3.1.2

Description: 
We will support community-based planning to help make land available for the construction of affordable and market housing and to support community governments in dealing with derelict properties in their community.
Lead Dept: 
MACA
Priority: 
3.1
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Social Envelope
Number: 
2
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Social Envelope
Background Information: 

COST OF LIVING

Commitment 3.1.2 – We will support community-based planning to help make land available for the construction of affordable and market housing and to support community governments in dealing with derelict properties in their community.

Community governments are responsible for the control of development within community boundaries. This responsibility includes planning for future growth through the preparation of community plans or land use plans, and the control of development and land use through development controls such as zoning bylaws.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) supports community governments by providing assistance with the preparation of the required bylaws, creation of development and planning tools and guides, identification of vacant land within communities, and community government training programs.

Controlling development and land use also includes the management of derelict or abandoned buildings within communities. Derelict properties are often vacant and in a state of disrepair which can pose a safety risk to community residents. 

MACA is working with the Northwest Territories Fire Chiefs Association as well as the Northwest Territories Association of Communities to support community governments in fulfilling their land development responsibilities to control of derelict buildings within community boundaries. The steps to accomplish this include the development of a fire safety and security risk tool for management derelict properties (Milestone 1), establishing an interdepartmental working group to coordinate the support and assistance provided to community governments by the Government of the Northwest Territories (Milestone 2), completion of vacant lot inventories (including mapping) for each community (Milestone 3), and provision of ongoing advice and assistance to community governments to use tools and lot inventory (Milestone 4).

Related Mandate Commitments:

  • Commitment 5.4.10 – We will work with community governments to find solutions to land tenure issues which present barriers to community planning.