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Statement of condolence in response to Fort Smith tragedy

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley extend our deepest condolence to the residents of Fort Smith and all those connected to the recent aviation accident on Jan. 23. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, as well as our colleagues and partners working with the Diavik diamond mine. Our staff and Board members share in the sorrow of this tragedy and send peace, strength, and solace to all affected across the Northwest Territories during this challenging time.

WATCH LIVE: Public hearing notice for Snare Hydro Facility

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) has applied to renew its Type A water licence for the Snare Hydroelectric Facilities. The project includes existing hydro plants at Snare Rapids, Snare Falls, Snare Forks and Snare Cascades on the Snare River. A public hearing will take place at the Kǫ̀ Gocho Sportsplex Centre in Behchokǫ̀, NT on Dec. 6, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

A message on the wildfire situation

On behalf of the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley and the Review Board we recognize the wildfire situation has been stressful and we appreciate everyone’s efforts to remain calm and be kind. 

Welcome to our summer students!

The Wek'èezhìı Land and Water Board (WLWB) is thrilled to announce the addition of two new summer students who will be joining our team at our offices for the upcoming months. We are excited to welcome Aaron Jeremick'ca from Whati, who will be assisting the WLWB team at our Yellowknife office, and Cole Ekendia from Behchokǫ̀, who will be supporting our operations in our Wekweètì office.

Both Aaron and Cole have plans to pursue their post-secondary education starting in the fall. Their dedication and enthusiasm are valuable assets that will contribute to our team's success.

SAVE THE DATE: Resource Co-Management Workshop coming in October

A three-day workshop on resource co-management will be held in Fort Simpson from October 17 to 19, 2023. Possible topics on the workshop agenda may include an introduction to Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act as well as updates from local projects, the Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee, and reclamation activities. Participants and interested parties are encouraged to share their suggestions for the agenda by sending an email to ecc_iasm@gov.nt.ca.

More information on the workshop will be provided at a later date.

Notice of office closure in observance of Remembrance Day

On this Remembrance Day, the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley honour the sacrifices of those who have served in our country. Let us take a moment to reflect on the courage and dedication of our service members, whose selfless actions have helped secure our freedoms. In observance, all LWB offices will be closed on Monday, November 13. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, November 14.

 

Observing Truth and Reconciliation Day: Notice of Office Closure

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley commemorate Sept. 30 – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The day holds special significance for the communities we serve across the North and we pay tribute to Indigenous people who endure the impact of residential and day schools every day.

WLWB holding public hearing on Ekati Licence Renewal

The Wek'èezhìı Land and Water Board is holding a public hearing regarding Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd. (Arctic)’s Ekati – Licence Renewal. The hearing will take place at Behchokǫ̀’s Ko Gocho Centre (Sportsplex), on the following dates:

June 13: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT

June 14: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. MT (includes evening session) 

June 15: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT

WLWB holding Diavik public hearing this week

The Wek'èezhìı Land and Water Board is holding a public hearing in Behchokǫ̀ this week regarding Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.'s water licence amendment application. The proposed amendment pertains to the decommissioning of the Diavik project located in Lac de Gras, NT.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to express their views and engage in discussions related to this significant amendment application. The hearing will take place at the Behchokǫ̀ Ko Gocho Centre (Sportsplex) in Behchokǫ̀ on the following dates:

Diavik Amendment Application Public Hearing

A Diavik Amendment Application Public Hearing will be taking place at the Kǫ̀ Gocho Sportsplex Centre in Behchokǫ̀ from May 30 to June 1. 

Anyone who has questions about the hearing or for any of the presenters, please email Ryan Fequet.

Please see the full agenda for details. 

CANCELLED: LWB Engagement Guidelines Workshop

It is with great disappointment that the Land and Water Boards announce the cancellation of the LWB Engagement Guidelines workshop (scheduled for May 17) due to the current wildfire and evacuation situations unfolding in the NWT. Further communication about the LWBs’ Guideline update process and rescheduling of the workshop will occur at a later date.

Our thoughts and hearts are with the Kátł'odeeche First Nation and community of Hay River at this time.

Please stay safe.

Public hearing cancellation

This is a notice that the Public Hearing for the Government of the Northwest Territories – Department of Infrastructure’s (GNWT-INF’s) Water Licence Amendment (W2020L8-0001) for increased Water Use on the Tłı̨chǫ All Season Road has been cancelled. 

Ekati Closure Workshop Cancelled

The Ekati Closure Workshop, originally scheduled for May 1 to 5, has been cancelled. This is due to the fact that Version 3.1 of Arctic Diamond's Interim Closure and Reclamation Plan is not yet ready for public review. 

The Board and Arctic staff are working to ensure that the submission conforms to all the necessary requirements. The workshop may be re-scheduled at a later date. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Executive Director Ryan Fequet.  

EKATI RENEWAL TECHNICAL SESSION

The Wek'èezhìı Land and Water Board (WLWB) will be hosting a Technical Session for the renewal of the water licence for the Ekati Mine at the Tree of Peace in Yellowknife from March 27 to 29. 

The Technical Session Agenda can be viewed here. 

Land and Water Boards release updated Engagement and Consultation Policy

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (LWBs) have released an updated Engagement and Consultation Policy, emphasizing the importance of early and meaningful engagement for well-planned projects and efficient regulatory processes. The newest version of the policy document, which has been several years in the making, is critical in helping the LWBs carry out permitting, licensing, and preliminary screening in the Mackenzie Valley.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MACKENZIE VALLEY LAND AND WATER BOARD

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board is pleased to announce that Dr. Kathleen Racher has accepted an offer to become the next Executive Director (ED) of the organization. She will replace Dr. Shelagh Montgomery when she leaves the Board at the end of March 2023.