The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (LWBs) wish to inform the public of the status of the update to the LWBs’ Engagement Guidelines for Applicants and Holders of Water Licences and Land Use Permits (the Guidelines).

In fall 2019, the LWBs started a process to update the LWB Engagement and Consultation Policy (the Policy). Given that the original release of both the Policy and the Guidelines was almost a decade previous, the LWBs began a comprehensive and engaging process to update these important guidance documents. An updated Policy was implemented in January 2023. The LWBs then notified all parties that a process to update the Guidelines was beginning. A public workshop was scheduled in May 2023, but had to be cancelled due to several communities evacuating because of wildfire. 

The LWBs have recently hosted community engagement sessions in Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson) and Gamètì on March 26 and May 14, 2024, respectively. Planning is underway to host sessions in several other communities. In the coming months, in addition to hosting community engagement sessions, the LWBs will be reaching out to conduct engagement sessions with government representatives (local/Indigenous, territorial, and federal), industry, and other parties. All parties are welcome to indicate their interest in meeting with the LWBs.

The LWBs invite all parties to provide recommendations for the LWBs’ consideration at any time during this update process if they wish. Once the engagement sessions are complete, the LWBs will circulate a summary in a ‘What We Heard’ report. The LWBs will then provide specific opportunities for all parties to offer formal input into the update of the Guidelines through a public review of a draft update of the Guidelines. For any questions or comments, please contact Sarah Elsasser.