Peel watershed hearing held in Inuvik

A proposed management plan for the Yukon's Peel River watershed was brought to the Northwest Territories, where some say development should not be allowed in the wilderness area.

Yukon officials sought public feedback on the management plan Wednesday in Inuvik, N.W.T. The Peel River drains into the Mackenzie River.

"It's the last part of our land, I think, that is still pure, undisturbed, no mines," said Inuvik resident Liz Hansen, who was one of about 20 people who attended Wednesday's public hearing.

"You know, it's just in its natural state," she added. "It's like a playground for the Gwich'in people."

Drafted by the Peel Watershed Planning Commission, the proposed plan calls for 80 per cent of the watershed area to be protected from mineral staking and other industrial development.

80% protection proposed

That recommendation has sparked a hot debate between Yukon miners and environmentalists about the future of the watershed, which encompasses about 67,000 square kilometres of land.

But some, like Elizabeth Vittrekwa of Fort McPherson, N.W.T., said 80 per cent protection is not enough. She said mining companies should be prevented from drilling, even if they had signed mining claims in the past.

"Within the process, they are also stating that stakes that's already in place will be grandfathered. I disagree with that," Vittrekwa said.

Vittrekwa said she wants 100 per cent protection of the watershed, "knowing that that land will be free from exploration … for future generations."

Fred Koe of Aklavik, N.W.T., said if any development does occur, monitoring stations should be set up to test the river water.

"We'd like to see, on what's not protected, very strict regulations and conditions on how development occurs," Koe said.

The Yukon government is working with three Yukon First Nations and the Gwich'in Tribal Council in the N.W.T. to consult with the public about the proposed Peel watershed plan.

They are scheduled to hold hearings later this month in Whitehorse and in more N.W.T. communities.