Whitehorse Star February 17, 2012

TIA Yukon displeased by Peel plan intervention

THE TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF THE YUKON (TIA YUKON) CALLS ITSELF DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE YUKON GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF EIGHT NEW CORE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE MODIFICATIONS TO THE FINAL RECOMMENDED PEEL WATERSHED REGIONAL LAND USE PLAN.

By Whitehorse Star on February 17, 2012 at 6:06 pm

The Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA Yukon) calls itself deeply disappointed with the Yukon government’s announcement of eight new core principles to guide modifications to the Final Recommended Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan.

“For seven years, the Peel Watershed Planning Commission worked under principles agreed to by this government,” TIA chair Neil Hartling said Thursday in a statement.

“The commission was diligent in their efforts to develop a land use plan that reflects the values of Yukoners and recognizes the long-term economic, social and environmental value of the Peel River watershed.

“To simply disregard the extensive work done by the commission, and the thousands of Yukoners who contributed to it, undermines all land planning efforts in this territory and draws into question the government’s commitment to their constituents.”

“The Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon continues to support the Final Recommended Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan, and the work done by the planning commission,” said TIA Yukon board member Teena Dickson.

“The commission has consulted stakeholders and Yukoners extensively in the development of this land use plan, and has developed recommendations reflecting the diversity of our economy and the wishes of most Yukoners.”

TIA Yukon will remain actively engaged as the land use planning process unfolds and will continue to advocate for the protection of the Three Rivers region of the watershed – the Snake, Wind and Bonnet Plume Rivers – as well as the corridors in between.

“TIA Yukon believes a diverse economy – which includes both mining and a strong, sustainable tourism industry – is very important to Yukon, but stresses the significance of the Three Rivers region and the need for its protection,” TIA said in the statement.

“The Peel River watershed, and particularly the Three Rivers, is a national treasure. It is an important component of the territory’s long-term environmental and economic health and an invaluable asset for Yukon’s significant tourism economy.”

The public’s view is clear, Hartling said.

“Yukoners have spoken loud and clear that the Peel River watershed is a global treasure and should be protected.

“We urge the government to reconsider these new, divisive principles and to respect the will of Yukoners.”