light-pollution.pdf . For discussion of the efficiency of various types of outdoor lighting, see http://data.nextrionet.com/site/idsa/is052.pdf.

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Climate change impacts are already being experienced in Teslin, with increased snowfall accumulations in the winter. Other anticipated impacts for the interior of the Yukon 26 include: • Increasing average temperatures, with more warming in the winter than in the summer; • Increasing variability and intensity of weather patterns, including more extreme weather events; • Increasing numbers of forest fires and insect infestations and changes to forest species; • Changing hydrology, including greater flood risk, and decreasing wetland areas; • Issues about drinking water quality and quantity, and increasing stress on existing infrastructure; • Ecosystem changes, including possible shifting of habitat ranges further north or to higher elevations; • Changing fish and wildlife populations and distribution; • Increasing difficulty in maintaining traditional and subsistence lifestyles; • Declining access to wild foods; and • Permafrost implications. 27

There may be some benefits of climate change as well, including the potential for: • Extended tourism season; • Lengthening of agricultural growing season, permitting a greater variety of crops and improved yields.

Whether the changes are beneficial or detrimental, communities are being forced to respond and adapt. They are also being asked to assist with climate change mitigation, through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigation is necessary to slow the rate and magnitude of climate change, and to provide ecosystems and human being more time to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Mitigation measures include: • Increasing energy efficiency; • Shifting from high carbon to low carbon fuels; • Increasing use of renewable energy sources (solar, biomass, wind); and • Investigating carbon sequestration in vegetation and soils. 28

Climate change adaptation planning assists communities to reduce or moderate the negative effects of climate change, and maximize benefits through adaptive measures. Each community will have to adapt in a way that suits local conditions. The adaptation planning process includes the following steps: • Identify current and future climate change impacts; • Identify related risks and opportunities; • Evaluate and prioritize risks and opportunities;

26 No specific studies have yet been undertaken in Teslin, with the exception of a study by the University of Northern British Columbia about climate change impacts and adaptations, with specific reference to diet and health implications. Effective fall 2009, this project is moving into its next phase, looking at the effects of climate change on traditional foods 27 Adapted from the Dawson Climate Change Adaptation project materials (http://taiga.net/nce/adaptation/dawson_adaptation_posters.pdf). 28 Yukon Government Climate Change Strategy (2006) (http://environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/pdf/yg_env_climate_change_final.pdf)

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• Identify vulnerabilities from climate and non-climatic stresses; • Evaluate existing community adaptation capacity; 29 • Identify community capacity building needs, actions, measures, and policy; • Evaluate adaptation options based on local conditions; • Create and implement an Adaptation Plan; and • Monitor and evaluate the Adaptation Plan’s effectiveness, and adjust as required.

Some examples of the potential for adaptation planning include:

Climate Change Impact Adaptation Example Buildings settle and become Surface insulation or artificial cooling of Infrastructure unstable soils, build on pilings, revise building codes. Wildlife Habitat degradation and Monitor and bring together scientific and changes in distribution and traditional knowledge, ensuring that range of species management tools are adaptive and able to respond to changes in ecosystems and species abundance. Tourism Longer travel season Extend service season.

A recent northern adaptation to climate change is the development of a northern building code, adopted by both Yellowknife and Whitehorse. By July 1, 2009, all new houses in Whitehorse are required to meet the enhanced building code requirements. The bylaw goes beyond Canada Building Code requirements and sets increased minimum levels of insulation in walls (R28), ceilings (R50) and floors on grade (R10), as well as minimum levels for windows (R3.6) and doors (R12). Heat-recovery ventilation must be installed in all residences, and the buildings must be constructed with a maximum of 1.5 air changes per hour as demonstrated by a blower door test. Builders may use energy computer modelling to achieve an EnerGuide for New Houses rating of 80 instead of using the insulation requirements. It is estimated that an EnerGuide 80 rating will reduce average heating requirements by about one-third. Starting this year in Yellowknife, all commercial, industrial and institutional buildings must be 25 per cent more efficient than the National Model Energy Code of Canada requirements. Iqaluit has piloted the development of a new subdivision in light of sustainability principles, while accounting for climate change. In addition to southern orientation of buildings for solar gain, and heat recovery ventilation and low-flow water fixtures in all buildings, Iqaluit has incorporated increased density and mixed use as well. Primary roads in the subdivision are oriented into the prevailing winds to reduce snow drifting, and houses are built on open, pile foundations to protect the permafrost and minimize snow drifting against the buildings. 30

The key information source on climate change in Northern Canada is the Northern Climate ExChange (NCE), part of the Northern Research Institute at Yukon College. This organization

29 A community’s adaptation capacity is determined by its ability to address, plan for, or adapt to climate change. Communities with a high adaptive capacity will have greater resiliency in responding to change. 30 Source: David Black, “Sustainable community development: The future of urban planning in Canada’s North.” Published in Forum , a publication of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, May-June 2009 issue, pages 32-34, available online at http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/859f96ab#/859f96ab/32 .

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also appears to provide the key funding opportunity for adaptation planning. The NCE has funding through the Northern Strategy Trust Fund to assist Yukon communities to identify and implement actions that minimize risks and maximize benefits from climate change impacts.

Through their authority over land use and zoning, public transportation, infrastructure, building regulation and solid and liquid waste management, local governments make long-lasting decisions that impact the environment, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, local governments play an important role in managing urban growth and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A first step in Municipal climate change mitigation and adaptation planning is to develop an energy use and emissions inventory. 31 Historically community energy and emissions inventories have focused on buildings and transportation, i.e. areas where Municipalities have some influence. This has meant that action plans for local governments have been focused on: • Energy use and solid waste emissions: Specifically action plans usually include the residential building sector. This may focus on both new buildings, i.e. how to make the most efficient new homes, as well as how to encourage improvements to the existing building stock. • Sometimes industrial activities are included though there is often limited interaction between the municipality and the industrial sector. • Community transportation: Planning and development of transportation systems is a key area of activity for a municipal energy plan. Local governments (municipalities more than regional districts) have the ability to encourage alternative transportation through provision of amenities, urban design and planning. 32

Based on the emissions inventory, it becomes possible to establish targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, as well as strategies to meet those targets.

3.3 Energy The 2000 Teslin Housing Study, prepared by the Yukon Housing Corporation, indicated that 23% of Teslin households paid more than $2/square foot of housing space for home heating, and that 19% of Teslin households required energy upgrades to their homes, as compared with a Yukon average of 14%. Key factors in reducing energy consumption at the household level include the type of window pane, the thickness of walls, and the type of heating system. 33

The 2005 Teslin Energy Audit reviewed municipal energy uses, with particular focus on five municipal building, including: • The Village municipal offices;

31 Teslin undertook an energy audit in 2004, which is focused almost exclusively on municipal facilities, the findings of which are discussed in the next section. 32 Inventories, Targets, and Actions: Implementing GHG and Energy Reducation Measures for Bill 27 and More: Regional Workshop Guide (no date, 2009?) http://toolkit.bc.ca/sites/default/files/Inventories,%20Targets%20and%20Actions- %20Implementing%20GHG%20and%20Energy%20Reduction%20measures%20for%20Bill%2027%20and%20mo re.pdf 33 Yukon Housing Corporation, Teslin Housing Report (2000), http://www.housing.yk.ca/pdf/tl_final.pdf .

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• The post office/library, which has since been closed due to mould issues; • The arena; • The community hall; and • The curling unit.

Of the 24 recommendations, the Village has implemented those with the most energy impact and cost benefit, including: • Construction of force mains and lift stations, to reduce the energy requirements of trucking sewage (as well as improving environmental health, and reducing risk to employees). There is some increase in electrical costs to operate the pumps; • Installation of a heat recovery system using waste heat from the artificial ice plan, replacing propane furnaces.

Although Northerners, on a per capita basis, use much more energy than the average Canadian, 34 the Teslin Sustainability Plan (2007) found cause for hope re energy use: 35 • The Teslin Tlingit Council is undertaking energy audits and retrofitting projects, • The Village is building energy conservation into its infrastructure, i.e. the arena has a waste-heat recovery program in place, and • Individual homeowners are increasing the use of energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, and buying EnergyStar appliances as necessary.

The priorities identified by the Sustainability Plan include:

Sustainability Plan Priority Actions Comments/Actions to date • Improve energy efficiency in public • See below for action taken to date, and private buildings or in progress • Explore the potential for developing • No action taken renewable energy resources, like geothermal and biomass/wood • Evaluate the potential for biomass- • The Village and the Teslin Tlingit based district heating system and Council are applying for Gas Tax other sustainable district heating funds to support a biomass wood systems heating system to supplement both TTC and VOT administration buildings. • Investigate potential to tap into • No feasibility studies undertaken geothermal energy from Teslin Lake to date • Take steps to improve the energy • As lights require replacement, efficiency of lighting, particularly energy efficient light bulbs are within municipal buildings being installed

34 Yukon, Climate Change Strategy (2006), p. 2 (http://environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/pdf/ygclimatechangestrategy.pdf ) 35 Our Bridge to the Future, p. 23.

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The Yukon Government recently implemented new regulations about burning garbage as a method of managing waste in landfills. 36 Teslin no longer burns, and has instituted a composting project to deal with organic waste. While the landfill might be a suitable source of biomass for energy generation, the supply would be inadequate, and would not justify the investment. Biomass combustion is considered CO 2 neutral and therefore is not considered a major producer of greenhouse gas linked to climate change. 37

Except in emergencies, all Yukon-based grid electricity is produced through hydro-electric generation, with a small percentage coming from wind, solar and geo-thermal power. 38 During emergencies, electricity is still produced by diesel generators operating within the communities, including Teslin.

Yukon Electrical has used the current metering system for 20 plus years. Yukon Electrical is working with the Yukon Utilities Board in developing a net metering policy. This policy would allow consumers that generate or make their own energy to sell back into the grid if there were excess energy to do so, but until the new policy is developed and implemented, the electrical situation will remain status quo .39

3.4 Housing Housing has been an important issue in Teslin for many years. Unlike communities in the south, the housing market has been flat, so there are no private developers building homes on speculation in the expectation that they will be able to sell these homes for a profit. Until recently, Teslin residents who built their own homes could not be certain that they would be able to recover their building costs when it came time to sell; although this situation is changing, community members appear to have little confidence that the trend will continue. Thus there continues to be uncertainty and risk associated with private house construction.

In communities like Teslin, the primary housing developers are government agencies, in this case the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government’s Housing Authority. The Teslin Tlingit Council has been challenged to provide housing and related community services for its members as the demographics of the Teslin Tlingit community change through population growth and aging. Now there is a need for a greater variety of housing types. While solutions are being sought to eliminate overcrowding and to accommodate in-migration, the condition of existing housing continues to deteriorate, which in turn also increases demand for new units. 40

36 The Yukon Solid Waste Regulations do not prohibit the burning of solid waste. Open burning is not recommended, however, and should be considered only as a last resort. Many waste disposal facilities use a container for burning garbage because the higher heat generated reduces the amount of dangerous emissions produced. If a Municipality plans to burn garbage an Air Emissions Permit under the Environment Act must be obtained. Source: http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/monitoringenvironment/EnvironmentActandRegulations/sowstreg.php . 37 Source: http://www.gov.mb.ca/stem/energy/initiatives/biomass.html 38 Source: Yukon Energy Corporation website: http://www.yukonenergy.ca/services/renewable/ 39 Email correspondence with Jay Massie, Superintendent, Operations and Maintenance, Yukon Electrical Company Limited, August 21, 2009. 40 Source: TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL Community Development Plan (2000), p. 10.

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Based on 2006 Census Canada figures, there are 127 occupied private dwellings in Teslin. Sixty- six percent (80 units) of this stock is single detached housing. The median value of these properties was $149,845. At the time there were 60 owner occupied and 45 rental properties in the village.

Year Occupied Tenure Requiring Private Major Repair Dwellings Owned Rented TTC & Other 1996* 125 60 55 10 2006# 127 60 45 20 35

* Inukshuk Planning. 1999. Teslin OCP. # Statistics Canada. 2007. 2006 Community Profiles. Rounding errors account for the discrepancies in the figures.

In 2000, the Yukon Housing Corporation released its Teslin Housing Study 41 looking at a variety of housing issues, including dwelling adequacy, affordability, suitability, access to home ownership, as well as seniors and elders needs, and comparing housing issues in Teslin with the Yukon as a whole. The results, which may be somewhat out of date now, include the following:

Housing Issue/Required repairs Teslin results Yukon comparison Energy related repairs 19% 14% Major repairs 48% 33% Lack of basic facilities 11% 4% Health & safety deficiencies 65% Affordability 2% Higher Crowding 14% 6% Mobility within the home 33% 36%

Affordability may be less of an issue in Teslin, as compared with the whole territory, due to the strong role played by the Teslin Tlingit Council in providing housing for its members. Issues related to the high rate of repairs may relate to relatively poor quality of initial construction for those homes built through Indian and Northern Affairs.

This study also indicated that there is a higher demand for rental housing in Teslin, than for home ownership. Key reasons given were the short stay in the community for many renters, and well as a reluctance to be responsible for upkeep on a property. An issue for those individuals wishing to pursue homeownership was access to enough money to make a down payment.

The results of this study led to the formation of a Seniors Housing Action Plan, tabled in the Yukon Legislature in 2000.

The Yukon Housing Corporation operates 13 non-profit housing units (for which there was a waiting list in May 2009), which are offered to community members on the basis of “rent geared

41 http://www.housing.yk.ca/pdf/tl_final.pdf

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to income”, with rent charged at 25% of gross income. The 13 units are made up of a seniors’ 4- plex, 3 duplexes (6 units total), and 3 single detached homes. A further 8 seniors independent living units are in development in 2009, in a project being conducted jointly by the Yukon Housing Corporation and the Teslin Tlingit Council.

The Yukon Housing Corporation also operates nine staff housing units for use by Government of Yukon employees. In September 2009, one of these units was vacant pending completion of a hiring process, at which point the unit would be occupied.

The Teslin Tlingit Council provides housing for their members. Housing for First Nation residents has long been acknowledged to be the highest priority. In 1985 Health and Welfare Canada noted a significant number of homes needed to be replaced or upgraded due to environmental health and structural problems (Health and Welfare, 1985). Supply of new housing has not been able to keep up with demand due to financial constraints. The Teslin Tlingit Council has indicated that it wants to encourage more home ownership, while at the same time providing more social housing for those that need it.

In 2009, there were very few private homes for sale in the village and while market demand for private housing is not yet strong enough to generate an entrepreneurial approach to housing development, the area north of the Sawmill subdivision has been proposed for a joint Teslin Tlingit Council/YTG country residential subdivision expansion. Fifty-four new lots would be created by this project, approximately ten of which would fall outside the existing municipal boundary.

The Yukon government intent is to provide planned alternatives to the ad hoc “spot” applications for housing development along the Teslin Lake shoreline. The purpose of this proposed subdivision is to protect the lake from indiscriminate incremental residential development.

The Teslin Tlingit Community Development Plan outlines a number of additional residential development proposals, including: • Airport West (formerly known as the Foxpoint East Subdivision); • Foxpoint West Subdivision; and • Foxpoint South. The subdivisions are proposed for areas outside of Teslin’s municipal boundaries, but may require or desire municipal servicing such as water and sewer, and will have an impact on the landfill.

Housing on Teslin Tlingit Settlement land is provided by the Teslin Tlingit Council. The Council is responsible for the construction, major renovations and maintenance of these dwellings. The Council also holds the Ministerial Guarantee for all mortgages on their lands. Each year, the Council provides a housing grant 42 of $54,269.00 to some of their members to put towards building their own houses.

42 These grants are provided by the Teslin Tlingit Council as a “once in your life time grant” to enable members to build their homes. Source: Brenda Oziewicz, Executive Manager for the TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL, August 2009.

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The Teslin Tlingit Council has emphasized replacing or demolishing substandard housing for its members, in addition to supporting the development of new housing as funds and partnership opportunities permitted. Current goals of the Council include the provision of low cost, sustainable infrastructure to attract people to the community, and the establishment of a Housing Development Authority 43 . The Teslin Tlingit Council is actively pursuing the development of three residential subdivisions identified in their 2000 Community Development Plan: Sawmill Road extension, Airport east, and the Airport west subdivision. The latter subdivision is outside the village municipal boundary. With available serviced lots, it will be possible for people to build their own homes, reducing the burden on the Teslin Tlingit Council.

The Teslin Sustainability Plan envisioned a Teslin where appropriate, affordable, accessible and sustainable housing would be available. Meeting this goal would require the construction of seniors housing, including a seniors care facility, so that elders would not be forced to leave the community as they grew less able to care for themselves.

Together, the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government are planning to develop an eight-unit seniors housing complex in Teslin, to be located at Block 7, Lots 6, 11 and 12, at the corner of Craft St. and Jackson Ave. As of August 2009, the project had progressed to the stage where the Yukon Government was calling for expressions of interest from potential bidders on the construction phase of the project. 44

Despite the best efforts of the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon government, there appears to be an on-going pent-up demand for housing in Teslin. During the community consultations, there were stories of people sleeping on couches, or families split between relatives’ homes, or inability to hire new staff, based on lack of housing.

The need for more accessible housing and community facilities is also identified in the context of an aging population and general increase in the numbers of people with disabilities. This suggests the need for basic access provisions to be built into the municipal bylaws and building codes, whether through universal design criteria or other methods.

3.5 Land Use Land use planning ensures that land is used efficiently for the benefit of the wider economy and population as well as to protect the environment. A number of issues related to land use in Teslin emerged, including the need: • For compact community form; • To establish the village core or heart; • To place commercial development in the area where it best suits the community; • To ensure that industrial lands uses are located in areas that are less environmentally or aesthetically sensitive; and • To resolve the land survey issues that exist in Teslin.

43 Based on team member conversations with TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL Chief Peter Johnson, May 2009, and Brenda Oziewicz, Executive Manager for the TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL, August 2009. 44 Yukon News, August 12, 2009.

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3.5.1 Growth Management & Compact Community Form The 1999 OCP identified that a compact community form was desirable, requiring in-filling before new areas were opened up for development, while identifying the challenges presented by the community’s location along the Alaska Highway, i.e. encouraging linear development, bisecting the community.

A compact community form is desirable from both a sustainability and municipal management perspective. This means that, to the extent possible, existing vacant land that is suitable for development should be used first. In-filling needs to be encouraged.

For larger developments, however, there are constraints imposed by the geography of Teslin, both in terms of permafrost, and the presence of the Alaska Highway, which bisects the community. Teslin like many highway communities has developed somewhat in a linear fashion following the highway along the lake.

The large patch of discontinuous permafrost in the centre of the village’s land area constrains development of new subdivisions in proximity to the existing village. Specific conditions of the Teslin Tlingit Council’s self-governance agreement would penalize the Tlingit, should they decide to pursue development initiatives off of settlement lands. As the largest developer in Teslin, these constraints also impact the ability of the Village to develop compactly, because it affects the ability and willingness of the Teslin Tlingit Council to develop on lands within the core village area that are not Teslin Tlingit Council settlement lands.

Current municipal boundaries bisect the airport and Smarchville, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement by certain community members who live outside the line. The proposed natural gas pipeline project is active again, and it may benefit the Village in terms of tax base to incorporate part of the gas pipeline project right-of-way into Municipal boundaries. There are a number of reasons for the Village to revisit the boundary expansion question, in consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council.

The Sustainability Plan envisions a future where land use planning allows for the provision of land to meet housing requirements, and that the land is developed so as to protect and enhance the close connection that residents feel to nature and green spaces within and around the community.

The issue for subdivision development is how to meet the community’s housing needs in a way that also respects issues of long-term community sustainability and reduces the short and long- term energy costs and servicing requirements of these developments, while at the same time protecting the surrounding environment, and making Teslin a more liveable community. A parallel development issue is how to connect the various parts of the community, particularly since the Alaska Highway bisects the older parts of the village from the newer subdivisions. These challenges highlight the need for the Village of Teslin and the Teslin Tlingit Council to work together closely to address these and other development issues, for the good of the community as a whole.

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3.5.2 Village Square Until recently, Teslin’s desire for a community centre, in the form of “heart of the community,” was not readily apparent. Only when it was dealt a blow with the relocation of the bank, post office, and library, due to closure of one of the municipal buildings due to mould issues, did it become apparent that this building served that function. The Village is addressing the situation by developing a “Village Square” concept plan concurrently with the OCP Review of 2009. Developing a “Village Square” to serve as the heart of the community will assist with creating a compact community form, with essential services and community meeting places readily accessible at the centre, in proximity to housing, and the majority of commercial services available along the highway, to be equally available to travellers and the community members.

In response to the community’s vision, the Village Square is conceptualized to create a welcoming, flexible space that is clean and trim, beautiful to look at, and fulfills the RecPlex’s potential as a community centre. This is accomplished through building an addition onto the RecPlex, to compensate for the space lost with the condemnation of the “sick” building, and the conversion of some parking into flexible green space. The green space will be used for special events, small-scale festivals, or for resting, visiting, or other purposes.

