• Whitehorse city council punts proposed mineral framework back to staff

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-15 22:27:11.0
  Tags: [National, Municipal, Mining, Resources, Governance]

  The Whitehorse city council directed city staff to spend a month developing a consultation pathway for a proposed mineral framework that sets rules for mining activity within city limits. The framework, which proposes updating the official community plan and zoning bylaws, faced criticism from industry representatives like Jonas Smith of the Yukon Chamber of Mines regarding undefined technical standards and a lack of impact-based criteria. Councillors agreed that more technical information, expert guidance, and broader stakeholder consultation are required before proceeding.

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• Whitehorse City Council rejects potential mineral exploration expansion

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-15 00:11:57.0
  Tags: [Municipal, Mining, Resources, Environment, Governance, Indigenous]

  By a 4-to-3 vote, the Whitehorse City Council rejected a petition by Gladiator Metals to amend municipal bylaws and the official community plan to permit mineral exploration across three areas currently designated as greenspace within the Whitehorse copper belt. The defeated amendments drew divided public and council opinions concerning industrial environmental impacts versus economic reconciliation and resource development opportunities supported by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch’än Council. Council members opposed to the changes cited a lack of sufficient scientific and environmental justification, leaving the restrictive zoning status quo in place.

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• Proposed framework would nearly double land available for mineral exploration in Whitehorse

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-08 00:41:19.0
  Tags: [National, Municipal, Mining, Resources, Governance, Environment]

  City of Whitehorse staff have tabled proposed amendments to municipal policies, zoning bylaws, and the official community plan to establish a new mineral framework. The framework will nearly double the amount of land available for mineral exploration from 1,128 to approximately 2,200 hectares through the inclusion of "future planning areas," while implementing explicit regulations such as a 500-metre buffer between homes and exploration sites, a 100-metre setback from watercourses, mandatory bonding, and site reclamation standards.

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• Survey shows broad support for mining activity in Whitehorse greenspace

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-06 21:29:47.0
  Tags: [National, Municipal, Mining, Resources, Environment, Indigenous]

  Gladiator Metals is petitioning the City of Whitehorse to amend its top land-use policy by rezoning copper belt parcels designated as greenspace to allow expanded mineral exploration drilling. A city staff report released following nearly 1,000 written public submissions and a public hearing indicates that 64 per cent of respondents support the proposed amendment, while approximately one-third express opposition or concerns regarding environmental impacts, wildlife disruption, and potential mine failures. Local First Nations, specifically the Kwanlin Dün First Nation led by Chief Sean Smith and the Ta'an Kwäch’än Council, have expressed support for the exploration project to improve understanding of local mineral potential, while city councillors debate the residency and validity of survey respondents under the Municipal Act alongside the city's parallel development of a proposed mineral framework.

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• Community forests expanding in McLeod Lake/Mackenzie, north Island

  Source: British Columbia - Government News
  Date: 2026-09-14 19:00:00.0
  Tags: [British Columbia, Resources, Environment, Indigenous, Industry, Municipal]

  The British Columbia Ministry of Forests, led by Minister Ravi Parmar, announced the expansion of two community forests to enhance local forest management, support wildfire resilience, and secure sustainable fibre supply. The McLeod Lake Mackenzie Community Forest, established in 2009 and partnered with the McLeod Lake Indian Band, is being expanded by nearly 10,400 hectares with an annual wood fibre allocation of 20,000 cubic metres. Meanwhile, the North Island Community Forest LP, established in 2011, is advancing an expansion that includes more than 8,100 cubic metres of wood fibre annually. These area-based forest licenses are managed collaboratively by local governments, community groups, and First Nations to generate regional economic benefits and well-paying jobs.

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• New explosives factory could be built on 1,500 acres in northern New Brunswick

  Source: New Brunswick - Regional News
  Date: 2026-08-26 20:19:36.0
  Tags: [New Brunswick, Municipal, Industry, Defence, Resources, Infrastructure]

  The Government of New Brunswick has offered a 1,500-acre parcel of land near Belledune and Huron Bay to defense company Nalagx for the potential construction of an energetics and explosives factory producing TNT and propellants. Natural Resources Minister John Herron stated the land will be held for two years on the condition that Nalagx secures an agreement with a credible operating partner by December 31, with full production targeted for 2030. Premier Susan Holt emphasized that no final contract or commitment has been finalized and that the project is in its earliest exploratory stages, involving community and First Nations consultations. The site was selected for its proximity to regional roads, rail infrastructure, and the Port of Belledune to support NATO and allied defense supply chains.

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