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AJLeach_MA_Thesis_2011.pdf
Assessing Yukon's Current Approach to Regional Land Use Planning: Perspectives from the North Yukon Planning Process
Amy J. Leach
Master of Arts in Environment and Management Candidate
School of Environment and Sustainability
Royal Roads University
April 2011
Regional land use planning in the Yukon has a long and unfortunate history of failed efforts. Under Chapter 11 of the Yukon First Nations Umbrella Final Agreement, a new process for planning has been in place since 1993. Through qualitative, interview-based research, I explore possible factors that either hinder or facilitate successful planning. I used the North Yukon regional land use planning effort as a case study example of the first plan to be successfully approved in Yukon history. A number of challenges resulting from poorly defined roles and responsibilities caused notable struggles and conflict throughout the process, but fortunately, strong political support and micro and meso – level organization, combined with a solid team of skilled and dedicated people, allowed the process to ultimately succeed. Lessons learned and recommendations for future regional planning initiatives are discussed.