3.5.3 Commercial Development The 1999 Official Community Plan proposed concentrating future commercial development in the Nisutlin Drive/Alaska Highway intersection between Fox Avenue and the highway. With the addition of Teslin Tlingit highway commercial lands west of Airport Road, commercial land supply now far exceeds demand, given population size.

Community consultations conducted in 2009 indicate that highway-related tourism offers the best potential for economic development in Teslin. The desire is to develop a vibrant community “downtown” and entice tourist traffic to stay in Teslin for awhile longer, whether for events or museums or recreation purposes. The commercial lands at the intersection of the Alaska Highway and Nisutlin Drive provide the perfect opportunity for a village gateway and signage to direct people into the Village, and could serve as potential areas of expansion for commercial development to service the tourist industry.

3.5.4 Industrial Land Uses The 1999 OCP indicated that one of the community’s largest concerns appeared to be relocating the remaining industrial type uses in the Village to one industrial subdivision. The 2009 community consultations confirmed that this remains an issue, with three particular properties of concern. Two of these properties are along the lakeshore, and may be causing environmental problems in the lake due to the seepage of automotive fuels and lubricants into the lake. One of these properties has been identified as a problem because it is considered to be unsightly and unsafe, as well as being located along the major road into Teslin.

3.6 Social Development Teslin Tlingit Council, as a First Nations government, is empowered to address social development concerns more directly than the Village of Teslin as a Municipal government. In their 2000 Community Development Plan , the Teslin Tlingit Council identified the need for a

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variety of community facilities of which the following have not yet been built: Tribal Justice Centre, Group Home, Safe House, and Substance Abuse and Treatment Centre.

The Teslin Sustainability Plan envisions a community that meets the basic needs of its members, and supports increases in knowledge, skills and capacity within the Teslin community. In meeting basic needs, the Sustainability Plan identified the following as key: 45 • The availability of traditional foods, • The ability to produce healthy food locally, • The provision of community services, like police, health care, social services, volunteer fire, ambulance and search & rescue services.

Issues to be addressed included substance abuse, discrimination, and the need to create a safe community for everyone. Specific facilities required by the village included: • Rehabilitation centre, • Safe house 46 , • Community garden (established 2008), and • Assisted living facility. 47

3.6.1 Creating a Safe Community through Accessible Design Creating a safe community for everyone requires paying special attention to the needs of the community’s seniors and people with disabilities. The need for seniors housing has been identified, and is being addressed. The need for more accessible housing and community facilities is also identified. This suggests the need for basic access provisions to be built into the municipal bylaws and building codes, whether through universal design criteria or other methods.

At a minimum, the Village should provide for basic access to all community facilities, and require basic access in all new housing developments. It may be desirable to adopt universal design standards for all new construction in the Village. Universal design means creating spaces that meet the needs of all people, young and old, abled and disabled. More research will be required to determine the appropriate design criteria for Teslin to adopt. See Section 8.3 for additional information on universal design and visitability.

3.6.2 Supporting Skill Development To support increases in knowledge, skills and capacity, the Sustainability Plan identified the need for more educational opportunities, including: • Basic skills training; • Technical training and work opportunities, for both construction and government entry- level positions; • High school education within Teslin 48 ; and • Traditional skills training opportunities.

45 NOTE: Housing concerns are addressed in section 3.4. 46 A feasibility study commissioned by the Teslin Executive Council was in process, September 2009. 47 An independent living facility for seniors was in development in fall 2009. 48 Addressed in Section 3.1.

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The Teslin campus of Yukon College is providing basic skills training for Teslin residents, as Adult Basic Education through their Developmental Studies/College Preparation and GED High School Equivalency programs. Regular Computer Skills and Employability Skills Training are offered along with specialized programs to meet community needs. Distance Education courses are also available. 49 To address the need for new entrants into the work force to get work experience, the Teslin Tlingit Council is applying for funding for community programming, training, and employment experience opportunities. 50

To make specific skill-building initiatives more viable for Yukon College, as well as for Teslin, the community suggested that Yukon College could offer Yukon-wide courses in Teslin to bring people in. In other words, the Teslin campus could be the hub for specific Yukon College programs, which would compel students from around the Yukon to come to Teslin to take their program. This could, in turn, benefit the community of Teslin, as a form of economic development.

3.7 Economic Development While the Village of Teslin could choose to take a more active role in economic development, traditionally the role of municipalities is to ensure that there is an adequate supply of land for commercial or industrial development within municipal boundaries. In 1999, the supply of land available for commercial and industrial development far exceeded demand. The recommendation at that time was to concentrate these types of activities into two areas: along the Alaska Highway, and near the airport. The situation does not appear to have changed in 2009.

The Teslin Tlingit Council, in their 2000 Community Development Plan , addressed the issue of economic development directly. One of their primary objectives is to achieve economic self- sufficiency by reducing dependency on government support and creating opportunities for employment within the Teslin area, including creating opportunities that are compatible with traditional lifestyles and activities. 51 In response the Teslin Tlingit Council has created an economic development arm, called the Tle’ Nax T’awei Group, as described in Section 2.4.1.

The Sustainability Plan identified the goal of a diverse and sustainable economy, which would allow all residents to provide for themselves and their families, while the various governments and the private sector provided services for the community. A diverse economy is comprised of government, tourism, retail, construction, trapping, forestry and mineral development, assuming that the way in which these activities are carried out is environmentally sensitive and maximizes local benefits.

There are three main types of businesses located in the Teslin area: 1. Tourism and highway services; 2. Local community services; and 3. Home-based businesses.

49 Source: http://www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/campuses/teslin/index.php . 50 Source: Kelly Morris, Director, Health & Social Services, Teslin Tlingit Council, August 2009. 51 Teslin Tlingit Council, Community Development Plan, p. 11.

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Although the distinction is useful for planning purposes, it is also important to recognize that there is considerable overlap between these business types. The restaurant at the Yukon Motel, for example, serves as a primary local community coffee shop, in addition to meeting the needs of highway travelers. The gas stations meet the needs of both local community members and highway travelers. The grocery/convenience store does as well. Some home-based businesses primarily serve the needs of local community members, while others provide services that are not geographically dependent, but are based in Teslin. 52

3.7.1 Tourism In the past, Teslin has focused its tourism-serving businesses along the Alaska Highway, providing basic, highway-oriented services such as fuel, food, and accommodations. The Sustainability Plan identified Teslin as a potential hub for wilderness tourism, as well as a place where highway travellers can spend more time due to the vibrant culture, heritage and craft opportunities anchored by the Tlingit traditional lifestyle.

Over the course of the 2009 community consultations, participants placed a considerable amount of effort into envisioning opportunities to attract visitors to the community, and to enhance their community to entice the casual visitor/traveler to stay a little longer. These included: • Building on the community’s historic and cultural assets, including: o Opening Teslin’s museums earlier in the season; o Developing a heritage protection program for the village, including the protection of existing historic structures; 53 o Building on the existing self-guided walking tour of the village by:
Adding additional historic structures to the brochure;
Putting plaques on the historic structures mentioned in the brochure;
Offering guided walking tours and interpretation;
Providing benches along the walking tour route. • Improving community signage to create a welcoming atmosphere that would direct visitors to Teslin attractions and businesses, and that would identify: o The recreational and cultural opportunities in Teslin; o Heritage properties and locations; o The types of businesses; and o Worship opportunities. • Creating more tourism business opportunities, like fishing charters, building on the lake as a community asset; 54

52 Examples include Tim’s Saddle Shack, which does leather work for local residents, but fancy custom saddle work for customers throughout North America. Similarly, Te Kha Planning and Development Services is based in Teslin, but its contracts are not restricted to the Teslin area. 53 Dawson City (YK) has capitalized on its gold rush heritage for tourism development, and could provide useful information to Teslin to pursue this option ( http://www.dawsoncity.ca/thingstodo/comeforthehistory/ & http://www.cityofdawson.ca/municipalinfo/strategicplanscampaigns/heritagemanagementplan/ ). 54 The Yukon Wilderness Tourism Report (2008) indicates that Teslin is a popular destination for self-guided canoeing, wildlife viewing and sport fishing on large lakes in the region. Most guided clients in the Teslin area participate in hiking, canoeing and sport fishing day trips. A fly-in sport fishing lodge is on Wolf Lake, nearby Caribou Lakes is the start of a five-day canoe trip on the Upper Liard, and some operators lead dog mushing trips in the region.

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• Developing special events and festivals, which can bring in a lot of people and money to the community; 55 • Improving the marketing of the community through the Village website, and the development of a brochure to have available in visitor information centres throughout the Yukon and northern BC; • As the community is successful in attracting more tourists, more accommodations will be required.

Teslin is a unique area with significant economic development potential through tourism based on its heritage and culture, recreation programming, and local wilderness. In other places, successful First Nation ventures into wilderness tourism have required the development of resource management guidelines 56 to provide a foundation for local and sustainable control of resource use. Locally-based tourism products have to be developed, like wilderness guiding or outfitting, and local investment is required to develop businesses to support tourism. The Village of Teslin could serve as a service centre, while the Teslin Tlingit Council could exercise its authority and jurisdiction by issuing wilderness access permits. To ensure a coordinated effort, the Village of Teslin, Teslin Tlingit Council, Yukon Government, local business community, and residents should develop a Teslin-based tourism strategy that includes eco-tourism, sustainability, and community readiness elements.

3.7.2 Local Community Economic Development Local community-serving businesses are getting a rough ride in Teslin. With the establishment of a Wal-Mart and Superstore in Whitehorse, many people drive there to do their basic shopping, making it difficult for local businesses to compete. For example, although some groceries are still available in the community, video rental is not, and it is no longer economic to offer video rentals because of the prevalence of satellite dishes, and ease of access to video rental services in Whitehorse.

One suggestion that emerged from the 2009 community consultations was that the Village of Teslin needed to establish a “buy local” policy to meet its operational requirements. While the Village currently has a policy of preferentially selecting Yukon-based vendors, community members felt that Teslin-based businesses should be given preference whenever possible, whether for research contracts, construction work, or for providing food services for municipal operations. However, a “buy local” policy would need to recognize that Teslin-based businesses (as compared with Whitehorse-based businesses) have higher operating costs, simply because they are based in Teslin. Therefore, the suggestion was to tie the buy local policy to an independent source of information about relative costs, for example, the Community Spatial Price Index, as compiled by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics. Based on April 2009 calculations,

55 Teslin has had some success with this, through snow machine races, music festival, and so on. A gap analysis to identify what type of event would be unique for Teslin to offer would help to focus development activities. 56 Resource management guidelines can include items like reduced limits for hunting, mandate the use of single barbless hooks, and provide education about the damage to fish caused by catch and release strategies. Resource management guidelines might emphasize camera safaris over hunting safaris as appropriate for tourists, or might mandate that any meat from hunting or fishing be shared with elders, and the hunter be permitted only to keep the trophy pieces.

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the price of living and doing business in Teslin is approx. 11% higher 57 than Whitehorse, so the policy would identify a figure (to be updated annually) indicating that the Village of Teslin would give preference to buying local services as long as they were no more than 20% (or some other percentage) higher than the costs of purchasing those services from a Whitehorse-based or other Yukon-based company

Local businesses also suggested that there would be mutual benefits for the municipal government to work more closely with them to promote economic development in Teslin, particularly through marketing. Specific suggestions included: • Enhancing the Village of Teslin’s website, so that it was found by search engines like Google more easily, and so that it provides descriptions or links to local businesses; • Promoting the local museums on the website; • Strengthening the Chamber of Commerce, which has responsibility for the kiosk overlooking Teslin on the other side of the bridge. This kiosk has not been updated recently, and needs regular attention. 58

3.7.3 Challenges & Opportunities Challenges to economic development are many, despite the good ideas of the residents and business owners as to stimulate the economy of their community. Challenges include: • Labour shortages, particularly in specific skill areas requiring higher levels of education or training, like village administration, plumbing, facilities management, and others. • Limited work experience opportunities for youth, meaning they are unprepared for the world of work once they have completed their high school education, thereby unqualified to fill entry-level positions. • The cost of workers compensation coverage is an issue for small businesses, who are operating on a very small margin, and are reluctant to take on additional employees. • Ensuring that businesses are located in the right place. For example, community members expressed the opinion that they needed a tire shop on the highway, where it could serve both local residents and highway travelers, rather than on the lakeshore, where it ran the risk of polluting the lake.

Teslin community members believe that there are opportunities as well. One question was whether or not there was something that could be made in Teslin and trucked out. Trucks delivering goods to the Yukon are leaving empty. Perhaps it would be possible to find a way to capitalize on this transportation opportunity.

3.8 Recreation Teslin residents enjoy great access to both water and land based outdoor recreation activities all year round. The community also enjoys a large number of built recreation facilities. The Village employs a recreation programmer who provides organization of events and programs, and writes grant applications to support the development of recreation programming. Teslin Tlingit Council offers a number of programs and facilities that are grounded in traditional Tlingit culture, and

57 Source: Yukon Monthly Statistical Review, July 2009, p. 6, found at: http://www.eco.gov.yk.ca/stats/pdf/mr_jul09(1).pdf . 58 This could link to the Trans Canada Trail as an economic development opportunity as well.

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support children and youth to learn their traditional ways, as well as community members to continue to practice their traditions. There are a variety of volunteer-based recreation organizations within Teslin.

Teslinites enjoy their recreation, and had a number of ideas for improving their recreation opportunities, including initiatives to: • Improve trail networks for locals and tourists, by: o Extending the boardwalk and trail system:
Ideal: a 45 minute circle route, that includes lakeshore;
To connect to George Johnson Trail;
To cross the bridge to the kiosk, making the kiosk/overlook a walking destination. o Establish more trails for backpacking, bicycling & walking, and sign them; o Fire Smart both existing and new trails to provide a trail environment that is less vulnerable to fire, and permits trail users to spot bears or other dangers at a distance, and reduce the number of places that illicit drinking or drug use can take place; o Provide seating at various points along the trails, so that users can rest along the way. This makes it possible for older people, for example, to take a longer walk. • Clean up the beaches, which can be marred with litter of various types. • Create a list of community events to be publicized on the Village website, thus promoting the community to potential visitors. • Make more and better use of the lake through enhanced access, by: o Creating a community beach on the inlet (an ideal location because the inlet is warmer than the rest of the lake and because the area is close to the major residential areas). This beach area would not permit parking or motorized boats, and would provide a small dock for diving. o Establishing a sailing and/or canoeing club for non-motorized summer fun on the lake. • Establish a fenced off-leash dog park (with pooper-scooper stations), so that Teslinites can exercise and socialize their pet dogs.

In 2009, the Klondike Snowmobile Association, which is the lead Yukon-based organization for the Trans Canada Trail, identified the complete Yukon trail routing, which will go through Teslin. Apparently, the Association has not been in touch with anybody from Teslin for 10 years, so this would be a good time for Teslin to get in touch with them, to influence how the trail is developed and the benefits the community will receive from having the Trans Canada Trail run through the Teslin region. This initiative indicates that there will be year-round tourism developing in Teslin itself, particularly since it is the snowmobile association which has taken the lead. Key decisions include: • Trail routing through Teslin; • Development of way finding signage, • Development of town entry kiosks (gateways), and • A safe pedestrian lane across the Nisutlin Bridge.

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The key issue for recreation is finding the right balance between recreational opportunities that are of interest to community members, and resources to support the availability of these opportunities, including: • What is the average community member’s capacity to pay for use of facilities or programming costs? • Can the community organize itself to support a variety of recreational programming, without burning out the recreational programmer? • What is the right level of investment in community recreation facilities, given changing fashions in recreational activities?

Other key decisions include the extent to which the community residents wish to link recreation to economic development through tourism, given the trade-offs that are involved.

3.9 Heritage Conservation The cultural history of Teslin extends back into the mists of time. The Inland Tlingit people have fished and hunted in the region for countless years, but Teslin as a year-round community was established little more than 100 years ago. Some of the original buildings still stand.

The Teslin Tlingit Community Development Plan makes a number of strong statements about the need to protect cultural resources, including the heritage value of historic buildings, landforms, and their settings; cultural elements in the built and natural environment; and protecting archaeological resources. 59

The Teslin Sustainability Plan envisions a community that protects and preserves Tlingit culture, heritage and language.

As part of the 2009 community consultation process, participants brought forward a number of cultural and historical assets, particularly historic buildings within the Village that need protection.

All indicators point to the desire by certain sectors of the community to establish a heritage conservation program at the municipal level.

Heritage conservation can be defined as the management of change within a community. 60 A heritage conservation program: • Preserves and communicates the community’s collective memory; • Fuels the local economy; 61 • Contributes to community sustainability; • Provides incentives to encourage voluntary protection of the most significant built heritage resources; and

59 Teslin Tlingit Council CDP p. 14 60 Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Ltd (2007) A Heritage Strategy for the City of Dawson Creek, Executive Summary. 61 All the profits from Diamond Tooth Gertie’s in Dawson City (the only casino/gambling hall in the Yukon) go into the Dawson Heritage Fund, managed by the Dawson Heritage Advisory Committee, to preserve/protect and restore Dawson’s Heritage Sites and buildings.

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• Strengthens the tourism sector.

A number of Yukon communities have undertaken heritage protection, including Whitehorse and Dawson City. Dawson, a community closer in size to Teslin than Whitehorse, first developed a Heritage Management Plan, and is now in the Plan’s implementation stages, which include: • Amendments to the Official Community Plan and the Zoning Bylaw; • Adoption of a Heritage Bylaw; • Establishment of a Heritage Fund and a Heritage Advisory Committee. 62

The Yukon government offers a number of supports to communities wishing to pursue heritage protection. The Yukon Historic Places Initiative 63 offers matching grants to individuals, Yukon First Nations, community groups and businesses who wish to stabilize or restore historic sites, and projects that promote the appreciation, protection, preservation, orderly development, study and interpretation of historic resources. The Yukon Heritage Resources Board provides advice to government on issues that affect the territory's heritage resources. The Board's two imperatives are Heritage Sites and Moveable Heritage Resources.64

Teslin would benefit from the establishment of a heritage preservation program at the municipal level, including the protection of historic sites, buildings, trails and routes, as well as historic or culturally significant landscapes and landforms. Given that the majority of this heritage can be viewed as the property of the Teslin Tlingit people, close cooperation and consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council would be required to make such a program a reality.

3.10 Civic Beautification The residents of Teslin feel a strong pride in their community: its assets, history, and culture. They also want it to be as attractive and well kept as possible. Three areas for improvement were identified during the 2009 community consultation process: • Improved vegetation management, particularly along the highway, to keep the area looking tidy; • Clean up of problem properties, both business and residential; and • Burying the electrical lines within the Village, to remove the “utility corridor” look.

Vegetation management along the Alaska Highway is a matter for the Village to address with the Yukon Highways Department, which is responsible for that part of the Village. This was in process in early 2009.

Burying the electrical lines, particularly in the older part of the village where they criss-cross the sky, would require the cooperation of the Teslin Tlingit Council and Yukon Electrical. There would be significant costs involved in burying electrical lines. A rough estimate is $400-$450 per metre of line. According to Yukon Electrical, their rule of thumb is that underground electrical lines cost five times more to install new than overhead power lines. To replace existing

62 http://www.cityofdawson.ca/municipalinfo/strategicplanscampaigns/heritagemanagementplan/ 63 http://www.yukonhistoricplaces.ca/home/ 64 http://www.yhrb.ca/board_activities.shtml

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above-ground power lines with underground lines costs approximately seven time more to install. While it is possible to bury electrical lines, it would be extremely expensive. 65

During the “community assets and areas needing improvement” exercise, part of the 2009 community consultations, community-based photographers took many photos of properties needing to be cleaned up. Although the specific locations of residences identified as needing improvement were not recorded in the exercise, a general list of concerns about residential properties were identified. They included: • The need to keep yards clean (mentioned by 21 participants); • Litter and blowing garbage (mentioned by 10 participants); • Rusting tanks and vehicles; and • Some buildings are unsightly.

Teslin may wish to look at the City of Duncan’s Landscaping and Screening Bylaw (http://www.duncan.ca/pdf/1580-landscaping%20Consolidated.pdf ) as a model. Duncan is a very small city in BC with issues related to unsightly premises.

The specific locations of business properties identified as requiring improvement were recorded. Some business owners, on seeing their property identified as an area needing improvement, immediately stated that they intended to remedy the situation. Others may require more incentives to do so.

A variety of approaches may be required to clean up the problem properties. Options include ways to: • Encourage change. Some possibilities include: o Offer a contest for “most improved yard” requiring before and after photos, and possibly a significantly sized monetary prize as a form of motivation; o For businesses, provide a municipal tax break for a limited time if the “problem” businesses move to an appropriate area, i.e. lands within the village that are zoned for industrial use. o For businesses, offer a land swap to encourage a move out of the inappropriate area. • Enforce change. Some possibilities include: o Enforcement of the existing Teslin Zoning Bylaw, Section 8.4.8, which authorizes Teslin Municipal Council to “order the removal of any fire or explosive hazards; unsightly storage of goods, salvage, junk, waste or other materials which may become hazardous or injurious to the health or safety of the community, or which adversely affects the amenities of the neighbourhood, or interfere with the normal enjoyment of any abutting land, building or structure on the basis that such circumstances represent a contravention of the intent of the Official Community Plan and the provisions of this bylaw.”

