Public consultations expected soon on Peel Watershed land use issue

The Yukon government’s Peel Watershed land use plan is headed for one last round in the public consultation process.

While the government has not confirmed any dates, Jennifer Meurer of the Department of Mining and Resources says they are hoping to start consultations by mid August with the bulk of meetings happening from August 17 to August 20.

The process is expected to extend to through to October 1 and includes plans for  meetings in Whitehorse, Mayo, Fort McPherson, Dawson City, Old Crow and Inuvik / Aklavik.

Dates are not officially being released until and announcement from the government,” said Meurer. “Right now there are lots of logistics considerations for the public consultations such as coordinating charter flights and the summer fishing season in some of the communities.”

There will also be an advertising and media campaign which will include an interactive website which will help raise awareness and inform the public about the process and where meetings will be held.

The government anticipates it will present their formal response to the Peel commission by December.