Constance Lake First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan

ERO Posting – Open for Comments Until October 6th

Constance Lake First Nation is leading the preparation of a community based land use plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) within the context of the Far North Land Use Planning Initiative. Constance Lake First Nation is a road-accessible community located 32 km west of Hearst.

The community based land use plan will specify protected areas and other land use designations, identifying permitted land use activities within those areas.

The proposed planning area is approximately 2,274,259 ha and consists of 2,220,566 ha (22,206 km2) that would be subject to new land use direction as set out in the proposed draft Community Based Land Use Plan (CBLUP). The Jog Lake Conservation Reserve, Missinaibi Provincial Park and Mamawmattawa Indian Reserve (also known as the English River 66 Indian Reserve), consisting of 53,693 ha (537 km2), although surrounded by or adjacent to the planning area are not part of the planning area for this Draft CBLUP.

There are two proposed land use designations:

1. Kenogami Seebee Dedicated Protected area (DPA). The DPA is 794,632 ha (36% of the total planning area) and recognizes the importance of waterways and land as having significant cultural and ecological values and is comprised, in part, of existing conservation reserves and Sites of Aboriginal Cultural Significance. It is intended to maintain remoteness and protect areas important for carbon storage, special cultural sites, hunting and fishing areas and important wildlife habitat.
2. Mamawmattawa Aski General Use Area (GUA). The GUA is 1,425,934 ha (64% of the total planning area) and is intended to support existing and future sustainable economic development, while protecting significant cultural and ecological values.

Updates to the Far North Act, 2010, (including updates to s. 5 objectives):

• The Act was amended in 2021 and continues to provide objectives and requirements for community-based land use planning in the Far North. The Act objectives were amended to remove specific protected area targets.
• The Act continues to require the designation of a planning area by Minister’s Order (subsection 9(4)). It also continues to identify mandatory content of a land use plan (subsection 9(9)).

Public Consultation opportunities:

• Public consultation opportunities on the Draft CBLUP will be provided through this Environmental Registry posting and public open houses. For further information or questions, please reach out to the contact listed in the ERO posting. Please use the link below to view a copy of the Terms of Reference or the Draft Plan: https://www.ontario.ca/page/land-use-planning-process-far-north#section-3