65 Email correspondence between Beverly Suderman (consultant) and Jay Massie, Yukon Electrical, August- September 2009.

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o Reporting situations of environmental degradation, like negative impacts on the lake, to the appropriate federal or territorial authorities for them to take enforcement action. o Condemnation of derelict buildings, based on unfitness for human habitation or gross violation of the zoning bylaw. This remedy does not deprive the owners of the title to the property condemned but requires them to rectify the offending situation or have the government do it for the owner at the latter's expense.

Each of these options has costs, in terms of money, community goodwill (of particular concern in a small community like Teslin), and potential for assuming environmental liabilities, as in the case of land swap, with the Municipality taking ownership of potentially contaminated properties.

The issue is which of these approaches is most palatable to the community, which will depend in part on how seriously community members regard the problem.

3.11 Joint Planning with Teslin Tlingit Council The 1999 Teslin OCP recommended the establishment of a Joint Planning Board to assist with inter-governmental cooperation on issues related to community planning and development. While no formal mechanism has been established, there is a significant amount of informal consultation and cooperation that takes place between the municipal government and the Teslin Tlingit Council administration. While this works reasonably well, there are times when these informal communications are neglected, leading to surprises for one government or another. As a general rule, governments never like to be surprised.

The issue to be resolved is how best to address Teslin’s joint planning needs, particularly since there is significant amount of multi-jurisdictional land within village boundaries, and the Teslin Tlingit Council is the largest developer in the Village, as well as the largest “taxpayer.”

What is required is a flexible, community-specific, community responsive planning framework for Teslin that meets the needs of both the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village of Teslin, as well as the needs of the people they both serve. Options for meeting this requirement include: • Revisiting the option of establishing a Joint Planning Board; • Consideration of other approaches, including joint council meetings; • Inventing something completely new.

3.12 Transportation Teslin has a number of transportation assets including the Alaska Highway, the airport and the marina. While both the airport and the Alaska Highway are the responsibility of the Yukon Government, their respective locations have significantly shaped community form. The Alaska Highway, in particular, has the potential to significantly bisect the community, without due attention to compact community development.

Local roads became the responsibility of the Village in December 2008. A road hierarchy now needs to be clarified and safe pedestrian linkages provided throughout the community. Both the

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public marina and airport should also be considered transportation assets and not overlooked, particularly given their potential importance for economic development purposes.

Although many of the recommendations of the 2007 Sustainability Plan have been implemented, the village continues to grapple with issues of how to create sustainable public transit for Teslin residents. Teslin Tlingit Council operates a small-scale public transportation service between Teslin and Whitehorse, the service’s primary function is to shuttle high school students home for the weekend. There is one trip from Whitehorse to Teslin on Friday, and a return trip from Teslin on Monday morning. Others are welcome to ride along if seats are available, but the service is so infrequent that it is rarely convenient or useful to others. It is not flexible enough for going into town for the day for shopping or a doctor’s appointment.

During community consultation in May 2009, concerns were raised about the safety of quads and snow machines that are currently using the roads. Many times the drivers are underage. The vehicles are not street-legal. However, these types of vehicles provide young people and others without automobiles to travel greater distances and have more mobility, which is important particularly to those young people coming to school or accessing recreational opportunities from outside municipal boundaries (i.e. beyond walking distance). The policy question is how to accommodate alternative vehicles within the current system.

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VILLAGE OF TESLIN 2001

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4. EXISTING LAND USE & FUTURE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS

4.1 Existing Land Use The Village of Teslin’s land base is approximately 370.5 hectares (ha), or 3.7 square kilometres (km 2). Most of the municipal land, 291.1 ha, has been surveyed into 252 cadastres (legally described and registered land parcels) that range in size from 74.595 ha down to 0.006 ha. Land that was part of the former Teslin Post 13 Indian Reserve has not been surveyed or parcelized. However, in 2008, as part of a municipal streets addressing program, 93 lots were mapped in the former reserve area (locally known as the “Big Lot”) by Teslin Tlingit Council Lands and Resources. These lots range in size from 2.149 ha to 0.017 ha.

Village land is put to a variety of uses as shown in the table below and in (Section 7, Figure 2, Existing Land Use). Land within the municipal boundary that has not been surveyed or mapped, approximately 64.8 ha, was not included in the parcel/lot area calculations.

Parcel/Lot Parcel/Lot Parcel/Lot Land Use Category Area in Hectares Count

VR: Village Residential 12.119 119 CR: Country Residential 12.153 22 CF: Community Facilities 9.781 35 C: Commercial 4.367 10 I: Industrial 2.176 11 U: Utilities 1.247 4 TR-R: Road Rights-of-way 36.274 30 TR-A: Airport 22.051 1 OS: Parks/Open Space 194.589 31 ER: Environmental Reserve 0.743 8 VA: Vacant 10.159 74 TOTALS 305.666 345

The largest land use in the municipality is OS: Parks/Open Space (63.6% of the Parcel/Lot Area total). This is followed by TR-R: Road Rights-of-way (11.9% of the Parcel/Lot Area total) and the TR-A: Airport (7.2%) for combined total of land allocated for transportation uses of 58.325 ha or 19.1% of the total Parcel/Lot Area.

In preparation for this land use analysis, 16 parcels formerly designated for residential (12) and commercial (4) uses were de-listed from the inventory of developable village land. Their area calculations have been included as OS: Parks/Open Space. These parcels have been determined to be undevelopable for their former intended uses because of issues of permafrost or being prone to flooding. (Appendix 8.4: Schedule of 2009 delisted land parcels).

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4.1.1 Residential The total land area within the municipality that has been developed for residential use, VR: Village Residential and CR: Country Residential combined, is 24.27 hectares (7.9%). Residential development is concentrated in five localities: the Village Peninsula, Fox Street & Nisutlin Drive neighbourhood, Smarchville, the Airport Subdivision, and the Sawmill Road Subdivision.

The Village Peninsula is Teslin’s primary residential neighbourhood and provides housing for both its First Nation and non-First Nation village residents. It is located south of the Alaska Highway. It is bound on three sides by Teslin Lake and on the north side by Nisutlin Drive. The eastern half of the peninsula has been surveyed into blocks and lots, based on registered plans of subdivision. The western half (the Big Lot, formerly Teslin Post 13 IR and now part of the Teslin Tlingit Council Settlement Lands) has not been surveyed, but as mentioned above, has been mapped into lots reflecting customary First Nations use and occupancy of the former Indian Reserve land.

There are 82 developed residential lots in the Village Peninsula out of a total potential of 109 residential lots. Forty-six residential lots are located in the Big Lot area while the balance, 36 lots, is located in the eastern half of the peninsula. In this latter area there are instances of two and three adjacent lots being used for single residential occupancies, i.e., houses and yards span lot lines.

There are several instances of non-conforming land use in the Village Peninsula. These involve commercial and industrial land uses of residentially zoned land. These uses in this area impose environmental health risks to the community and its surroundings.

There are an additional 14 residential lots in the Fox Street & Nisutlin Drive Neighbourhood . Three of these have been developed for residential use and another two are being used for non- conforming industrial purposes. There are nine undeveloped lots in this area.

Smarchville is the very western portion of the Big Lot. It is a panhandle area that fronts Teslin Lake. There are 16 developed residential lots within the municipal boundary and another 6 outside the municipality, but immediately adjacent. There is strong public support for revising the municipal boundary so as to incorporate all the Smarchville residential lots within municipal boundaries.

The Airport Subdivision , located north of the eastern runway approach zone, consists of fifty 880 to 990 m 2 VR: Village Residential lots of which 12 are developed and the rest (38) are vacant. Eight of the lots are part of the Teslin Tlingit Council Settlement Lands. These 8 lots are all developed and occupied. All 50 lots in the subdivision are serviced with a piped sewer system, and electrical and telecommunications services. There has been little public interest in these lots due to their price and small size.

The Teslin Tlingit Council is in negotiations to extend their Settlement Lands into the Airport Subdivision. As part of this process, they are planning to resurvey the subdivision to make the lots larger, thereby making them more attractive for development. The end result will be fewer lots, but better use of the area for residential purposes. There may be development issues related

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to permafrost in the north eastern part of this subdivision (Blocks 31 and 32), but this would have to be confirmed by geotechnical studies that should be completed as part of the subdivision development process. 66

The Airport Subdivision is adjacent to industrially-zoned land and the existing Yukon Highways and Public Works yard situated on TR-A: Airport land. As part of the 2009 community consultations, it was suggested that a greenbelt be established between the two uses, to provide a visual barrier between the residential and industrial uses.

The Sawmill Subdivision (formerly known as the Nisutlin Subdivision) located north of the Alaska Highway, provides CR: Country Residential land use on lots of 0.4 to 1.2 ha. Eighteen of these lots have been developed while three remain undeveloped.

The following table summarizes the estimated number of Teslin’s residential lots by neighbourhood that have been developed.

Neighbourhood Parcel/Lot Developed Areas in Lot Hectares Counts Village Peninsula .876 82 Fox St & Nisutlin Dr 1.704 3 Smarchville .522 16 Airport Subdivision 3.555 12 Sawmill Subdivision 1.901 18 TOTALS 8.558 131

The Teslin Tlingit Council, in conjunction with the Yukon Territorial Government, is planning to develop another 60 lots adjacent to the Sawmill Subdivision, on the north side. These plans are moving forward quickly.

4.1.2 Commercial Teslin’s commercial district is located at the eastern end of the village near the bridge across Nisutlin Bay. It is best characterized as highway commercial. The businesses located in this area cater to both the local and tourist markets.

Currently there are 8 lots in this area developed for commercial use; they straddle the Alaska Highway. The business include the village grocery and general store; 2 gas stations; 2 motel complexes; an RV park and laundromat; a licensed restaurant, lounge, and liquor outlet; a bank and ATM; a museum; a guide/outfitter; and, recently located to this area, the post office.

A Yukon Electric substation and a telecommunications utility switch are located on several lots

66 In 1999, the OCP (p. 11) noted in relation to this subdivision that “There is permafrost to the northeast of the development, so the subdivision may not be built out to the extent that was originally planned.”

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in this commercial district south of the Alaska Highway. These are non conforming in that they are industrial/utility uses. The lots were identified in the first round of community consultations as needing improvement.

There are several additional commercial developments located in the Village Peninsula area. They include a saddle maker shop and a laundromat. Also a Teslin Tlingit Council counselling office is located on land recently rezoned from village residential. There is an automotive repair shop located on the south side of Nisutlin Drive and adjacent to the lake. This development, spanning four lots, is a non compliant mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses on four lots all zoned VR: Village Residential. It poses environmental risks and hazards.

Until one of the buildings in the village core was declared a health hazard due to mould, the library, bank, and post office were all located there. These core village services have now been dispersed throughout the community, which is reducing the quality of life for many Teslin residents. In particular, the relocation of the post office to the Yukon Motel north of the Alaska Highway was identified as a problem by participants in the community consultation meetings: • Access to the location is dangerous because of the poorly constructed intersection at Nisutlin Drive and the Alaska Highway. • The location itself is generally too far for residents to walk, particularly seniors. • The new facility is too small to permit the kind of neighbourhood socializing that tended to happen at the old location. • The library has seen reduced usage since it was separated from the post office, because the convenience of going to the library (which was relocated deep into the Village Peninsula) adjacent to the post office is gone.

These concerns have implications for future commercial development in the Village.

4.1.3 Industrial There is no zoning compliant industrially developed land in Teslin at present. The 1989 OCP designated an area north of the Old Airport Subdivision as the location for future industrial use. This action was to coincide with closing out certain industrial land uses that continue to occur along Nisutlin Drive. The proposal was carried forward to the 1999 OCP and now the 2009 OCP with the same intent.

This industrial area has been identified as the most suitable location to relocate the municipal works and operations yard (see Village Centre Plan). Further the Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works operates a highway maintenance yard at the airport, in proximity to the industrially zoned lands. These lands should be brought under industrial zoning designations, and removed from the airport zoning.

During the community consultations, it became apparent that the lands designated for industrial uses need to be subdivided and made available to potential users

There is a former canoe factory located in Smarchville. The site now may have heritage value and potentially could be converted to an interpretive site for presentation of local history to visitors and the local community. There may also be other uses for this building.

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As discussed in Section 4.1.1 above, there are three sites of non compliant industrial land use within the village, each of which involves multiple lots. Two of these developments are located in the Village Peninsula; both are located adjacent to Teslin Lake and as such pose environmental risks. In addition during the public consultation process, both were identified as needing improvement.

The third site is located between Nisutlin Drive and the Alaska Highway, near the main entrance into the village. The community identified this area as needing improvement, both for general safety reasons, as well as its appearance, particularly given that the local economy is reliant on tourism where appearance matters.

4.1.4 Institutional & Community Facilities The range of community facilities is excellent for a community of Teslin’s size. Village municipal facilities are focussed in four lots across Nisutlin Drive from the Village Peninsula. These facilities include the village administrative offices and council chambers; works and operations garages and yard; garages for fire and emergency response vehicles, and the RecPlex. Also located in the area is a building that once housed the library and post office. It has been condemned because of mould and is anticipated to be demolished, unless a heritage review determines otherwise.

Other municipal facilities in Teslin include a baseball diamond; a marina and picnic area with a BBQ near the bridge; the water well that supplies the municipally trucked residential water service and a waste water lift station, both in Smarchville; and three other lift stations at various locations. Municipal solid waste and waste water treatment facilities are located outside the municipal boundary.

The George Johnston Museum, a community-based cultural and historical facility, is located to the east of the Recplex.

Teslin Tlingit Council, Yukon Government, and the RCMP all have offices at various locations in the Village Peninsula and Smarchville areas. The local primary/middle school, nursing station, and counselling services are also located in Village Peninsula.

Teslin Tlingit Council owned and operated facilities include the Teslin Tlingit Council Administration complex and Healing Centre. The Teslin Tlingit Council’s Community Development Plan identified the need for additional community facilities. Of these, the tot lots and play areas have been constructed, the boat launch has been built and upgraded, and the Healing Centre is in place. The Teslin Tlingit Council also has identified the need for construction of a Tribal Justice Centre, Group Home, Safe House, and Substance Abuse and Treatment Centre.

The Teslin Tlingit Council also owns the village cemetery, located along Nisutlin Drive overlooking Teslin Lake. With First Nations permission, others have been allowed to be buried there. The cemetery was reported nearly full in 1999, but identifying a new site did not seem to be a high priority in 2009, although maintenance of the existing facility was.

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Teslin School is located on the high point of the peninsula, on settlement land, and occupies 2.1 ha. The school field, although limited in size, is used for baseball and soccer in the summer. It is sufficient for the size and function of the school.

Yukon College is currently offering college preparation and GED courses from space rented from the Teslin Tlingit Council. The College hopes to expand its offerings, and may require a site on which to build a larger facility. This could lead to the possibility of offering high school in the village as well, as an option for young people to complete their education.

Teslin Airport is partially within the village boundary. It is northwest of the main village area. It has a single, lighted 1524 m gravel surfaced runway which is long enough to accommodate a wide range of aircraft. The airport has substantial operating capacity, but at present it is an under- utilized community asset. This may change with the anticipated pipeline development.

Other community facilities include a day care centre and two churches located in the Village Peninsula. Local cultural facilities include the Yukon Wildlife Museum and the Teslin Heritage Centre.

4.1.5 Parks & Open Space A large portion (63.6%) of the Village of Teslin is OS: Parks/Open Space. Most of this land is undeveloped, but in some areas outdoor community recreation facilities have been built and are included in this use.

The two large tracts of open forest land between Airport and Sawmill Roads are designated as open space and are considered unsuitable for development due to the presence of muskeg and permafrost. Other units of undeveloped open space exist throughout the village peninsula, especially along the shoreline which is subject to flooding. There are numerous informal trails throughout most areas of the designated OS: Parks/Open Space land.

Developed outdoor recreational facilities in the administrative office/RecPlex area include a skateboard park, children’s playground and equipment, a board walk, and trails through the forest that screens the main part of the village from the Alaska Highway.

A public marina and dock with a tourist/picnic area are located south of Nisutlin Bridge. This area was recently upgraded with a BBQ facility and lighting. One suggestion for further improvement was to add a fish-cleaning station close to the water.

The baseball diamond is located under the runway approach zone on the north side of the Alaska Highway.

Two children’s playgrounds have been installed in the village peninsula: one at Teslin School, and one recently expanded tot-lot in Friendship Park adjacent to the municipal recreation complex. A third playground is in the early stages of development along Sawmill Road. The Teslin Tlingit Council is proposing to build a fourth playground in Smarchville.

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4.2 Land Ownership & Tenure The primary land owners in Teslin are the Yukon Territorial Government (58%), the Teslin Tlingit Council (24%), the Village of Teslin (9%), and private individuals (8%). Small amounts of land are also under the jurisdiction of the federal government and the Yukon Housing Corporation.

Jurisdiction Area in HA Parcel Count

CAD: Canada 1.423 12 PRIV: Private 25.091 88 TTC: Teslin Tlingit Council 72.607 121 VoT: Village of Teslin 26.925 44 YHC: Yukon Housing 2.222 24 YTG: Yukon 177.398 56 TOTALS 305.666 345

Because so much of Teslin’s land base (83%) is in the control of other governments and these governments also act as land developers, the Village of Teslin administration has worked toward joint planning round tables to insure future development in the community proceeds in harmony with its plans.

4.3 Zoning Authority for Teslin’s current municipal zoning comes from Bylaw #99-105 as amended in Bylaw #08-162. Zoning, unlike the cadastral surveys and Teslin Tlingit Council mapping that form the basis for the existing land use analysis in Section 4.1 above, includes the entire municipal area with the exception of the rights of way for the village roads and Alaska Highway, a total of approximately 29.2 ha.

There are eight zones defined in the bylaw. These are listed in the following table and mapped in (Section 7, Figure 3. Current Zoning).

Zone Area in Ha VR: Village Residential 27.463 CR: Country Residential 12.504 CF: Community Facilities 12.205 C: Commercial 12.301 I: Industrial 7.226 OS: Open Space 161.689 AIRPORT 21.557 UR: Undesignated Rural 86.346 TOTAL 341.292

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4.4 Land capability and physical development needs

4.4.1 Vacant Serviced Land After removing all the undevelopable lots from the counts, there are an estimated 73 vacant and undeveloped lots in Teslin that are zoned for and thaty could be developed for residential use. The majority of these lots are located in the Village Peninsula and the Airport Subdivision. There are an additional eight lots that could be redeveloped for residential use after the non conforming commercial and industrial uses are relocated to more suitable areas.

The number of lots located in each neighbourhood is shown in the table below.

Neighbourhood Undeveloped Redevelopable Lots Lots Village Peninsula 22 5 Fox St & Nisutlin Dr 9 2 Smarchville 8 1 Airport Subdivision 38 0 Sawmill Subdivision 3 0 TOTALS 73 8

There are an additional ten vacant lots available for commercial development in Teslin. These lots are all serviced and located along the Alaska Highway in the commercial district at the east end of the village.

There is another tract of land that is owned by the Teslin Tlingit Council situated between the airport and the Alaska Highway at the west end of the village that is zoned C: Commercial. If traffic at the airport were to increase, this land is well situated to provide services to any new demand, e.g., ground transportation, aviation services, or accommodations, arising from the increase.

4.4.2 Undeveloped Land Some of the undeveloped land in Teslin is subject to environmental constraints that restrict its development potential. Teslin Lake and Nisutlin Bay, for example, are subject to shoreline flooding, which eliminates expansion close to the water. The airport is centrally located but takes up prime land that could have been used for residential development and it now imposes constraints on other forms of development in the runway approach areas. The large undeveloped area east of the Airport Subdivision, and west of the Sawmill Subdivision, was previously thought to be suitable for development (UMA 1974) but is now known to be unsuitable due to the presence of permafrost and poorly drained soils (Section 7, Figure 1). Thus, while it may seem like there is plenty of land available for future development within the current Village boundaries, this is not the case.

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As the result of internal land adjustments between Yukon Aviation and Yukon Highway and Public Works, the village should adjust its zoning map to reflect a reduction of AIRPORT land and the reallocation of this land for I: Industrial use so that the highways maintenance yard that occupies the old airport subdivision is included with the existing I: Industrial zone (see Section 7, Figure 4).

As identified earlier, the land allocated and zoned for industrial use has not yet been subdivided into lots to permit these uses to locate in this area. Currently there is demand for at least two industrial lots: for the relocation of the Village works yard, and for the relocation of the non- conforming industrial uses from Nisutlin Drive.

