IRC: Continued suspension of leases on westside of Husky Lakes

Prior to the construction of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH), the Board of Directors of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) directed the Inuvialuit Land Administration (ILA) to suspend the issuance of all cabin leases along the ITH corridor and on the westside of Husky Lakes.

Specifically, the suspension applies to the issuance of ILA leases for any construction of cabins or tent frames in the following areas:

• 500 meters from the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH); and
• Anywhere along the west shores of Husky Lakes, adjacent to the ITH

In cooperation with IRC, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department of Lands agreed to not consider issuing any cabin leases along the ITH right-of-way (ROW) until the suspension is lifted.

Since the official opening of the ITH, there has been a significant increase in the number of people and vehicles accessing the westside of Husky Lakes.  The construction of unauthorized cabins and tent frames has also occurred in the restricted area(s) described above.   If these activities are not stopped immediately, long term environmental damage may result and may further impact this culturally sensitive, traditional use area.

This notice is to inform everyone that the suspension of leases along the ITH corridor and westside of Husky Lakes is still in effect.  A Husky Lake Cabin Management Strategy is currently under development by ILA, and ILA is consulting with communities on the mitigation of the adverse effects caused by increased access, new cabin construction, and tent frames within the suspension area.  This strategy will need to be endorsed by the Inuvik Hunter and Trappers Committee, the Inuvik Community Corporation, the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation and the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee and finally approved by Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) specifically delegates authority to the ILA to manage Inuvialuit private lands and maintain them for generations to come. As private Landowners, we have the responsibility to protect the land, plan properly and mitigate adverse effects.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact the ILA office.

Charles Klengenberg

Director of Lands

NT5