The Yukon government is looking to modernize its regulations controlling what could be called the road to riches.
On Tuesday, it released a “What We Heard” report following engagement on the proposed modernized regulation for resource roads.
“This report highlights feedback on resource roads regulation from Yukon First Nations, Indigenous transboundary groups, industry, the public and other stakeholders,” a news release stated.
“This feedback will inform the new regulations being developed to ensure resource roads are managed in a sustainable manner reflective of Yukoners’ values.”
Public consultations last year indicated:
- The public considers the roads leading into the hinterland as a valuable public asset for Yukoners.
- The public was mostly opposed to existing roads being automatically re-designated as resource roads.
- Yukoners believe current permitting and access control are inadequate, favouring managed access that supports environmental and heritage integrity.
- Yukoners believe enforcement would be a good tool for monitoring environmental integrity and infractions on resource roads, emphasizing the need for the government to have the capacity to effectively enforce these rules.
- They were mostly supportive of regulating resource roads and supported financial security requirements for resource roads.
- Industry-affiliated respondents acknowledged the benefits of access controls but expressed concerns about the associated costs and liability implications.
The government is reviewing the feedback from the report with Yukon First Nations, transboundary Indigenous governments and stakeholders, and considering amendments to the draft regulation.
It expects to finalize the resource road regulation within the year and plans to review it during the successor lands legislation process to ensure they’re aligned.
“Thank you to all the Yukoners who shared their valuable feedback on the future management and regulation of resource roads in the territory,” said John Streicker, the minister of Energy, Mines and Resources.
“Throughout this process, we’re committed to working in collaboration with Yukon First Nations, transboundary Indigenous governments and stakeholders. I look forward to seeing the regulations develop to reflect Yukoners’ values and sustainably manage resource roads.”