4.4.3 Undevelopable Land As mentioned before, much of the land currently used as OS: Parks/Open Space in Teslin has been determined to be undevelopable. This is generally the result of the presence of permafrost or proximity to the lake shore. Development suitability mapping undertaken in the 1980’s, and updated for the 1999 OCP, indicates that most of the area north of the Alaska Highway, east of the Airport Subdivision, and west of the Sawmill Subdivision, has poor development potential. Drainage in this area appears to be poor.

Although construction on permafrost is possible, using extra care, current climate change adaptation strategies recommend against developing on permafrost because of its inherent instability in light of warming temperatures. Development in permafrost areas, particularly where a community has other options (as Teslin does), may constitute a mal adaptation, because of the potential for permafrost areas to warm, the permafrost to melt and create muskeg, which then is subject to seasonal freezing and thawing, creating an unstable environment.

There is anecdotal evidence that the permafrost is shifting. On one lot along Sawmill Road, the owner tried to build a house 10 years ago, but was unsuccessful. More recently a new owner built a house without any problems. This may indicate that permafrost has already shifted in that area, and that land which is currently undevelopable may become developable with time. This suggests detailed geotechnical studies should be undertaken as part of all development planning processes.

4.5 Infrastructure Assessment The Village of Teslin is developing an asset management system, to meet their PSAB 3150 accounting obligations. This system will take time to fully develop, but once done will assist the Village enormously with its infrastructure maintenance and capital expenditure planning processes.

4.5.1 Domestic Water Supply Water supply for the townsite is provided by a deep groundwater well near the lakeshore. The pumphouse, built in 1988, provides chlorination and stores water in an underground reservoir, which is pumped into a water delivery truck and distributed throughout the community. Some homes are on their own individual wells, but for the most part village sponsored water delivery is

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the primary method of water distribution. The Village has a water license, issued by the Yukon Water Board in 2000, with an expiry date of 2020. 67

In 2006, with new regulations, Teslin’s domestic water supply no longer conformed to the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water , because allowable arsenic levels were reduced in that year. 68 The Village is addressing this problem by developing a filtration system for the existing water supply to remove the excess arsenic. Design work for the new water filtration system is in development (2009), and the works will be constructed once that is completed.

New territorial regulations require the Village to obtain a permit to operate a public drinking water system. Part of the permitting process required a hydrogeological assessment, which in turn resulted in the requirement to undertake some wellhead protection work around the pumphouse, due to the close proximity of the sewer lift station. At the time of writing, this work is underway. A further recommendation was that the existing tank on the water delivery truck be replaced with a stainless steel tank. A tender for its replacement has been issued; the Village will have an upgraded tank for water delivery by the end of 2009.

The above ground well structure is in good condition and the Village has two pumps to fill the water truck. However, there is only one well and one pump in the well to fill the reservoir, which makes the Village water supply vulnerable in case of pump failure or contamination of the well. As discussed, wellhead protection is underway. The Village has identified the need for a secondary water supply, and associated infrastructure. A contract for identifying a site for the location of a backup well will be issued shortly. Once the site has been located, planning for the associated infrastructure can begin. 69

There are nine private wells in Smarchville, some of which are as shallow as 10m – 15m in depth, and a few on lots adjacent to the school. Generally, the shallow well water is hard, high in iron and manganese with detectable levels of sulphur produced as a result of the presence of organic material. The Teslin Tlingit Council chlorinates individual wells twice a year in spring and fall and offers this service primarily to elders.

4.5.2 Wastewater In the serviced portion of the community, wastewater is collected via gravity sewer mains to three lift stations and then through a forced main sewer line to the sewage lagoon. There is no more trucking of sewage from the lift stations, although there are still some holding tanks and septic fields that do not operate properly. These are pumped and hauled by the Village, either for its residents, or as a service to homes located outside the municipal boundary.

67 http://www.yukonwaterboard.ca/registers/municipal/mn99-025/licence.pdf 68 Prior to 2006, allowable levels of arsenic were 0.025 mg/l, and the Teslin water system conformed. Since 2006, allowable levels of arsenic are 0.010 mg/l, and the Teslin water system is out of compliance. Arsenic occurs naturally in rocks and soil, water, air, and plants and animals. It can be further released into the environment through natural activities such as volcanic action, erosion of rocks, and forest fires, or through human actions. Too much arsenic poses health risks. Arsenic can be removed through distillation or filtration. ( http://www.water- research.net/arsenic.htm ) 69 This would include any engineering studies that would need to be completed, and finding dollars for construction costs.

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Lift station #1 is located in the Marina, near the Nisutlin River Bridge and the Alaska Highway. It services the hotels and homes in the immediate vicinity. Lift station #2 is located along Jackson Avenue near the nursing station. High lake levels during the summer of 1992 required sand-bagging to protect the structure from flooding. Both of these lift stations require a 10 year maintenance overall, which involves repair and repainting of the tank as required.

Lift station #4 70 is located near the pumphouse in Smarchville and services that area. In 1992 an earthen berm was constructed to prevent flooding from high lake levels. It needs to be rebuilt, in response to concerns re proximity to the wellhead.

The airport subdivision lift station (#6) is located just south of the subdivision next to Airport Road, across from Runway 26.

The sewer mains were last flushed and camera inspected in 2006. The issues identified at that time were remedied in 2007. The next inspection is scheduled for later in 2009.

The sewage lagoon is in good repair, but may be filling up with solids. The addition of an aeration system might extend the life of the lagoon, through permitting aerobic digestion of these solids. Research has been undertaken, but no implementation at the time of writing.

4.5.3 Fire Protection A new fire truck was acquired in 2005, and is anticipated to last for 20 years. Capital replacement costs should be budgeted for the years leading up to 2025. A fire rescue truck was acquired in 2007, and is also anticipated to last for 20 years. Capital replacement costs should be budgeted for the years leading up to 2027. The “jaws of life” unit is considerably older, and would need replacement by 2013. Anticipated replacement cost is $25,000. As the Teslin Tlingit Council’s development plans move forward, it may be necessary to purchase additional emergency response equipment.

The Yukon Government’s Occupational Health and Safety regulations require that the Village of Teslin develop occupational health and safety policy for its operations, and provide staff training related to that policy. Additionally, some upgrades to the exhaust system in the firehall are required.

4.5.4 Solid Waste In 1999, it appeared that the Village of Teslin was half way through the life expectancy of the landfill. However, due to significant improvements in waste management practices, including a very vigorous recycling program, the life span of the landfill has been extended significantly. The Village no longer burns garbage. A compost pit is operational, but take-up by community members has been slow. A public education campaign may be required.

A transfer station has been established for other domestic waste. A recycling centre has been established to collect both refundable and non-refundable recyclable materials. Other areas of the landfill collect materials such as construction waste, cars and appliances, batteries, household

70 Lift stations #3 and #5 no longer exist.

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hazardous waste and tires. A campaign offering free towing for derelict vehicles was undertaken several years ago, resulting in the removal of 27 vehicles from within the village boundaries. This could be tried again, to address issues related to derelict vehicles.

Once adequate amounts of the heavier waste have been collected, the Village can sell the materials and generate a small amount of cost-recovery revenue. Waste generated by used electronics continues to present challenges.

The Territorial government installed some monitoring stations at the landfill, but no results from this monitoring have yet been received by the Village.

The issue of waste oil disposal was identified in the 2007 Sustainability Plan. The idea of a waste oil burner facility was investigated, but found to be impractical for the municipal shop.

4.5.5 Roads & Drainage Responsibility for roads and their maintenance, with the exception of the Alaska Highway, was transferred to the Village in December 2008. Many of the roads are showing their age, with drainage improvements, resurfacing or reconstruction required. A system-wide analysis must be undertaken to determine priorities, although preliminary results indicate that the roads in the oldest part of the Village are the top priority, many of them having been constructed without any drainage provisions, resulting in problems on an annual basis.

There are three types of roads in Teslin: 1. Highway-arterial (the Alaska Highway), which is under the management of Yukon Highways Branch; 2. Collectors (Nisutlin Drive, Sawmill and Airport Roads), the function of which are to move traffic from local streets to other parts of the village or the highway; and 3. Local streets (all the others), the function of which is to provide access to homes and community facilities.

Differing road types require different road construction standards, including width of road rights- of-way, paving type, etc. The Village will need to determine its own standards for the two road classifications within its authority. What follows are suggested road construction standards, excerpted and adapted from the policy manual for Athabasca County, in northern Alberta. 71

Type Standards Collector roads Collector roads shall be designed and constructed to handle significant volumes of passenger vehicles and/or heavy truck traffic. Standards for construction 72 will include the following:  9 m road surface (2 lanes of 4.5 m width)  3:1 side slopes  30 m right of way (for Sawmill & Airport Roads); 24 m right of way for Nisutlin Drive  1 m high road grade constructed of good quality fill

71 http://www.athabascacounty.com/Council/Policies/3241.pdf 72 These suggested standards are based on Athabasca County’s “Key Local Road” standard.

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Type Standards material  Culverts will be sized appropriately (minimum of 400 mm to 600 mm depending on specific conditions)  When paved or chip sealed, traffic lanes to be indicated, including bike/walking path on one or both sides of the road surface Local streets Local streets shall be constructed to handle relatively lower volumes of slower moving traffic. Roads must be adequate to handle occasional heavy traffic such as water trucks, construction traffic, and service vehicles. Standards for construction 73 will include the following:  7 m road surface (2 lanes of 3.5 m width)  3:1 side slopes  18 m right of way  1 m high road grade constructed of good quality fill material  Culverts will be sized appropriately

Drainage is a very important consideration. All roads require sloped ditches to provide drainage. Open ditches, combined with culverts, should be adequate to most purposes. Within the Village there are areas that require ditches to be constructed or improved, as well as the replacement and/or installation of culverts, to improve drainage. A number of roads and homes are subject to annual flooding problems because of poor drainage. In some of these cases, the installation of perforated piping to facilitate drainage from homes/yards to the ditches may be required.

The Municipal complex at the centre of the village has drainage problems. The Village has had an engineering study completed, and a plan is in place. However, implementation of the plan requires $100,000, which has delayed construction. Any remediation of the drainage in the area should be addressed through an overall site development plan, initiated in response to the Village Square concept plan, or other improvement scheme for the area.

Street naming and numbering have been implemented effective 2008. There are some minor numbering and naming issues that need resolution.

Many of the municipal roads require upgrading, including resurfacing, removal of ridges that have built up at the side of the road, preventing drainage, and improved drainage, whether through installation of culverts, deepening ditches, or other means.

4.5.6 Alaska Highway The Alaska Highway continues to be a responsibility of the Yukon Territorial Government’s Highways Department. Consultation with community members in 2009 reflected a number of concerns, including:

73 These suggested standards are based on Athabasca County’s “Residential Road” standard.

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• Vegetation maintenance along the highway right-of-way. Mowing was not undertaken frequently enough, leading to concerns about appearance, as well as general safety. • Unsafe crossing conditions. A caution light indicating pedestrian crossing has been removed from the highway. Much of the heavy volume of traffic along the highway does not slow down when entering the village, as per the posted speed limits. The Post Office has moved to the northeast side of the highway, leading to an increase in the amount of traffic crossing the highway from the village. • Unsafe walking conditions. Need for lighting to improve pedestrian safety along the highway, as well as a pedestrian lane across the Teslin Bridge.

While the Village does not exercise control over the Alaska Highway, it can use its influence to advocate for changes to the management of the highway corridor to better meet the needs of Teslin residents.

4.5.7 Marina & Dock The marina and dock, located near the Teslin Bridge, were upgraded in 2008. The site features a picnic area with fire pit, public restroom, interpretive signage, and boat launch area. Suggestions for further improvements include: • Putting a fish cleaning area adjacent to the lake, and away from the picnic area; • Lengthening the boat launch area; • Relocating the restroom to be further away from the BBQ and picnic area.

4.5.8 Other Community Amenities The Village of Teslin maintains a highly sophisticated system of recreation facilities for a community of its size. Teslin residents enjoy great access to both water and land based outdoor recreation activities. There is an extensive trail network, although the trails tend to be informal, rather than being constructed to official trail standards. There is a boardwalk near the RecPlex, which the community is very proud of and would like to expand upon.

The community also enjoys a large number of built recreation facilities including: • Curling rink, indoor ice/hockey arena, and community centre, collectively known as the RecPlex, • Baseball diamond, • Skateboard park, • Children’s playground, • Skiing and walking trails, including a boardwalk, • Public marina, with outdoor BBQ facility and boat launch, and • School gymnasium.

The RecPlex, which is supplied with water by its own well, was having issues with water quality and supply, resulting in the identification of improving the water supply at the RecPlex as a priority in the 2007 Sustainability Plan. This work has been completed with gas tax funds.

The children’s playground in Friendship Park was upgraded in the summer of 2009 with swings and benches. A new children’s play park is in development on Sawmill Road.

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The library was relocated, as were the post office and bank, when the building where these services were located was closed due to mould issues and leaking foundation. It is now located in the Counselling Centre, deep in the heart of the village, but is not receiving the same level of use as it was when it was co-located with the post office.

4.6 Infrastructure Improvements Teslin provides major infrastructural services for the community, including provision of potable water, sewage collection and treatment, waste disposal, fire protection, and, since 2008, road maintenance. Quality of service, together with upgrading of facilities as needed, is the highest priority for the Village in allocating its operations dollars, as well as in obtaining external funding to make the improvements.

This section outlines the list of improvements to infrastructure and to roads that were identified during the 2009 OCP review process. There are some outstanding items from the 2007 Sustainability Plan that were not addressed during the OCP review. It may be that they should be incorporated into the infrastructure improvement planning initiatives below. These items include: • Develop alternative source for vehicle fuels, or convert to electric vehicles, for municipal operations – no action; • Wood chipping at the landfill – approved for gas tax funding, but not yet pursued; • Development of small-scale district heating systems, based on alternative energy sources – probably eligible for gas tax approval, but not yet applied for; and • Putting solar panels on the arena – no action.

Priorities for infrastructure improvements are listed in section 4.6.3.

4.6.1 Service Infrastructure

Infrastructure Required improvements Comments Water  Backup water supply  To develop the backup water supply, a  Remediation on further $1.5 million is required. primary water supply:  $1 million has been received to date to o Arsenic filtration remediate the primary water supply, o Wellhead and begin investigations for the protection backup water supply. (completed 2009)  Stainless steel delivery truck o Stainless steel anticipated by end of October 2009. delivery truck  Arsenic filtration system design will o Piped water be put out to tender soon (as of September 2009). nd  2 water truck may be required as development moves forward and more homes require service. Wastewater  Aeration to extend the  Approximate cost of $10,000 to install life of the sewage aeration into sewage lagoon. lagoon  Fencing of the lagoon has been

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Infrastructure Required improvements Comments  Securing the lagoon completed to keep people out. The lagoon has not yet been fully enclosed to keep animals out.  Fencing the lagoon to secure it is not as high a priority as educating residents about the proper chemicals to use in their cleaning to protect the effectiveness of the lagoon. Solid waste  E-waste  Further research required on dealing  Planning for expansion with e-waste (TVs, computers, etc.)  If there is good uptake on composting, landfill may not need expansion for 10 years.  Another landfill study/solid waste plan should be developed within the next 5 years. Fire protection  Fire Smart policy for  Alternative routes for leaving new construction residential developments to be  Ongoing vegetation identified and built. Suggestion: Build management; a road across the northerly part of the maintenance of fire municipality to connect the new breaks subdivisions. Alaska  Pedestrian lane for  Advocacy role only. Highway bridge  Opportunity to work with the Trans  Pedestrian crossings Canada Trail, and local affiliate  Street lighting Klondike Snowmobiling Association (http://www.tctrail.ca/home.php ) Marina & dock  Longer boat ramp  Rough cost estimate = $30,000  Fish cleaning table near the water Capital  Jaws of life unit by  Depending on the speed of investments 2013 (~$25,000) development, 74 additional emergency planning  Fire truck by 2025 equipment may be required earlier, (~$500,000) and the sewage lagoon and landfill  Fire rescue truck by may need to be expanded earlier than 2027 (~$150,000) currently anticipated.  Landfill – 10 years  With implementation of the Village  Sewage lagoon – 10 Square plan, the costs of establishing a

74 In September 2009, the Teslin Tlingit Council indicated that they were hoping to have 100 new homes constructed within 3 years, all of which would have wastewater flowing into the sewage lagoon, require water delivery, use the landfill and recycling facilities, and potentially require emergency services. A rough estimate, once all 100 homes are occupied, is an increase in the Teslin population of 250 people, to 700, a substantial increase over the relatively steady populations of the past 20 years, which has been hovering around 450 people. While the 3-year estimate may be optimistic, certainly the Village of Teslin must monitor its capital improvements program in light of increases in population. Schedules may need to be moved up.

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Infrastructure Required improvements Comments years new municipal yard and garage should be factored in. Energy  Lightbulbs  New developments, like the proposed efficiencies  Low-flush toilets new TTC administration building, will explore the potential for using geo- thermal energy from the lake, biomass, or other alternative energy sources.  The Village will undertake ongoing investigations about alternative energy sources and technologies, including biomass heating systems.  The installation of low-flush toilets throughout Teslin would save water, energy and time for the delivery of water in the village.  Replacement of traditional lightbulbs with energy efficient lightbulbs is ongoing. Parkland  Area for public beach  In September 2009, the Village talked acquisition on the lake with the property owner, and  Land acquisition at determined that he would be amenable subdivision stage to being bought out, to permit the creation of a public beach on the lake.

4.6.2 Roads

Road Road name Issues classification Highway arterial Alaska Highway  Reduce speeding through the Village of Teslin  Lighting required to improve pedestrian safety from the bridge to the TTC Administration Building (pedestrian crossing caution light removed);  Lighting across the bridge;  Pedestrian walking lane across the bridge;  Mow ditches more frequently to beautify the community. Collectors Nisutlin Drive  Resurvey to new width  Intersection improvement at both ends  Lighting, bike paths, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts)

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Road Road name Issues classification Sawmill Road  Drain rock in soft spot  Slope drainage ditches to the creeks  Lighting, bike paths, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Airport Road  Snow fencing at end of runway (to prevent drifting onto the road)  Lighting, bike paths, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Local (Village) George Johnston  Curve to be resloped to drain water Drive  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Tlingit Circle  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) McLeary St.  Priority road for drainage improvements  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Sidney Street  Numbering issues to be resolved  Priority road for drainage improvements  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Jackson Avenue  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Craft Street  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Smith Street  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Johnston Ave.  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts)  Name too close to George Johnston Drive? Perhaps a different name … School Road  Road elevation to be lowered to create a flat area at the intersection (because this is a school, road improvements are a YTG responsibility)  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Fox St.  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Local Dewhurst  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching (Smarchville) Crescent & culverts) Geddes Drive  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching & culverts) Father Boyd  Lighting, resurfacing, drainage (ditching Drive & culverts)

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Road Road name Issues classification Local (Airport Ward St.  Ditching, culverts, repair soft spots Subdivision) Dream Ave  Ditching, culverts, repair soft spots Bryde Ave  Ditching, culverts, repair soft spots Cole St  Ditching, culverts, repair soft spots Local (Sawmill Salmon Drive  Needs ditch, road widening, and a Subdivision) bigger turnaround

All local roads in the “Village” (see table) are identified as requiring reconstruction, since they were not built to standard as roads in the beginning. Each road requires: • A defined road surface that is 2 lanes wide • Drainage ditches on each side • Culverting for driveways • Groundwork/perforated pipes for residences, to drain yards • Manhole covers need to be raised, when roads are resurfaced.

Snow ploughing and removal in the “Village”, given its current lack of drainage courses, needs to be looked at more carefully. Areas to which the snow can be removed need to be identified. The costs of snow removal need to be weighed in light of the costs to homes which are damaged by annual flooding. Environmentally-friendly products that can be used in lieu of road salts should be investigated.

Three intersections that need to be improved are: 1. Nisutlin Drive at the Alaska Highway and Airport Road – Intersection is too large and confusing, particularly with parking in front of Teslin Tlingit Council Administration Building. Impact of any changes on the south side of the highway must keep the intersection with Airport Road safe and efficient. Preliminary engineering study has been completed. Goals: to improve safety for vehicles, parking, and pedestrians. Estimated cost for improvements to this intersection, including the road re-surfacing for Nisutlin Drive is $800,000. Very high priority item. 2. Nisutlin Drive at the Alaska Highway at the foot of the Bridge – Visibility not good, particularly with increased traffic crossing (pedestrian and vehicular) to the post office at the Yukon Motel. Tendency for highway through traffic to speed (travel faster than 70 km/hour) through the Village, increasing the risks. Intersection needs improvement (it was dangerous before the post office was located at the Yukon Motel), but the cheapest way to enhance the safety of the community would be to move the post office back to the south side of the Highway. 3. Jackson & Nisutlin Drive – Intersection is confusing because it is too broad/wide. Drivers tend to turn into the lane of on-coming traffic. Anecdotally, some drivers continue to drive on the wrong side of the road because of the potholes along the road.

