Squatter, garbage problem persists as N.W.T. gov't works on land management plan

As the N.W.T. government continues to prepare its plan for managing recreational land use along Yellowknife's Ingraham Trail, one woman says people's use of the land is just getting more and more disrespectful.

"I've seen probably more dumping of garbage," said Mary Tapsell, a Yellowknife resident and longtime cabin owner on the trail.

"Some of the cottagers or campers are putting their garbage, whether it's boat batteries, tires...instead of hauling it to the dump themselves they're putting it into those big bins."  

Tapsell said she's also noticed an influx of unauthorized cabins. In her area alone, she said three new campsites, with only partially-built cabins, have been set up. But the sites are a mess.

"There's bottles, glass, garbage," she said. "I've seen a lot of old quads, and motorbikes at these places."

The N.W.T.'s Department of Lands says its plan for managing recreation activities — including new cabins — along the trail will be finalized in the spring of 2017. 

It's not clear when new recreational land leases, including cabin leases, will be issued along the trail, but the department has said there will not be another cabin lot auction this summer like the one held last year.

"A temporary suspension will ensure that all new leases issued in this high density area incorporate the most up-to-date environmental protection and other land management standards," according to an FAQ posted online by the department.

The department is seeking public input on its plan. An open house is planned for June, while an online survey is asking people to identify areas they would like to use for recreation.

Swatting the squatters 

When it comes to squatters, "the government is dealing with it," said Terry Hall, the N.W.T.'s director land use and sustainability.  

Hall said since devolution, the government is doing more inspections on the land.      

But Hall added that dealing with unauthorized land use is complicated because "not everyone that's out there without tenure that doesn't have a lease is unauthorized or a squatter. There are traditional uses of the land that are allowed in certain areas by certain individuals and groups. So there's many different angles."  

Along with protecting the interests of existing cabins owners like Tapsell, the government has to work with the various Indigenous groups such as the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the North Slave Metis Alliance, the Tlicho Government, mineral explorers, harvesters, bird watchers and squatters.

Hall said the government has been talking to all of these groups.

Tapsell said the government will need to tread carefully when considering where to issue new cabin leases. Some areas can only handle so much activity, she said.