4.6.3 Infrastructure Priorities Priorities identified for infrastructure improvements include the following: 1. Water system upgrades, which are well along the way to completion; 2. Road improvements, prioritized as per section 4.6.2 above;

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3. Improvements to the Alaska Highway (primarily an advocacy role); 4. Energy efficiency improvements, particularly the installation of low-flush toilets throughout the village, to conserve water and energy; 5. Parkland acquisition, particularly the land for a public beach; 6. Solid waste/landfill study (by 2014); and 7. Wastewater/sewage lagoon enhancements.

Priorities identified for the roads improvement program were as follows: 1. Village local road improvements – with particular emphasis on McLeary Street, Sidney Street, George Johnston Drive, and School Road. Of particular concern is improving the drainage in the area, to protect homes from annual flood damage. 2. Nisutlin Drive – intersection improvements by the Teslin Tlingit Council offices and Airport Road, together with drainage improvements and resurfacing of Nisutlin Drive. 3. Sawmill Road – which will be the primary access for anticipated construction of 60 homes in the new subdivision.

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5. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES Since the time that the 1999 Teslin OCP was adopted, the Teslin Tlingit First Nation prepared its Community Development Plan (2000), and an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (2007) was prepared jointly by the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village of Teslin. One goal of the 2009 Teslin OCP review process is to ensure that the Village OCP is in harmony with the other plans, and moving collaboratively towards a vision of sustainability shared by all the residents of Teslin.

5.1 Community Vision and Values Teslin will be a community that provides for the long term social, cultural and economic needs of its residents while protecting and respecting the natural environment that sustains them. 75

The community’s values 76 include: • Respect for our neighbours, our community and ourselves; • The health of our residents; • Knowledge, learning, and education; • Our Tlingit heritage and culture; and • The natural environment that sustains our community.

5.2 Community Development Goals To provide a sustainable range of services, amenities and employment opportunities so all residents may live in a safe, supportive environment that fosters pride in community, respect for cultural heritage, and commitment to a unified future. 77

Teslin will be a community: • In which all residents are able to meet their basic needs; • That supports the healthy lifestyles of its residents; • With a diverse and sustainable economy; • That is environmentally sustainable; • That protects and preserves Tlingit culture, heritage and language; • That encourages community members to increase their knowledge, skills and capacity to support personal goals and to contribute to shared community goals. 78

5.3 Community Development Objectives Teslin’s community development objectives 79 are to: • Provide residents with the opportunity to continue to live and work in their community by encouraging a healthy, stable and sustainable economy;

75 Our Bridge to the Future: Teslin Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, p. 6. 76 Our Bridge to the Future: Teslin Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, p. 6. 77 Teslin OCP 1999, p. 21. 78 Our Bridge to the Future: Teslin Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, pp. 7-8. 79 Teslin OCP 1999, p. 21.

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• Promote a positive working relationship between the Village of Teslin and Teslin Tlingit Council by encouraging timely communication and, to the extent possible, joint decision-making based on input from the community as a whole; • Enhance the physical and social character of Teslin in a manner that reflects the quality of life desired by the community by ensuring future development occurs in an orderly manner, and with due concern for the environment; • Improve the liveability of Teslin by providing a balance of socio-economic, housing, educational, and recreational opportunities that respond to the changing demographic profile of the community; and • Encourage the timely preparation of district and regional plans that acknowledge the community’s role as the regional supply and service centre.

5.4 Development Principles Teslin’s sustainability principles 80 are to: • Minimize and eventually eliminate our contribution to the accumulation of substances extracted from the earth; • Minimize and eventually eliminate our contribution to the accumulation of substances produced by society; • Minimize and eventually eliminate our contribution to the physical degradation of nature; and • Ensure that all residents are able to meet their own needs and realize their full potential, in a way that does not reduce the ability of others to do the same.

Teslin’s land use planning principles 81 are that: • Sufficient land should be provided within municipal boundaries to meet the community’s current and projected needs for development, conservation, and public use; • A sufficient supply of public and privately owned serviced land should be available to encourage development and support the community’s function as a regional supply and service centre; • New development should not negatively affect existing community values, amenities, services, safety of persons and property, health or environmental quality; • Whenever and wherever possible, opportunities to work cooperatively with all levels of government should be utilized to optimize the use of existing infrastructure and make the best use of available financial and management resources for the benefit of the community; • Community development policy should promote a range of lifestyle choices consistent with current and projected population demographics; • Development policy should encourage the highest and best use of land within the community and support relocation of uses no longer considered appropriate to other more suitable locations within the community; • New development should be restricted from flood prone lands whenever possible, and development in the vicinity of the airport should be consistent with the aerodrome zoning regulations;

80 Our Bridge to the Future: Teslin Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, pp. 11. 81 Teslin OCP 1999, p. 21-22.

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• The range of community infrastructure and amenities should be affordable and consistent with community resources and public needs; and • The establishment of public/private partnerships and other mechanisms that encourage cooperative management and the timely implementation of the plan’s policies and recommendations should be promoted.

5.5 Policies & Actions

The policies and actions that follow are designed to provide direction to the Village of Teslin such that all decisions move the Village as a community towards a more sustainable future.

5.5.1 Sustainability Many of the issues to be addressed under the banner of sustainability can be seen to be sustainable through the lens of economics, the environment, social, or cultural sustainability. It may be helpful to the Village of Teslin to investigate the feasibility of establishing a “triple bottom line” analysis procedure when contemplating new projects, to identify more clearly as part of the decision-making process, which projects meet the sustainability criteria in all areas, and where there are deficiencies, to get a clear sense of the trade-offs involved.

One environmental sustainability trade-off that needs to be investigated is between increasing the amount of outdoor lighting in Teslin and maintaining the dark sky values as desired by the community. Policy needs to be established to address the community’s twin desires for increased pedestrian safety, through the installation of street lighting and maintaining its dark skies at night.

Objective: To make Teslin a more sustainable community.

Policies: 5.5.1.1 The Village of Teslin and the Teslin Tlingit Council provide sustainability leadership by example.

Actions: 5.5.1.2 The Village of Teslin, in consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Territorial Government, will investigate the creation of a triple-bottom line analysis for projects, to assist with project-related decision-making. 5.5.1.3 The Village of Teslin, in consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Territorial Government, will develop a lighting policy and street lighting bylaw for the Village of Teslin that emphasizes protection of dark sky, and energy conservation.

5.5.2 Growth Management Community consultations conducted in 2009 indicate that highway-related tourism offers the best potential for economic development in Teslin. The desire is to develop a vibrant community “downtown” and entice tourist traffic to stay in Teslin for a while longer, whether for events or museums or recreation purposes. The commercial lands at the intersection of the Alaska Highway and Nisutlin Drive provide the perfect opportunity for a village gateway and signage to

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direct people into the Village, and could serve as potential areas of expansion for commercial development to service the tourist industry.

Updated development suitability mapping of Teslin lands would be helpful. Permafrost may be shifting, which might enable the Village to more easily pursue its compact community form objectives.

Objective: To promote sustainable development of a vibrant Teslin by encouraging compact community form, ensuring sufficient land is available to meet future community needs, and rationalizing the Village boundaries.

Policies: 5.5.2.1 The Village will ensure sufficient land is available within municipal boundaries to meet the community’s current and projected needs for development, conservation, and public use. 5.5.2.2 The Village will work with the Teslin Tlingit and Government of Yukon to maintain a 3-5 year supply of serviced land to meet the community’s current and projected needs. 5.5.2.3 The Village will give priority to in-fill development and redevelopment of under- utilized land before opening up new areas for development. 5.5.2.4 Recognizing the effects or impacts on Teslin of regional economic growth and development, the Village supports the completion of a district or regional plan that recognizes the community’s role as a regional service centre. 5.5.2.5 The Village recognizes the economic development benefits to be accrued from the creation of an effective gateway to the community that highlights its local businesses, its assets, and its recreational opportunities.

Actions: 5.5.2.6 The Village will work together with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the community as a whole to develop one or more appropriate gateways 82 into Teslin. 5.5.2.7 The Village will actively support the Teslin Tlingit Council’s efforts to complete the Teslin Regional Land Use Plan. 5.5.2.8 The Village will work closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council to undertake joint planning at the staff and governance level, where appropriate, to facilitate land management and planning at the local level. NOTE: Joint planning does not fetter the decision-making ability of either the Teslin Tlingit Council or the Village of Teslin. By planning together, there should be fewer surprises at the decision-making level, and the process should move more smoothly. 5.5.2.9 The Village will work closely with Teslin Tlingit Council to investigate the feasibility of boundary expansion to improve the tax base, eliminate boundary anomalies, and promote efficient land management. 5.5.2.10 The Village will update its development suitability mapping.

82 Gateways from both the east and the west would be appropriate, although the specific land area identified as ideal for a community gateway is at the eastern edge of the village, near the bridge.

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5.5.3 Land Use The land use policies described in this section apply to proposed land use categories listed on the Future Land Use and Zoning map (Section 7, Figure 4). The map shows general future land use intent. The Zoning Bylaw is the implementation mechanism for this section of the Official Community Plan, and must be consistent with the direction provided by this section.

There has only been modest change in land use within the community during the past 10 years, a rezoning of a VR: Village Residential lot to C: Commercial. However, the demand for all land use categories appears to be poised to increase significantly. While there remains a significant amount of vacant and under-utilised serviced land within the community at the present time, due to various constraints a significant amount of future development will take place in new subdivisions to be developed adjacent to existing development.

5.5.3.1 Residential The Village of Teslin has identified two broad residential categories to meet housing choice requirements for Teslin residents: VR: Village Residential, and CR: Country Residential. The two types of residential development are distinguished by differences in servicing and density.

Objective: To ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing or serviced and partially serviced lots to meet Teslin’s residential needs.

5.5.3.1.1 Housing (General) 5.5.3.1.1.1 The Village supports the development of home-based businesses, and outlines the conditions under which they may operate in the Zoning Bylaw. 5.5.3.1.1.2 The Village will encourage the repair and renovation of existing housing stock. 5.5.3.1.1.3 The Village will support the efforts of other levels of government to study the residential needs of the community, and develop projects to meet social housing needs. 5.5.3.1.1.4 The Village shall encourage the development of energy efficient housing to reduce overall community energy consumption. 5.5.3.1.1.5 The Village shall encourage the development of universally accessible housing, to increase the ability of seniors and people with disabilities to remain in their homes as long as possible. 5.5.3.1.1.6 To minimize the risk of property damage and loss of human life from forest fires, the Village supports and implements a Fire Smart program. 5.5.3.1.1.7 In conjunction with the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Village will consider the merits of adapting the existing Building Code to provide energy efficient standards for new construction in Teslin. (See Whitehorse example. 83 ) 5.5.3.1.1.8 In conjunction with the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Village will undertake research to determine appropriate design criteria for Teslin to adopt related to ensuring basic access provisions in all new construction.

83 http://www.whitehorse.ca/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={58DD85FF-62E3-4079-A4C9-63E1923FD521}

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5.5.3.1.2 Village Residential Policies 5.5.3.1.2.1 The Village of Teslin will provide serviced lots (road, sewer, water delivery, power, and telephone) on the peninsula within the main village and the airport subdivision at an average density of 10-20 units/hectare (average lot size .05 to 0.1 ha). 5.5.3.1.2.2 The Village will encourage multiple family developments to locate on the peninsula on lots of sufficient size and in locations where the type of development proposed is compatible with neighbouring uses. 5.5.3.1.2.3 The Village of Teslin will encourage duplex, row-house and apartment buildings of no more than 8 units in keeping with the scale of development within the community. 5.5.3.1.2.4 Mixed use developments with ground floor commercial and second floor apartments will be permitted in both the village residential and the commercial zones within the peninsula. 5.5.3.1.2.5 The Village will discourage single wide mobile homes in the peninsula area. The Zoning Bylaw specifies the conditions under which mobile homes will be permitted. 5.5.3.1.2.6 Residential developments shall provide for off-street parking, landscaping, fencing, and screening of storage areas and separation of buildings to ensure property owners’ fair use, privacy and enjoyment of their property rights as permitted by the Zoning Bylaw. 5.5.3.1.2.7 All village residential areas will be connected to the community sewer system. 5.5.3.1.2.8 The Village will encourage in-fill development, the use of existing vacant residential lots or increased density on existing lots, prior to the development of new areas. 5.5.3.1.2.9 The Village will require all multifamily projects containing four (4) or more dwelling units to provide sufficient on-site parking, landscaping, and setbacks to minimize the intrusion of such developments on neighbouring properties.

5.5.3.1.3 Country Residential Policies 5.5.3.1.3.1 The Village of Teslin will provide for country residential lots with an average density of 1-2 dwelling units per hectare (0.5-1 ha minimum). Minimum lot size will be determined by the requirements for on-site sewage disposal as determined by geotechnical study at the time of subdivision design. 5.5.3.1.3.2 The level of services to be provided in future country residential areas shall be determined at the time of development. Development suitability shall be confirmed by planning, engineering, and geotechnical study.

Actions: 5.5.3.1.3.3 The Village of Teslin and the Teslin Tlingit Council will engage in joint planning exercises to review proposed developments in light of sustainability principles, the desire for compact community form, energy use and infrastructure servicing costs, and cultural considerations. 5.5.3.1.3.4 In conjunction with the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Village will develop a comprehensive Fire Smart program related to Country Residential housing development that may include:

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• Vegetation buffers of 10m adjacent to structures to provide a fuel free zone for fire protection; • Further buffers of 20m (beyond the initial 10m buffer) within which vegetation will be controlled to limit the amount of potential fuel for a fire; • Introduction of other preventative measures such as the use of fire retardant building materials or requirements for sprinkler systems; and • Covenants on title indicating forest fire risk to potential home buyers. • The Village may also consider revised road standards within forest fire risk areas that ensure both in and out routes, i.e. no cul-de-sacs that depend on a single access route, and a requirement for water reservoirs 84 within subdivisions for the purposes of fire fighting. 5.5.3.1.3.5 The Village will continue to manage vegetation within municipal boundaries to create firebreaks and to reduce the amount of fuel loading on the ground surface.

5.5.3.2 Commercial Commercial uses refer to the use or intended use of a building, structure, land, or any portion thereof for activities involving the sale of goods or services carried out for profit. These can include retail stores, professional offices, hairdresser's salon, financial institutions, automotive and small equipment repair, mini-warehousing, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and so on.

Some commercially zoned lands are located on Teslin Tlingit Council Settlement Lands, in the vicinity of the Airport (Section 7, Figure 4). The Teslin Tlingit Council, in their Community Development Plan, has identified these lands as zoned DC, or Direct Control, indicating that detailed use or design control and review is required, because this is a very important location. The Village of Teslin’s development permit process provides a mechanism allowing for close cooperation and collaboration between the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village of Teslin for the development of these lands.

Objective: To promote the development of Teslin as a regional supply centre and encourage new businesses to locate on vacant lands along the Alaska Highway near the bridge to create a viable and visible business district.

Policies: 5.5.3.2.1 The Village is committed to ensuring there is an adequate supply of serviced commercial land available to meet current and future community business needs. 5.5.3.2.2 The Village will encourage the use of existing vacant commercial lots prior to the development of new areas. 5.5.3.2.3 The Village will support those commercial development opportunities and regional land use planning activities that help reinforce the community’s role as a regional supply centre. 5.5.3.2.4 The Village will encourage tourism and highway related commercial uses to locate together in the commercial areas along the Alaska Highway. 85

84 Although there is a risk of freezing, using anti-freeze additives in the reservoirs (which would render the water non potable and thus not useable for any other purpose than fire suppression), or some other means of keeping the water liquid, would outweigh any risks. This question should be investigated. 85 Teslin Tlingit Council CDP, p. 15

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5.5.3.2.5 To enhance the attractiveness of the community for tourists and residents alike, the Village will pursue public/private partnerships to improve the appearance of properties fronting on the Alaska Highway. 5.5.3.2.6 The Village will support the development of multiple use commercial buildings, including buildings containing retail commercial services at grade level, with offices or residential development above. 5.5.3.2.7 The Village will encourage government offices to locate in commercial areas whenever possible to facilitate the in-filling of vacant land. 5.5.3.2.8 The Village recognizes the importance to the Teslin Tlingit Council of those lands identified as Direct Control (commercial lands along Alaska Highway, as well as the Canoe Factory), and will work closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council to ensure that detailed use or design control and review will take place prior to the issuance of development permits for these lands.

Actions: 5.5.3.2.9 The Village will pursue the development of a community gateway, to support economic development through tourism, at the intersection of Nisutlin Drive and the Alaska Highway, at the foot of the Nisutlin Bridge, and possibly also at the west end of the village.

5.5.3.3 Industrial Industrial uses refer to processing, manufacturing, assembly, repair, and storage uses. There is limited demand for industrial land at this time, although some industrial businesses are currently inappropriately situated within the Village.

Objective: To ensure an adequate supply of industrial land is available in an appropriate location to meet current and future needs.

Policies: 5.5.3.3.1 The Village will continue to support the concentration of industrial uses on industrially zoned land, and phase out and relocate existing industrial uses in the vicinity of Nisutlin Drive to more suitable locations. 5.5.3.3.2 The Village will ensure industrial uses located in the vicinity of the airport are compatible with aerodrome operations. 5.5.3.3.3 The Village will discourage industrial development along the Alaska Highway. Where no suitable alternative location exists, Council may permit an industrial use to locate along the highway, provided the proposed activity is suitably screened and landscaped. 5.5.3.3.4 The Village will ensure that a greenbelt or other appropriate screening is placed between industrial sites and residential areas, to reduce the noise, dust, and other nuisances caused by industrial uses.

Actions: 5.5.3.3.5 The Village will acquire and subdivide lands within the Municipal boundaries currently zoned as industrial, or in other ways ensure that this land is available for industrial uses.

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5.5.3.3.6 The Village will relocate its public works yard to the Airport Industrial site, to provide for enhanced recreational opportunities in the village centre. 5.5.3.3.7 The Village will designate a greenbelt area between the Airport Industrial site and the Airport residential subdivision, and ensure that it is planted with trees to screen the industrial uses.

5.5.3.4 Community Facilities Community facilities are those institutional, recreational, and other public uses of land such as schools, fire halls, police stations, and health care facilities.

Objectives: • To encourage all levels of government to coordinate their actions to ensure the level and quality of services provided are responsive to current and future resident needs. • To provide a range of facilities throughout the community to meet the physical and social well-being needs of community residents.

Policies: 5.5.3.4.1 The Village, working closely with Teslin Tlingit Council, will promote the decentralization of Territorial government services to the community level in support of Council’s objective of developing Teslin as a regional service centre. 5.5.3.4.2 The Village will ensure sufficient land for current and future community and institutional uses is made available in locations convenient to resident needs, and in harmony with the Village’s and Teslin Tlingit Council’s heritage protection and civic design objectives. 5.5.3.4.3 The Village will encourage the bank, post office, library and other essential community services to return to the village centre. 5.5.3.4.4 When space is available, the Village of Teslin may lease space to a variety of uses, particularly those important for community cohesion, such as the bank, post office, library, educational institutions, etc.

Actions: 5.5.3.4.5 The Village will consider the Village Square concept plan, and may undertake further detailed planning to implement its design ideas for developing the heart of the community.

5.5.3.5 Parks & Open Space In the 1999 OCP, the land use classification OS: Parks and Open Space anticipated uses which included lands designated for recreational use, lands subject to flooding or within the 30m setback from the ordinary high water mark, lands within the approaches to the aerodrome runway and lands which should be reserved to protect the quality of the environment. Existing surveyed lots designated as open space are generally unsuitable for development due to the soil conditions present or the risk of flooding, and have been eliminated from the list of developable parcels of land.

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The Teslin Tlingit Council’s Community Development Plan 86 chose to differentiate between those lands which are for parks and open space uses, and those which should be set aside as Environmental Reserve because of the substantial modifications of terrain and/or vegetation that would be required for any type of development.

Objectives: • To provide a range of parks throughout the community to meet the physical and social well-being needs of community residents. • To preserve open spaces within the community as an Environmental Reserve to provide ecosystem services and unstructured recreation opportunities (Section 7, Figure 4).

Policies: 5.5.3.5.1 The Village supports the establishment of Environmental Reserves, areas that will not be developed (with the possible exception of limited trail development) to protect the ecosystem services provided by these areas. 5.5.3.5.2 The Village will support the identification and development of a community wide trail system linking all parts of the community including the lakeshore to Fox Point, the community centre, school, and Hermit Lake. 5.5.3.5.3 The Village will provide supporting infrastructure such as walking paths, benches, landscaping and lighting to encourage walking and ensure a safe, pleasant environment. 5.5.3.5.4 The Village will set aside appropriate areas for local park space and trail development as part of the subdivision planning application process. 87 5.5.3.5.5 The Village will require that any lands unsuitable for development, including swamps, gullies, ravines, or natural drainage courses or other land that is unsuitable for building sites or private uses, be set aside as environmental reserves. 88

Actions: 5.5.3.5.6 The Village will establish a runway approach overlay zone (RAZ) for the zoning map and bylaw, to clearly identify those areas where development is constrained by the Teslin Airport Zoning Regulations, SOR/94-591, under the federal Aeronautics Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-2.89 5.5.3.5.7 In consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Village will undertake the necessary background studies preparatory to creating an Environmental Reserve zone, to harmonize with the Teslin Tlingit Council’s Community Development Plan land classifications. Once the studies are complete, the Village intends to reclassify portions of the existing Parks & Open Space zone to Environmental Reserve zone. 5.5.3.5.8 The Village will develop policy for the designation as Environmental Reserve lands for those lands unsuitable for development as part of the subdivision process.

86 Teslin Tlingit Council CDP Section 4.1, p. 17-18. 87 Yukon Subdivision Act, Section 23. 88 Yukon Subdivision Act, Section 20(3) 89 http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/regu/sor-94-591/latest/sor-94-591.html

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5.5.3.5.9 The Village will develop policy to ensure that 5% of the total land area of any subdivision is dedicated to the development of neighbourhood parks, and a further 5% of the total land area of any subdivision is dedicated to the development of connecting trails. 90 The Village will also develop a procedure to include park space allocation within the subdivision process.

5.5.3.6 Future Development Areas This designation refers to lands identified for future development. Only those lands considered suitable for development will be reserved for this purpose. The majority of land identified for this purpose is beyond current village boundaries.

Objective: To identify areas which should be reserved for detailed investigation as to their feasibility for development to meet the community’s long-range future land requirements.

Policies: 5.5.3.6.1 The Village will work with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government to identify lands suitable for future development within and beyond community boundaries to ensure sufficient suitable land is reserved for future development purposes. 5.5.3.6.2 The Village will work with the authority having jurisdiction to ensure interim land uses permitted on lands identified as being potentially suitable for long term development do not compromise future planning options by virtue of the location and type of activity permitted.

5.5.4 Climate Change & Energy

Objectives: • To mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Municipal operations. • To mitigate climate change by encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the residents of Teslin. • To adapt to climate change and make Teslin a more resilient community.

Policies: 5.5.4.1 Future projects and developments within the Village of Teslin will be reviewed in light of water and energy requirements, with the goal of reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions, and creating energy efficiencies. 5.5.4.2 Wherever possible, existing Village facilities will be retrofitted to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. 5.5.4.3 The Village of Teslin will pursue a compact village form, to preserve walkability and liveability and other ways to preserve quality of life for Teslin residents. 5.5.4.4 Essential village services like the bank, the post office, and the library will remain, or be brought back into Teslin’s central area, or otherwise be situated near the main residential areas.

90 The Yukon Subdivision Act, Section 20(2) permits up to 10% of land to be set aside as reserves.

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5.5.4.5 The Village of Teslin will promote energy-use choices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to clean air. 5.5.4.6 The Village supports the use of alternative energy sources, where feasible and economically viable.

Actions: 5.5.4.7 The Village of Teslin, working in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will create an inventory of energy and emissions, preliminary to setting targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. 5.5.4.8 The Village of Teslin, working in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will explore the potential for developing renewable energy resources in the area, including the potential for a biomass-based district heating system or the geo-thermal energy potential of Teslin Lake. 5.5.4.9 The Village of Teslin will create a Climate Change Mitigation Plan for municipal operations, including water and sewer services, roads maintenance, and recreation planning. 5.5.4.10 The Village of Teslin will take steps to improve the energy efficiency of public and private buildings, with a particular emphasis on lighting within municipal buildings, and waste heat recovery and re-use from indoor facilities. 5.5.4.11 The Village of Teslin, working in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will raise awareness amongst the residents of Teslin about climate change impacts, and the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt as a community. 5.5.4.12 The Village of Teslin, in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will develop a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the community. 5.5.4.13 The Village of Teslin, working in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will develop policy that mandates the installation of water conservation fixtures and energy efficient appliances, lighting, and heating devices for all new construction. 5.5.4.14 The Village of Teslin, working in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will investigate the feasibility of adopting the Northern Building Code for Teslin, to apply to all new construction. 5.5.4.15 The Village of Teslin, working in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will investigate the feasibility of entering into bulk purchase agreements for new developments for water and energy efficient fixtures such as low- flow toilets, etc. 5.5.4.16 The Village of Teslin will pursue a program to retrofit existing toilets through the installation of low-flush or dual-flush toilets in Teslin homes as a water and energy conservation measure.

5.5.5 Environmentally Sensitive Land & Lakeshore Protection These policies address the issues of environmentally sensitive lands and lakeshore protection. See also Section 5.5.2.5 (Land Use: Parks and Open Space) which addresses the issues of protecting environmentally sensitive lands in two ways:

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1. Within the Parks and Open Space zoning, separating out the environmentally sensitive land into an Environmental Reserve category, preparatory to zoning it for protection from development; and 2. Modifying development permit (subdivision) provisions to require that any lands unsuitable for development, including swamps, gullies, ravines, or natural drainage courses or other land that in unsuitable for building sites or private uses, be set aside as environmental reserves.

Objectives: • To protect shorelines from encroachment of incompatible land uses, prevent flood-prone developments, and preserve public access to and along the waterfront. • To protect the natural environment from encroachment by incompatible land uses.

Policies: 5.5.5.1 Future development shall be directed away from lands susceptible to flooding. New development will be discouraged in areas along Teslin Lake and Nisutlin Bay that lie within the 100-year flood elevation line. 91 5.5.5.2 Lands identified as being susceptible to flooding shall generally be maintained in their natural state. Limited recreational activities may be permitted as a secondary activity provided they are compatible with the intended conservation and public access objective. 5.5.5.3 Where existing development has occurred within flood-prone areas, property owners shall be required to flood-proof their properties and complete a flood zone waiver caveat before any new development or change of use is permitted. 5.5.5.4 All new residences or commercial buildings or additions to existing structures located within the 100-year flood line to be used for habitation, business or the storage of goods damageable by flooding, must have adequate flood protection and/or flood proofing measures. 5.5.5.5 Land within the 30m reserve from the ordinary high water mark shall be reserved for public access and not be disposed of. 5.5.5.6 The Village of Teslin will take those actions within its jurisdiction to prevent any contamination of Teslin Lake. 5.5.5.7 Areas that are inappropriate for development based on ecological sensitivities will be identified and protected. 92 5.5.5.8 New developments will maintain the natural grade93 where possible. 5.5.5.9 Wherever possible, redevelopment will be restricted to previously disturbed lands. 5.5.5.10 Wherever possible, degraded and damaged lands will be rehabilitated. 5.5.5.11 Contaminated sites will be reclaimed.

91 We were unable to obtain a current 100-year flood elevation line for the Village of Teslin. The 1999 OCP indicated that the line was included on the maps, but we were unable to identify it. The existing policy is based on the 100-year flood elevation line. Nevertheless, the 30m setback from high water mark to prevent development from occurring within flood-prone areas appears to be working. Obtaining the 100-year flood elevation line is desirable. 92 Items 5.5.4.7-5.5.4.11 are from the Teslin Tlingit Council Community Development Plan , p. 14. 93 Natural grade is the gradation of the land unaffected by construction techniques such as fill, landscaping or berming.

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Actions: 5.5.5.12 The Village of Teslin, in consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will identify and document environmentally sensitive lands within the current and proposed municipal boundaries, with the view of creating a new “Environmental Reserve” zoning designation, making these lands off-limits to development. Supporting information will be available to the public on request.

5.5.6 Heritage Protection During the 2009 community consultation process, a number of heritage buildings and structures were identified as community assets, as well as a number of properties identified as areas that needed improvement within Teslin.

Objective: To create a distinctive identity for Teslin that reflects its history and culture by preserving community heritage resources and emphasizes its special features, such as proximity to Teslin Lake.

Policies: 5.5.6.1 The Village of Teslin respects its historic and cultural legacy through protection of: • The heritage value of historic buildings; • The cultural elements of the built and natural environment, including historic sites and trails 94 ; • Viewscapes of important cultural and environmental features; • Archaeological resources that may be threatened by development or neglect. 95 5.5.6.2 The Village works with the Teslin Tlingit Council to ensure land use policy decisions respect and support Teslin Tlingit heritage conservation objectives. 5.5.6.3 Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit for a structure, the Village will require a heritage assessment of that structure. This policy to take effect once a heritage protection policy is in place.

Actions: 5.5.6.4 The Village of Teslin, in consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will identify and document the heritage value of historic buildings, cultural landscapes (landforms and their settings), and viewscapes (cultural and environmental features). 5.5.6.5 The Village of Teslin, in consultation with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will develop a heritage protection policy and bylaw, to protect historic buildings, cultural landscapes (landforms and their settings), and important viewscapes. 5.5.6.6 The Village of Teslin, in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will accept nominations of historic structures for Municipal designation as Municipal Historic Sites. 5.5.6.7 The Village of Teslin, in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will investigate the potential for enhancing its cultural heritage protection by developing a larger strategy that incorporates civic design objectives including architectural

94 Sustainability Plan, p. 8. 95 Teslin Tlingit Council Community Development Plan, p. 14-15.

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elements based on historic precedents, and building forms that reflect traditional Tlingit culture (building placement, type, scale, and choice of materials). 5.5.6.8 The Village of Teslin will develop a procedure to ensure that heritage assessments are developed in advance of the issuance of demolition permits related to structures.

5.5.7 Civic Design & Beautification The Teslin Tlingit Council’s Community Development Plan (2000) indicates that certain areas within the Municipality are to be identified as Direct Control (DC), which is a designation to ensure detailed use and design control and review for important locations. Site specific uses and designs will be developed for these locations, which include the commercial area along the highway (near the airport), as well as the Canoe Factory and the developments at Fox Point. The Development Permit process, currently in place for all developments within the Village, provides a mechanism for the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village to work together in promoting any developments in these areas.

Objective: Teslin projects a positive image that reflects the pride of its community members.

Policies: 5.5.7.1 The Village promotes a positive image of the community by continuing to upgrade the appearance of public lands fronting on the Alaska Highway and along the lakeshore, as well as making aesthetic improvements to roadways, parking, and outdoor public spaces 96 . 5.5.7.2 The Village promotes civic pride through encouraging appropriate private property maintenance. 5.5.7.3 The Village ensures that new development and redevelopment of existing structures respects the existing character and scale of the village, and is compatible with existing uses. 97 5.5.7.4 The Village will enhance and expand pedestrian and other non-road linkages throughout the community through the definition and improvement of existing trail systems. 98 5.5.7.5 The Village supports the establishment of specific design and/or use controls on certain lands within Municipal boundaries that form part of the Teslin Tlingit Council settlement lands.

Actions: 5.5.7.6 The Village will enact a Landscaping and Screening Bylaw to address such matters as the general appearance, storage, parking, screening, landscaping and signage conforms to community standards. 5.5.7.7 The Village will consider holding annual “Most Improved Yard” contests for residential and commercial properties, or other measures, to encourage civic pride through property maintenance. 5.5.7.8 The Village will encourage the formation of youth work parties on a regular basis to clean up litter and other trash within the Village.

96 Teslin Tlingit Council Community Development Plan, p. 15 Section 3.4 97 Teslin Tlingit Council Community Development Plan, p. 15 (Section 3.4) 98 Teslin Tlingit Council CDP, p. 15 (3.4)

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5.5.7.9 The Village will consider modifying existing bylaws to ensure that derelict vehicles are not permitted on private property (residential, commercial, or industrial) and that the landfill/transfer station appropriately screens derelict vehicles from view pending transfer out of the community. As part of this initiative, the Village may consider offering incentive programs to remove derelict vehicles from yards. 5.5.7.10 Working closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Village will develop a procedure for its approvals on those lands designated as DC by the Teslin Tlingit Council.

5.5.8 Social Development The Teslin Tlingit Council’s Community Development Plan calls for the development of four new community facilities: a Tribal Justice Centre, Group Home, Safe House, and Substance Abuse and Treatment Centre. Land within the Village of Teslin, or nearby, should be reserved for future development of these community facilities.

The need for more seniors housing, in the context of an aging population, has been identified. The need for more accessible housing and community facilities is also identified in the context of an aging population and general increase in the numbers of people with disabilities. This suggests the need for basic access provisions to be built into the municipal bylaws and building codes, whether through universal design criteria or other methods.

Objective: To develop a community in which all residents are able to meet their basic needs and increase their knowledge, skills and capacity to pursue personal goals and contribute to shared community goals. 99

Policies: 5.5.8.1 The Village will partner with the Teslin Tlingit Council, senior government, businesses and community not-for-profit organizations to implement a range of social planning and employment training initiatives to foster a healthy community. 5.5.8.2 The Village will assist the Yukon Government to collect current, accurate information on changing demographics and community socio-economic development needs. 5.5.8.3 The Village will work closely with the Yukon Government and Teslin Tlingit Council to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing is available. 100 5.5.8.4 The Village will work closely with the Yukon Government and Teslin Tlingit Council to ensure an adequate supply of seniors housing is available. 5.5.8.5 The Village will support the Teslin Tlingit Council’s social development initiatives on the understanding that the resulting social services or facilities are available to the whole community. 5.5.8.6 The Village, working closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will ensure that adequate land is available for proposed community facilities in appropriate locations. 5.5.8.7 The Village, working closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will ensure that new construction of housing and community facilities is accessible to people with disabilities and seniors following universal design guidelines.

99 Adapted from Sustainability Plan Goals, p. 12 & 17. 100 Based on concerns expressed in Sustainability Plan.

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5.5.8.8 When addressing questions of accessibility, the Village, working closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, will distinguish between universal access and basic access, also known as a visitable home or facility, which is defined as one that has at least one zero-step entrance on an accessible route; doorways throughout the main floor with no less than 32 inch (810 mm) clear width; and at least a half bathroom on the main floor with the wider doorway. 101 Universal design addresses the design of facilities and environments to be usable by people of all ages and abilities, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for significant adaptation or specialized design. 5.5.8.9 The Village will encourage Yukon College to offer specific training opportunities within Teslin as required by the residents of the Village.

Actions: 5.5.8.10 The Village of Teslin will modify the Zoning Bylaw to ensure that all new single family homes meet basic access criteria, and that all new multi-family homes and apartments are built to have a basic level of access throughout, and that a percentage of all suites are fully accessible, through universal design or other standard. 5.5.8.11 The Village of Teslin will audit Municipal facilities using the Measuring Up Built Environment Self-Assessment Guide (or similar tools), and upgrade as necessary, to ensure that all municipal facilities meet basic access criteria.

5.5.9 Economic Development During the 2009 consultations, there was considerable discussion of developing an economic development strategy based on tourism. Teslin’s main attractions include its natural environment (forests, lake and wildlife), its culture, and its recreation facilities. These attractions also constitute the main elements of the high quality of life enjoyed by Teslin residents. Further study and community preparation is required to ensure a successful “marriage” between tourism development and local quality of life.

Objective: To establish Teslin as a healthy, sustainable and economically diverse regional service centre by supporting the types of economic initiatives that foster personal independence, employment of choice, and community pride.

Policies: 5.5.9.1 The Village will support those economic development initiatives that stabilize the regional economy, diversify local employment opportunities and enhance the quality of community life, while respecting the natural environment. 5.5.9.2 The Village will assess the scale, pace, and nature of all economic development initiatives proposed, and support those proposals which maximize the use of local resources, infrastructure and resident labour force skills. 5.5.9.3 The Village will support the establishment of home-based and seasonal businesses in appropriate locations to diversify the local economy.

101 See Chapter 8 (Appendices) for more information about universal design. See also the Canadian Centre for Disability Studies, Visitability Canada, website at http://www.visitablehousingcanada.com/index.html#visitabilitydefinition for more information.

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5.5.9.4 The Village will collaborate with other levels of government, the business community and industry to ensure current, accurate and comprehensive information is available for economic development planning purposes. 5.5.9.5 The Village will promote the use of the community and airport facilities as an expediting base for mining exploration, forestry, wilderness tourism, and related activities in the Teslin region. 5.5.9.6 The Village will encourage the installation of modern communication technology to facilitate distance education opportunities, and the creation of new business opportunities which are not location dependent. 5.5.9.7 In light of its role as a regional service centre, the Village will work with the Teslin Tlingit Council and Yukon Government to implement the recommendations of the economic development strategy (in development in 2009). 5.5.9.8 The Village will work with the Teslin Tlingit Council, Yukon Government, and local business and educational institutions to investigate ways to reduce economic leakage from the community, including the degree of dependence on outsiders to fill local employment opportunities, and provide goods and services not available locally. 5.5.9.9 The Village will continue to use public/private partnerships for service delivery where cost effective. 5.5.9.10 Recognizing the effects or impacts on Teslin of regional economic growth and development, the Village supports the completion of a district or regional land use plan that recognizes the community’s role as a regional service centre.

Actions: 5.5.9.11 The Village will examine the feasibility of using public facilities such as the arena and community centre to support local business economic development initiatives such as the hosting of conventions and other special events for which such facilities are suitable. 5.5.9.12 To better support local businesses, the Village will examine the feasibility of establishing a “buy local” policy for goods and services. 5.5.9.13 Together with the Teslin Tlingit Council, Yukon Government, local business community, and residents of Teslin, the Village will develop a Teslin-based tourism strategy, including community readiness components. 5.5.9.14 Together with the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Village will investigate the feasibility of developing a community economic development agency. 5.5.9.15 The Village will enhance the Village website to promote local businesses. 5.5.9.16 The Village will encourage the Teslin Chamber of Commerce to update and enhance the kiosk at the community overlook to promote local businesses, community services (including churches), and recreational opportunities. 5.5.9.17 The Village will actively support the Teslin Tlingit Council’s efforts to complete the Teslin Regional Land Use Plan.

5.5.10 Municipal Services & Infrastructure Teslin is a small community with a limited tax base. While there is generally support from senior levels of government for initial infrastructure capital costs, the municipality is largely responsible for on-going maintenance. A certain population base is often required to support different types of infrastructure. A community’s development form has a significant influence on

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whether or not certain infrastructure improvements, such as extension of water and sewer services, are practical and affordable.

Objective: To provide safe, reliable and cost effective services to municipal residents consistent with their needs by upgrading the quality of municipal services provided and expanding the service area in a logical manner while ensuring protection of the environment.

Policies: 5.5.10.1 The Village will provide residents living within the service area with safe and reliable fire protection, water supply, sewage collection, treatment, and waste disposal systems. 5.5.10.2 The Village will work with the Teslin Tlingit Council to coordinate the delivery of water, collection of sewage and disposal of garbage to ensure the costs of service are fairly distributed, the service level provided is consistent, and the services are provided in a cost effective manner throughout the municipality. 5.5.10.3 Before expanding the service area, the Village will ensure the expected revenue base is sufficient to cover the additional costs incurred. 5.5.10.4 Village Council will continue to enter into joint use agreements with the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government to provide municipal services in a cost effective and efficient manner. 5.5.10.5 The Village is committed to water and energy conservation. Before expanding or upgrading water or sewer services, the Village will analyze the water and energy conservation implications of the proposed expansion or upgrade. 5.5.10.6 Working closely with Teslin Tlingit Council and the Yukon Government, the Village will secure water source integrity by taking steps to protect Teslin Lake, the Nisutlin River and the area aquifers. 102 5.5.10.7 The Village is committed to improving drainage services in the developed portions of the Municipality. 103 5.5.10.8 The Village is committed to ongoing waste diversion and recovery programs through its solid waste disposal initiatives. 104 5.5.10.9 The Village is committed to providing barrier free access to all community buildings. 105

Actions: 5.5.10.10 The Village will take appropriate measures to flood-proof the village water supply well and all sewage lift stations that are located near Teslin Lake. 5.5.10.11 The Village will ensure the primary water supply is fully in compliance with federal and territorial drinking water quality regulations. 5.5.10.12 The Village will develop a secondary water supply, to provide redundancy and ensure uninterrupted water for residents. Depending on the source of the backup supply, additional filtration may be required. 106 5.5.10.13 The Village will pursue a low-flush toilet rebate initiative, to reduce water and energy consumption.

102 Sustainability Plan, p. 21 103 Teslin Tlingit Council CDP p. 15 104 Adapted from Sustainability Plan, p. 24 105 Teslin Tlingit Council CDP p. 15 106 Sustainability Plan, p. 25

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5.5.10.14 Through a combination of bylaw development and public education, the Village, working closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will stop the disposal of dangerous household chemicals into the wastewater treatment system. 107 5.5.10.15 The Village will continue to increase the waste diversion programs, invest in additional waste-diversion infrastructure, and undertake public education to increase waste diversion, to extend the life of the landfill and promote the sustainability of the Village of Teslin. 108 5.5.10.16 The Village will commission a landfill study to plan for future waste management initiatives. 5.5.10.17 The Village will develop an implementation plan to undertake drainage upgrades for identified areas within the Village, as feasible.

5.5.11 Transportation Teslin has a number of transportation assets including the Alaska Highway, the airport and the marina. While both the airport and the Alaska Highway are the responsibility of the Yukon Government, their respective locations have significantly shaped community form. The Alaska Highway, in particular, has the potential to significantly bisect the community, without due attention to compact community development.

The roads became the responsibility of the Village in December 2008. The road hierarchy now needs to be clarified and safe pedestrian linkages provided throughout the community. Both the public marina and airport should also be considered transportation assets and not overlooked, particularly given their potential importance for economic development purposes.

Objectives: • To provide for safe and orderly circulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, which minimizes potential conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. • To respect the economic development potential of the Teslin airport, by ensuring appropriate land use along the approach paths and adjacent to the airport. • To maintain, and improve (as appropriate) the Teslin marina.

Policies: 5.5.11.1 The Village will work with the Teslin Tlingit Council to provide for safe and orderly vehicular, pedestrian, and other traffic circulation throughout the community. 5.5.11.2 The Village will maintain a logical, functional hierarchy of roads, which balance traffic loads, link community facilities, and minimize the need for additional highway access points. 5.5.11.3 The Village will collaborate with the Teslin Tlingit Council to provide public pedestrian access to and along the lakeshore, and throughout the village. 5.5.11.4 The Village, in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will work together with the Yukon Government to ensure that the Alaska Highway maintains its primary function of moving people and goods in an efficient way, while also meeting the needs

107 Sustainability Plan, p. 21 108 Adapted from Sustainability Plan, p. 24.

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of the Village for economic development, pedestrian safety, and community connectivity. 5.5.11.5 The Village will discourage additional access points from the Village to the Alaska Highway. 5.5.11.6 The Village is committed to the maintenance of the marina as a public amenity for residents and visitors alike. 5.5.11.7 The Village of Teslin will comply with and enforce the Teslin Aerodrome Zoning Regulations , including building, height and zoning restrictions .

Actions: 5.5.11.8 The Village will develop a priority list for road upgrades within the Village, and pursue funding to implement the road improvements. 5.5.11.9 The Village will pursue intersection improvements at both ends of Nisutlin Drive, with priority to addressing the parking and safety issues at the Nisutlin Drive/Airport Road/Alaska Highway intersection. 5.5.11.10 The Village will pursue lighting along the Alaska Highway to improve pedestrian safety. 5.5.11.11 The Village will work together with the Yukon Highways Department to identify and implement effective ways to ensure that drivers along the Alaska Highway slow down to posted speed limits through the Village of Teslin. 5.5.11.12 The Village will pursue pedestrian crossing signage along the Alaska Highway to improve pedestrian safety. 5.5.11.13 The Village will pursue the development of a pedestrian walking lane across the Nisutlin Bridge. 5.5.11.14 The Village will investigate the feasibility for creating lighted pedestrian tunnels under the Alaska Highway. 5.5.11.15 The Village will investigate the feasibility of developing an alternate off-road transportation system for quads and snow machines. 5.5.11.16 The Village will investigate the feasibility of improving the marina through creation of a longer boat ramp.

5.5.12 Recreation While Teslin is blessed with a wealth of recreation facilities and opportunities for a community of its size, the residents of Teslin were particularly anxious to address the general lack of access to Teslin Lake for recreation purposes, as well as meeting the need for both a seniors and youth centre. For more detailed discussion of the community’s recreation needs, please see the Village Recreation Plan, as well as Section 3.8 of this document.

Objectives: • To provide a range of recreation facilities throughout the community to meet the physical and social well-being needs of community residents. • To enhance the trail network within the community, both to meet the pedestrian transportation needs of community members, and provide opportunities for recreational activity for tourists and community members alike.

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Policies: 5.5.12.1 The Village will support a range of year round recreational opportunities to be available within the community, which reflect the age, gender and lifestyle interests of community residents. 5.5.12.2 The Village will ensure the community’s parks and recreation facilities are developed for year round use to the maximum extent possible. 5.5.12.3 The Village will ensure that all public recreation facilities take into account the needs of persons with disabilities in their design, construction and programming. 5.5.12.4 The Village will work with the Teslin Tlingit Council to investigate ways to improve recreational programming so that all existing facilities, including the school, are fully utilized. 5.5.12.5 The Village will work towards providing a range of recreational activity spaces, which provide residents of all ages with the opportunity for quiet solitude, collective participation, education, and appreciation of the local culture and environment. 5.5.12.6 The Village will ensure that small neighbourhood parks are developed in each neighbourhood, and that appropriate land is set aside within new subdivisions for neighbourhood parks.

Actions: 5.5.12.7 The Village will acquire land along the lakeshore to support the development of a public beach along Teslin Lake in proximity to the Recreation Centre/Village Square area. 5.5.12.8 The Village will investigate the feasibility of improving the marina through construction of a fish-cleaning table near to the water, lengthening the boat ramps, and cleaning up the marina/dock area in the lake (bikes, tires, concrete, etc.). 5.5.12.9 The Village will pursue detailed planning to upgrade the RecPlex and provide opportunities for the development of a youth centre and seniors centre, or some combination. 5.5.12.10 The Village will encourage the Teslin School to create a bouldering wall, as an additional recreational facility for the community. 5.5.12.11 The Village will adapt or redesign the skate park to make it more user-friendly for younger skateboarders, and incorporate the potential for use by BMX-type bikes. 5.5.12.12 The Village will pursue the formation of a Trans Canada Trail committee, under the leadership of the Recreation Manager or the Teslin Recreation Society, to engage with the Klondike Snowmobile Association as to how the Trans Canada Trail will be developed along the stretch of the trail that runs through Teslin. 5.5.12.13 The Village will consider the recommendations of the Recreation concept plan, and decide on an implementation plan for upgrading recreation facilities and programming, and determining the extent to which recreation will be linked with economic development strategies.

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6. IMPLEMENTATION OF VILLAGE PLAN Effective implementation requires setting priorities, linking policies to actions, and building partnerships with other governments, the business community or other sectors of the community. The previous sections of this Official Community Plan have set a pattern for future community development by integrating the community’s vision and aspirations, and outlining specific objectives together with development policies and an action plan to achieve the community’s goals and objectives. Village Council will use these policies and actions to develop its workplan, and to guide its decision-making.

6.1 Development Control Following adoption of the updated Official Community Plan, the first requirement will be to update the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map to ensure that they are consistent with the updated Official Community Plan. The Yukon Municipal Act requires that the Zoning Bylaw be reviewed and updated within one year of passage of a new Official Community Plan .

The Zoning Bylaw is the primary administrative tool used to control land development. It sets out the rules for development in each land use zone and provides property owners assurance of what they can do with the property and what will be permitted on the neighbouring properties. The land use zoning set out in the Zoning Bylaw must be consistent with the Official Community Plan . Where a change of use is proposed that requires a zoning amendment, and the net effect of the amendment would be to put the Zoning Bylaw in conflict with the Official Community Plan , it cannot be approved until the plan itself is amended.

Recommendations for modifications to the Zoning Bylaw are included in Chapter 8 (Appendices) of this document.

6.2 Joint Community Planning Both the Municipal Act and the Teslin Tlingit Self-Government Agreement provide for the establishment of mechanisms, both formal and informal, to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation. Approaches such as joint council meetings, formal service agreements, and the establishment of a Joint Planning Board are typical options that can be explored.

The 1999 Teslin OCP recommended the establishment of a Joint Planning Board to assist with inter-governmental cooperation on issues related to community planning and development. While no formal mechanism has been established, there is a significant amount of informal consultation and cooperation that takes place between the municipal government and the Teslin Tlingit Council administration. While this works reasonably well, there are times when these informal communications are neglected, leading to surprises for one government or another. As a general rule, governments never like to be surprised.

The issue to be resolved is how best to address Teslin’s joint planning needs, particularly since there is significant amount of multi-jurisdictional land within village boundaries, and therefore, shared governance responsibilities. In addition to sharing governance authority, the Teslin Tlingit Council is also the largest developer in the Village, as well as its largest “taxpayer,”

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meaning that its projects have a significant impact on the development of the Village, and that there are a lot of issues/questions/challenges to be addressed jointly as various projects are developed.

In 2005, the Village of Teslin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Teslin Tlingit Council about how the two organizations would work together with regard to services and infrastructure development. One of the preamble statements in the MOU outlines the desire by both parties to engage in joint planning and development decision-making:

WHEREAS the Parties wish to facilitate evolving inter-governmental relationships, assist in the orderly provision of governmental services to TTC Settlement Land parcels, lands within VOT boundaries and the surrounding area, including without limitation governmental issues respecting subdivision development, land use regulations, emergency measures, recreational infrastructure and the evolution of a collective community development plan. 109

As part of the 2009 community consultations, a joint Village of Teslin and Teslin Tlingit Council workshop was held to address joint governance issues, including the need for joint planning. At this workshop, it appeared that joint planning as an activity was assumed to include joint decision-making, which was of concern. Once planning and decision-making were separated, and the boundaries of those two activities were made clear, then there was a much higher receptivity to the idea of engaging in joint planning. The key benefit of joint planning is that there should be no surprises going forward into a subsequent decision-making process, because the concerns of both governments should have been addressed during planning stages of any project. Joint planning does not require the delegation of authority by any of the parties to the planning process.

The other major insight from the discussion is that joint planning is primarily a staff function, although there can be benefits from joint presentations to both councils, and regular meetings of both, to build relationships and understanding. Workshop participants re-affirmed the value of joint Council meetings, but recognized that significantly more staff preparation work is required to ensure that these meetings are more successful and lead to enhanced communications and shared understandings.

The establishment of a joint planning mechanism at the staff level is recommended, to do the “legwork” with various planning tasks such as assisting with village priority setting, joint project planning, and addressing questions such as boundary adjustments. It may be that the best strategy is to host regular inter-agency meetings.

Policies: 6.2.1 The Village of Teslin is committed to working closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council on all matters related to planning and development, and supporting Teslin Tlingit Council initiatives as appropriate.

109 Infrastructure and Services Memorandum of Understanding between the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village of Teslin, dated July 11, 2005, page 1.

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6.2.2 The Village of Teslin directs its senior staff to meet and otherwise communicate directly with the Teslin Tlingit Council staff members, to maintain effective and open communications about matters of shared interest and responsibility. 6.2.3 The Village of Teslin, together with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will routinely engage in joint council meetings to consider matters of importance to the Teslin community.

Action: 6.2.4 Together with the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Village of Teslin will investigate the feasibility of establishing a joint planning mechanism at the staff level, such as regular inter-agency meetings, which may include representation from the Yukon Territorial Government (as the largest land holder within municipal boundaries).

6.3 Boundary Expansion The present municipal boundary bisects the community of Teslin, running through the middle of Smarchville and the airport. A more logical boundary is needed. The initial boundary adjustment proposal, included in the 1989 Official Community Plan, was not accepted, due in part to the land claims negotiations of the time. The boundary adjustment proposal suggested as part of the 1999 Official Community Plan was also not accepted. Neither were four subsequent options agreeable to the Teslin Tlingit Council and the Village of Teslin.

As part of the 2009 community consultations, a variety of options were discussed. Representatives from both groups agreed that at a minimum the boundaries should be expanded westward to include all of Smarchville and northwards to incorporate the portion of the pipeline right-of-way that runs across the northern part of the Village boundaries. The benefits of this adjustment include the enfranchisement of those Smarchville residents currently living outside of the village boundary (who are currently excluded from voting privileges), the inclusion of all houses within the proposed Sawmill subdivision expansion, and a stronger argument for collecting property taxes from the Alaska Pipeline, when and if it is constructed.

Any new lands brought within municipal boundaries will require zoning. In determining appropriate zoning, the Village of Teslin is referred to the proposed zoning maps developed for the 1999 Official Community Plan.

Section 6.3, Figure 1 shows this boundary expansion proposal as laid out on a map, incorporating all of Smarchville and extending northwards to incorporate part of the pipeline right-of-way. The “jog” in the western boundary line follows the line of the Teslin Tlingit Council settlement lands parcel that lies to the west of the line. Rather than have municipal boundaries cut across these lands on a diagonal, with some inside municipal boundaries, and others outside, it seemed more rational to keep this entire parcel consistent. Therefore the proposed boundary line stays outside of these lands.

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Section 6.3, Figure 1: Boundary Expansion Proposal 1

A number of other options were also discussed: 1. Extend the boundary westward to include the Teslin Tlingit Council heritage centre, and north to include the pipeline right-of-way. 2. Extend the boundary somewhat eastward to include the four (4) homes on the east side of the Nisutlin Bridge.

The benefits of these extensions would include the enfranchisement of those people living in these areas who are currently prevented from voting because they live outside of existing boundaries. There would be no increase in basic services. These areas already receive water delivery, sewage pumpout, and solid waste and recycling pickup services from the Village. The key concern for the municipal government appears to be that it would have to assume responsibility for snow clearing over a much larger area, which would be costly, and which appears to be beyond current staffing and equipment levels. These options and related issues require further discussion prior to resolution.

Section 6.3, Figure 2 shows possible boundary expansion lines, incorporating these suggestions, again keeping the inclusion/exclusion of Teslin Tlingit Settlement lands rational, and not bisecting major parcels.

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Section 6.3, Figure 2: Boundary Expansion Proposal 2

Policy: 6.3.1 The Village of Teslin is committed to rationalizing its boundaries to ensure that community members are enfranchised, to benefit from future development, and to maintain excellent levels of service.

Actions: 6.3.2 The Village of Teslin will confirm with the Teslin Tlingit Council that the proposed modest boundary adjustment to the west (including all of Smarchville) and the north (to include the pipeline Right-of-Way) is acceptable, and will pursue the boundary adjustment initiative with the Yukon Territorial Government accordingly. 6.3.3 The Village of Teslin, in conjunction with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will consider extending its boundaries further to the west, and to the east, per the proposals identified during the joint Village of Teslin and Teslin Tlingit Council workshop in September 2009. 6.3.4 The Village of Teslin, in conjunction with the Teslin Tlingit Council, will zone any lands newly incorporated into the municipality.

6.4 Community Priorities As part of the 2009 community consultations, community members participating in the September community dinner were asked to identify their priorities for implementation from all of the issues addressed as part of the OCP review. Priorities were identified through an exercise called “Dotmocracy”, where each participant received three dots to distribute (vote) as they saw fit, indicating their preferences, with permission to use all three dots on one item, or distribute

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them amongst a variety of items. In total, each participant was only permitted three votes. (Some participants requested the ability to divide their dots in half … but this option was denied.)

The community members who attended identified the following items as their priorities: 1. Compact community design (13 votes) 2. Sustainability (11 votes) 3. Community services (water, sewer, roads, garbage & recycling) (9 votes) 4. Recreation (9 votes) 5. Joint planning with the Teslin Tlingit Council (7 votes) 6. Environmental protection (lakeshore, clean up pollution) (6 votes) 7. Energy conservation and development of alternative energy sources (4 votes) 8. Economic development (3 votes) 9. Village Square plan (3 votes) 10. Housing (2 votes) 11. Accessibility for people with disabilities and seniors (2 votes) 110

During this exercise, different coloured dots were used to distinguish between the adult votes and the youth votes. While youth were in the minority in terms of numbers of participants, their votes were distributed between Recreation (7 votes), Accessibility (2 votes), Compact community design, Community services, and Energy (1 vote each). These results indicate the high regard the youth of the community feel for the recreation programming that is provided, as well as their concern for the future of the village and all the people who live in it.

While these results are not a statistically valid statement of community preferences, they show a consensus indicative of a general desire to develop the community in a way that is sustainable, while providing high quality of life.

A similar exercise was undertaken during the joint meeting of the Village of Teslin and Teslin Tlingit Council staff and leadership. The purpose of this meeting was to develop policies for those areas of shared governance within the municipal boundaries, as well as addressing those issues posed by the role of the Teslin Tlingit Council as primary developer within the Village. In this exercise, the facilitator identified the top two priorities as Infrastructure and Roads. These items were identified as top priorities for the Village in the implementation of its 2009 OCP because clean drinking water is the highest priority 111 for a municipal government (and falls within the infrastructure category), and roads are a new area of responsibility for the Village government, and require a lot of work.

The meeting participants were invited to “vote” for their remaining priorities, as per the rules of “dotmocracy,” outlined above. The results: 1. Infrastructure (Facilitator-identified priority) 2. Roads (Facilitator-identified priority) 3. Joint planning mechanism (8 votes) 4. Energy conservation (4 votes)

110 NOTE: These total results include the youth vote. 111 At the time of writing, it appears that the Village of Teslin will have completed its water supply remediation by 2010.

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5. Village square plan (4 votes) 6. Boundary adjustment (3 votes) 7. Recreation (2 votes) 8. Economic development (2 votes)

In both sets of results, joint planning between the Village and the Teslin Tlingit Council received a high number of votes, possibly because of the recognition that without joint planning, tensions can quickly become unmanageable in a small town. Joint planning implies improved communications.

Energy conservation ranked higher in the governance workshop (#4) than in the community dinner group (#7), possibly because energy costs make up such a large part of each government organization’s budgets, so energy conservation has direct fiscal benefits.

The Village Square plan ranked higher in the governance group (#5) than the community dinner group (#9), as a specific item, but if the Village Square plan is grouped together with the idea of “compact community design” in evaluating the community dinner group’s results, it would be part of the community’s #1 priority.

Although heritage conservation received no votes, this appears to be a reflection of who was not at the meeting that particular day. Certainly, given the priority this item received during the first phase of the community consultations, heritage conservation should still be actively pursued as a community priority.

It is important to note that the two groups had some items that overlapped in content, but were very different lists. The community dinner list was a very high-level concept type of list of issues facing the community. 112 The governance workshop list was very specific, task-oriented list of items 113 which fall directly within the Village’s governance authority and mandate, although many of the items are shared governance responsibilities with the Teslin Tlingit Council.

6.5 Capital Project Priorities The list that follows indicates the proposed implementation priority, the main agency(ies) responsible to initiate action, and an order of magnitude cost estimate. This information is intended to be used as a reference for budget planning and should be reviewed yearly as part of the annual budget planning cycle for the governments involved.

For the purpose of this list, the time frames are defined as follows: • Short term = within the next 2 years;

112 The complete list of issues from which community members were asked to identify their priorities was as follows: Sustainability, Climate change, Energy, Environmental protection, Community services, Compact community design, Village square, Accessibility, Economic development, Recreation, Heritage conservation, Civic beautification, Village boundary, Joint planning with TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL, and Housing. 113 The complete list of issues from which governance workshop participants were asked to identify their priorities was as follows: Boundary adjustment, Joint planning mechanism, Heritage conservation, Recreation, Economic development, Regional planning, Village square, Environmental protection, Energy conservation, Climate change adaptation, and Accessible design.

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• Medium term = within the next 2-5 years; and • Long term = within the next 5-10 years or longer.

Capital project Time frame Approximate Primary (short, medium, cost Agency long term) Primary water supply remediation: Short (in process) $1,000,000 for VOT  Well head protection these primary  Stainless steel tank for water supply water delivery remediation Drinking water filtration system Short – by 2010 (in tasks VOT process) Secondary water supply Short (in process) $1,500,000 VOT Sewage lagoon aeration Short $10,000 VOT Road improvements and upgrades: Short $1,000,000 VOT  Upgrading of roads in the old village, especially McLeary Street, Sidney Street, George Johnston Drive, and School Road  Nisutlin Drive & Short $800,000 VOT/YTG/TTC intersection at Airport Road  Airport Road snow fencing Short $1,000 VOT Marina enhancements Short $30,000 VOT Installation of low-flush toilets Short $500 per toilet VOT throughout the village installed Cost recovery within 2 years Retrofit existing municipal Short $50,000 VOT buildings for energy conservation (Energy & accessibility efficiency of RecPlex) Wood chipper at landfill Short $25,000 VOT Trans Canada Trail development Short/Medium $800,000 VOT/YTG/TTC through Teslin:  Pedestrian lane on Nisutlin Bridge  Signage/kiosks Road improvements and upgrades: Short/Medium As part of VOT/TTC  Sawmill Road subdivision development  Nisutlin Drive intersection Short/Medium $600,000 VOT/YTG improvement at the foot of the bridge  Local roads in Smarchville Short/Medium $250,000 VOT

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Capital project Time frame Approximate Primary (short, medium, cost Agency long term) Establishment of regional public Short/Medium $100,000 TTC transportation system Bike lane/walking trail Short/Medium and $100,000 VOT improvements and upgrades: ongoing  Within the Village Off-road vehicle trails development Short/Medium and To be VOT/TTC ongoing determined through feasibility study Land acquisition for public beach Medium $200,000 VOT and viewing platform Investigate potential for small-scale Medium As new VOT/TTC district heating facility using developments geothermal or biomass are proposed. Part of cost of development Jaws of Life unit replacement Medium $25,000 VOT Solid waste/landfill study Medium $10,000 VOT RecPlex modifications: Medium/Long $1,000,000 VOT  Addition for seniors & youth centre  Parking lot reorganization and greening  Retrofitting for energy conservation & accessibility Alternative fuel government Medium/Long $250,000 VOT/TTC vehicles Solar panels for arena Long VOT Landfill extension/replacement Long VOT Sewage lagoon extension/ Long VOT replacement Emergency vehicle replacements Long + (20 years) $650,000 VOT

6.6 Plan Monitoring Plan monitoring is necessary to ensure that the OCP is operating as anticipated, and achieving the goals of the community. To be effective, monitoring should consider the following questions: • Is progress being made toward the OCP’s objectives? • Are the policies having the expected result? • Are the assumptions on which the OCP is based still valid (e.g. growth rates)? • Are there new issues, concerns or opportunities that may require new or different policies?

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• Are there changes in political or public priorities that may result in a different allocation of resources?

Policy: 6.6.1 The Village of Teslin is committed to monitoring the effectiveness of its Official Community Plan in achieving the goals and objectives of the Teslin community.

Actions: 6.6.2 The Village of Teslin, through annual reports in the Teslin Post , will update the residents on progress towards implementing the Official Community Plan’s policies and actions. 6.6.3 The Village of Teslin may consider the establishment of a citizen or agency-based monitoring group to provide advice to the Village about monitoring and implementation of the Official Community Plan.

6.7 Plan Review & Amendment The OCP will periodically require amendment to ensure it remains relevant and meaningful to the Village of Teslin. There are two occasions when amendments are warranted:

1. As a result of an application to change a policy or map designation to allow a specific development proposal to proceed; and 2. In response to a Village-initiated process to: • Review the OCP or a portion of it. • Adopt or incorporate more detailed policy for a specific part of the community or on a specific issue. • Address factors that arise from the OCP monitoring process, political priorities, or a major development project not anticipated by the OCP.

Plan amendments are focused on specific issues, and modify a small part of the OCP. Comprehensive reviews amending significant portions of the OCP are undertaken when a significant change in direction is required, or new issues need to be addressed. Such reviews will involve an evaluation of impacts that the change will have on the current plan policy and an examination of related policies or actions which may also be affected.

Public involvement processes are required for both types of review and amendment, to allow for broad public discussion and debate of the merits of the proposed amendments prior to proceeding with the adoption process.

While the Yukon Municipal Act requires a municipality to undertake a review of the plan at regular intervals, it does not specify a timeframe. The Village of Teslin will undertake a comprehensive plan review at a minimum of every 10 years.

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7. MAPS

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8. APPENDICES

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8.1 Zoning Bylaw Modifications

In addition to the following Zoning Bylaw text changes, the Zoning Map needs to be updated as illustrated in the Future Land Use & Zoning Map (Section 7, Figure 4). Specifically: • To comply with the language for the proposed Zoning Bylaw Section 6.7; all ER: Environmental Reserve land needs to be identified and mapped; • The I: Industrial Zone needs to be redrawn to included the Yukon Highways maintenance yard and allow for a greenbelt buffer (along an existing utility corridor) with the adjacent residential Airport Subdivision; and • To comply with the language for the proposed Zoning Bylaw Section 6.10, a RAZ: Runway Approach Overlay Zone should be mapped.

Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number 1.4.4 Correction of reference to previous section: In circumstances not covered in 1.4.3 , the location of the zone boundary shall be determined by the dimensions set out on the Zoning Map; or where no dimensions are set out on the Zoning Map, by measurement of and use of the scale shown on the Zoning Map. 1.6.1 An application for a development permit which is received in its complete form prior to the effective date of this bylaw revision shall be decided upon within 45 days using the regulations currently in effect. 2.2 Adding definitions:

ACCESSIBILITY – means facility designs that accommodate the widest range of potential users, including people with mobility and visual impairments (disabilities), seniors, and other special needs.

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE – means a continuous, unobstructed path at least 914 mm (36 inches) wide connecting all interior and exterior elements and spaces of a house and site including corridors, parking, curb ramps, crosswalks and sidewalks and served by a no-step, flat entrance with a beveled threshold of 12.7 mm (½ inch) or less.

COMMERCIAL USES – means an activity involving the sale of goods or services carried out for profit.

CONDITIONAL USES – means that a use may be permitted in a particular zone if it can be shown that such a use will comply with all the conditions and standards of the zone. Conditional uses are approved by municipal council.

DERELICT VEHICLE – means any motor vehicle or trailer that was originally designed or manufactured to transport persons or property on

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Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number a public highway, road, or street and that is junked, scrapped, dismantled, disassembled, or in a condition otherwise harmful to the public health, welfare, peace, and safety.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION – means protection of any environmentally sensitive areas with characteristics such as permafrost, steep slopes, wetlands, flood plains, high water tables, forest areas, endangered species habitat, dunes, or areas of significant biological productivity or uniqueness that have been designated for protection from any activity that would significantly alter their ecological integrity, balance, or character.

Changing the definition of “Environmental Protection Areas” to “Environmental Reserve.” -- ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVE PROTECTION AREAS

EXTERIOR SIDE YARD – means the side yard of a corner lot adjacent to the cross street.

INTERIOR SIDE YARD – means the side yard on a corner lot that is furthest away from the cross street.

NATURAL GRADE – means the elevation of the ground level in its natural state, before construction, filling, or excavation.

Adding to the definition of “Noxious Use” -- NOXIOUS USE - means a use which: creates or is liable to create: noise, toxic or noxious water, fire or explosive hazards, and includes the unsightly storage of goods, salvage, junk (including derelict vehicles), waste, or other materials; which may be or become, hazardous or injurious to public health and safety; or which adversely affects or interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of any abutting land, building or structure.

Modification of the definition of “Park” -- PARK - means any public outdoor area or lot set aside specifically for outdoor recreation and nature interpretation including tot-lots, playgrounds, walkways, trails, greenbelts, and buffers and environmental protection areas .

UNIVERSAL DESIGN – means the design of housing that is adaptable to accommodate the differing needs and requirements of potential users or occupants of those houses, making day-to-day living and home tasks possible and safer for everyone, allowing a person to remain

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Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number independent for as long as possible. 3.2.9 Replace current subpoint (ii) with a new subpoint (ii): (ii) those adjacent land owners in the Village, who, in the opinion of the Board of Variance, are affected by the order, decision, or permit; and (ii) owners and tenants in occupation of the land that is the subject of the application and the owners and tenants of the land adjacent to land that is the subject of the application; and

5.2.4 Strengthen existing policy re natural grades: Proposed building grades should, to the extent possible, use natural grades to respect the natural contour of the land, minimize the necessity to use retaining walls, avoid steps that restrict handicapped access, and ensure drainage away from abutting properties.

5.10 – 5.19 Correct duplicate numbering of 5.9 in 1999 Zoning Bylaw. Applies to all subpoints as well.

5.9 Natural Resource Extraction 5.10 Natural Resource Extraction

5.10 Accessory Development 5.11 Accessory Development

5.11 Lighting 5.12 Lighting

5. 12 Landscaping 5.13 Landscaping

5.13 Off Street Parking and 5.14 Off Street Parking and Loading Loading

5.14 Off Street Garbage and 5.15 Off Street Garbage and Recycling Recycling

5.15 Signage 5.16 Signage

5.16 Land Use within the Vicinity 5.17 Land Use within the Vicinity of the Airport of the Airport

5.17 Lots Less than Minimum Size 5.18 Lots Less than Minimum Size

5.18 Kennels, Stables & Minor 5.19 Kennels, Stables & Minor Agricultural Pursuits Agricultural Pursuits

6 Add new zone classes to list:

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Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number ER Environmental Reserve RAZ Runway Approach Overlay

6.1.4 g) Addition of language in support of accessible housing, using universal design: g) All new construction shall be built in accordance with all other codes and regulations, and the following requirements: i. At least one entrance shall have a 914 mm (36-inch) door and be on an accessible route. ii. All interior doors shall be no less than 815 mm (32 inches) wide, except for a door that provides access to a closet of fewer than 1.4 m 2 (15 square feet) in area. iii. Each hallway shall have a width of at least 914 mm (36 inches) and shall be level with ramped or beveled changes at each door threshold. iv. All bathrooms shall have the walls reinforced around the toilet for potential installation of grab bars. Walls around the shower and tub shall be reinforced for potential installation of grab bars or a manufactured tub and shower surround may be used which includes grab bar(s) certified to meet the ADA requirement to bear a 113 kg (250 lb) load. v. Each electrical panel, light switch or thermostat shall be mounted no higher than 1219 mm (48 inches) above the floor. Each electrical plug or other receptacle shall be at least 381 mm (15 inches) from the floor. vi. All hardware installed to open/close doors and operate plumbing fixtures shall be lever handles.

6.1.4 h) Correction of table reference: h) The minimum required off-street parking spaces are listed in Table 5.14.9 .

6.1.4 j) Addition of statement re noxious uses, including derelict vehicles: j) No noxious uses will be permitted. 6.2.4 e) Correction of table reference: e) The minimum required off-street parking spaces are listed in Table 5.14.9.

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Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number 6.2.4 h) Correction of section reference: h) Commercial dog kennels, and stables including the boarding of horses or a single dog team to a maximum of 10 dogs may be permitted as a conditional use. (See also Section 5.19 )

6.2.4 l) Addition of language in support of Fire Smart development: l) All new developments shall be constructed of fire resistant building materials, and will require the installation of smoke alarms. Landscaping around all new construction shall provide a 10m fuel free zone immediately adjacent to structures, and a further buffer of an additional 20 m beyond the initial 10 m buffer within which vegetation will be controlled to limit the amount of potential fuel for a fire.

6.2.4 m) Addition of language in support of accessible housing, using universal design, and energy and water conservation: m) All new construction shall be built in accordance with all other codes and regulations, and the following requirements: i. At least one entrance shall have a 914 mm (36-inch) door and be on an accessible route. ii. All interior doors shall be no less than 815 mm (32 inches) wide, except for a door that provides access to a closet of fewer than 1.4 m2 (15 square feet) in area. iii. Each hallway shall have a width of at least 914 mm (36 inches) and shall be level with ramped or beveled changes at each door threshold. iv. All bathrooms shall have the walls reinforced around the toilet for potential installation of grab bars. Walls around the shower and tub shall be reinforced for potential installation of grab bars or a manufactured tub and shower surround may be used which includes grab bar(s) certified to meet the ADA requirement to bear a 113 kg (250 lb) load. v. Each electrical panel, light switch or thermostat shall be mounted no higher than 1219 mm (48 inches) above the floor. Each electrical plug or other receptacle shall be at least 381 mm (15 inches) from the floor. vi. All hardware installed to open/close doors and operate plumbing fixtures shall be lever handles. vii. Meet the Yukon Housing Corporation’s SuperGreen Home

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Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number construction standards for energy efficient single family dwellings. viii. Installation of low-flush or dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and kitchen and bathroom sink faucet aeration devices to conserve water.

6.3.4 d) Correction of table reference: d) Hard surfaced off-street parking shall be provided. The minimum number of required offstreet parking spaces are listed in Table 5.14.9 .

6.3.4 l) Addition of statement re noxious uses, including derelict vehicles: l) No noxious uses will be permitted.

6.4.4 f) Correction of table reference: f) Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the minimum number of spaces listed in Table 5.14.9 .

6.5.4 d) Correction of table reference: d) All development must comply with the parking requirements in section 5.14.9.

6.6.4 a) Correction of table reference: a) Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the minimum number of spaces listed in Table 5.14.9.

6.6.4 d) Addition of statement re noxious uses, including derelict vehicles: d) No noxious uses will be permitted.

6.7 Creation of new zone in accordance with OCP recommendations: 6.7. ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVE - (ER)

To provide a zone for areas of public land for conservation and environmental protection, with outdoor passive recreational uses where appropriate.

6.7.1 PRINCIPAL USES

a) buffers and greenbelts b) conservation

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Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number c) environmental protection d) parks

6.7.2 SECONDARY USES

a) trails including boardwalks for environmental protection, as well as public safety and convenience b) interpretive signage

6.7.3 CONDITIONAL USES

a) none

6.7.4 DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

a) Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the minimum number of spaces listed in Table 5.14.9. b) No noxious uses will be permitted.

6.8 Numbering change only, due to insertion of new zone at 6.7 Former 6.7 Community Facilities, becomes 6.8 Community Facilities.

6.8.4 a) Correction of table reference: a) Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the minimum number of spaces listed in Table 5.14.9.

6.9 Numbering change only, due to insertion of new zone at 6.7 Former 6.8 Undesignated Rural becomes 6.9 Undesignated Rural

6.9.4 d) Addition of statement re noxious uses, including derelict vehicles: d) No noxious uses will be permitted.

6.10 Creation of new zone in accordance with OCP recommendations: 6.10. Runway Approach Overlay Zone - (RAZ) To provide a zone to apply external development control imposed by the Government of Canada.

6.10.1 DEVELOPMENT REGULATION Teslin Airport Zoning Regulations, SOR/94-591

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Teslin Zoning Proposed Change Bylaw Section Number Aeronautics Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-2. 7.3.1 Clarification of language: Upon receipt of a completed application for a text and/or map rezoning , the Development Officer shall undertake an investigation and analysis of the potential impacts of the proposed change. The analysis shall be based on the full development potential of uses permitted under the proposed zone rather than the merits of any particular development proposal.

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8.2 List of Participants in Planning Process

Participant names taken from workshop sign-in sheets. NOTE: May 2009 community dinner had a head count, but no sign-in sheet.

Teslin OCP Review Event Participants Business/Commercial Focus Group Marilyn Bezner, Catholic Church May 26, 2009 Juanita Kremer, Yukon Motel Steve Kremer, Yukon Motel Tim Dewhurst, Tim’s Saddle Shack Barry Hassard, Deadman Creek Ent Inc Wes Wirth, VOT Village Square Focus Group Bernice Schoneville, Resident, Teslin May 26, 2009 Landscaping Billy Smarch, Teslin School Trisha Boutilier, Teslin School Dakota Hogan, Teslin School Winston Jackson, Teslin School Kevin Bob-Jacobson, Teslin School Dansen Fraser, Teslin School Leslie Jackson, Teslin School Adrianne Dewhurst, Teslin School Thomas Hycha, Teslin School Sonya Jackson, Teslin School Michayla Wolfe, Teslin School Travis Wolfe, Teslin School Nataschaa Chatterton, VOT Kristyne Geddes, VOT Marilyn Bezner, Catholic Church Janna Swales, George Johnson Museum Sharron Chatterton, George Johnson Museum Rob Anderson, VOT Service, Infrastructure, Housing Focus Wes Wirth, VOT Group Mike Hodgson, Resident May 27, 2009 Kristyne Geddes, VOT Tod Smarch, TTC Nataschaa Chatterton, VOT Bruce Wiseman, Resident Rob Anderson, VOT Recreation Focus Group Mickayla Wolfe, Teslin School May 27, 2009 Nataschaa Chatterton, VOT Sonya Jackson, Teslin School Tommy Hycha, Teslin School Billy Smarch, Teslin School

Teslin Official Community Plan

Teslin OCP Review Event Participants Trisha Boutilier, Teslin School Kevin Bob-Jacobson, Teslin School Dennis Darlin, Teslin School Tammy Stoneman, Teslin School Darren Fraser, Teslin School Kevin Cameron, VOT Kristyne Geddes, VOT Margaret Douville, Village Councillor Sharon Anderson, Citizen Community Assets and Areas Needing Geordon Huebschwerlen, Teslin School Improvement (Visioning, Part 1) Cody Douville, Teslin School May 28, 2009 Cole Dewhurst, Teslin School Troy Brown, Teslin School Ethan LaVallee, Teslin School Tyrell Jackson, Teslin School Destiny Taylor, Teslin School Shania Hogan, Teslin School Sam Johnston Kristyne Geddes, VOT Shawna Anderson, VOT Nataschaa Chatterton, VOT Adrianne Dewhurst, Teslin School Billy Smarch, Teslin School Tommy Hycha, Teslin School Dakota Hogan, Teslin School Sonya Jackson, Teslin School Kevin Bob-Jacobson, Teslin School Trisha Boutilier, Teslin School Raymond Smarch Darren Fraser, Teslin School Leslie Jackson Winston Jackson Teslin Growth (Visioning, Part 2) Tammy Taylor, TTC May 28, 2009 Wes Wirth, VOT Shawna Anderson, VOT Birgit Marten, Yukon College Bernice Schoneville, Citizen Nataschaa Chatterton, VOT Service, Infrastructure, Housing Focus Sharron Anderson, Citizen Group (Part 2) Kristyne Geddes, VOT May 29, 2009 Mike Hodgson, Citizen Shawna Anderson, VOT Wes Wirth, VOT

Teslin Official Community Plan

Teslin OCP Review Event Participants Infrastructure and Roads Doug Hogan, TTC September 15, 2009 Bob Magill, TTC Nataschaa Chatterton, VOT Kristyne Geddes, VOT Rob Anderson, VOT Gord Curran, TTC Brenda Oziewicz, TTC Wes Wirth, VOT Community Dinner Karen Powell September 15, 2009 Sharen Sterritt Joanne Heyes Bob Magill Wilma Magill Brenda Oziewicz Gord Curran Wes Wirth John McCormick Mike Hodgson Sandy Smarch Kim Melton Nataschaa Chatterton Mishkin Chatterton Monique Chatterton Dennis Darlin Tina Curran Tammy Stoneman Darren Fraser Michelle Smith Autum Jules Billy Smarch Dustin Huebschwerlen Tyrone Chambers Village Square/Heritage Protection Focus M. ?? (Illegible signature) Group John McCormick September 16, 2009 Gord Curran Brenda Oziewicz Doug Hogan Natashcaa Chatterton Kim Mecton Wilma Magill Recreation Focus Group Gord Curran, TTC September 16, 2009 John McCormick Rob Gareau, Curling Patty Wiseman, Rec Society/Curling Club

Teslin Official Community Plan

Teslin OCP Review Event Participants Wes Wirth, VOT Nataschaa Chatterton, VOT Wilma Magill, Teslin Citizen Elder Randy Koe, Teslin School Autum Jules, Teslin School Ashley Anderson, Teslin School Michayla Wolfe, Teslin School Raymond Smarch, Teslin School Tyrone Chambers, Teslin School Billy Smarch, Teslin School Dakota Hogan, Teslin School Darren Fraser, Teslin School Joint TESLIN TLINGIT COUNCIL/VOT Bob Magill, TTC Meeting (all day) Doug Hogan, TTC September 17, 2009 Duane Gastant’Aucoin, TTC Gord Curran, TTC John Peters, Jr., TTC Wes Wirth, VOT Kristyne Geddes, VOT Brenda Oziewicz, TESLIN TTC Wilma Magill, Teslin Citizen Elder Rob Anderson, VOT

Teslin Official Community Plan

8.3 Universal Design

The principles of universal design are as follows: 114

1. Equitable use: design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. 2. Flexibility in use: design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. 3. Simple and intuitive: use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. 4. Perceptible information: design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. 5. Tolerance for error: design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. 6. Low physical effort: design can be used efficiently and comfortably with a minimum of fatigue. 7. Space and size for approach and use: appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

These are some general guidelines for designing accessible spaces:

• Allow enough floor space to accommodate a stationary wheelchair and also enough room for a smooth U-turn: at least 1965 mm (78 inches) by 1525 mm (60 inches). • Include tables or counters that are a variety of heights to accommodate standing, seating, and a range of different tasks. • Provide shelves and a medicine cabinet that can be reached by persons seated in a wheel chair. • Make sure entry doors to rooms are at least 815 mm (32 inches) wide. • Mount bathroom sinks no higher than 865 mm (34 inches) from the floor. • Install grab bars in the shower and beside the toilet. • Provide a full-length mirror that can be viewed by all people, including children. • Avoid shag carpets, uneven brick floors, and other floor surfaces that could pose slipping and tripping hazards. 115

114 Source: The Centre for Universal Design at http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciplestext.htm . 115 Source: http://architecture.about.com/cs/buildyourhouse/a/universaldesign.htm .

Teslin Official Community Plan

8.4 Schedule of 2009 Delisted Land Parcels

PIN DESIGNATOR PLAN NO Area HA 8000216 LOT 1 BLOCK 25 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.585 8000203 LOT 2 BLOCK 24 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.401 8000217 LOT 2 BLOCK 25 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.622 8000204 LOT 3 BLOCK 24 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.401 8000218 LOT 3 BLOCK 25 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.641 8000205 LOT 4 BLOCK 24 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.401 8000206 LOT 5 BLOCK 24 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.398 8000207 LOT 6 BLOCK 24 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.323 8000196 LOT 5 BLOCK 22 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.244 8000195 LOT 4 BLOCK 22 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.204 8000194 LOT 3 BLOCK 22 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.204 8000193 LOT 2 BLOCK 22 TESLIN 63655 CLSR YT 0.196 8000031 LOT 1 BLOCK 9 TESLIN 41709 CLSR YT 0.046 8000032 LOT 2 BLOCK 9 TESLIN 41709 CLSR YT 0.053 8000033 LOT 3 BLOCK 9 TESLIN 41709 CLSR YT 0.059 8000034 LOT 4 BLOCK 9 TESLIN 41709 CLSR YT 0.066

Teslin Official Community Plan

8.5 Community Consultation Murals

Teslin Official Community Plan