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BAKER LAKE
COMMUNITY PLAN
SCHEDULE 1
BY-LAW NO. 218
March 2013
Baker Lake Community Plan By-Law No. 218
March 2013
1
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the Baker Lake Community Plan is to outline Council's policies for
managing the physical development of the Hamlet for the next 20 years - to 2033. The
Community Plan was created through a community consultation process and reflects the
needs and desires of the Community. The Community Plan builds on previous plans, while
incorporating new challenges, issues and needs identified by the Community.
1.2
Goals of the Community Plan
Community Plan policies emerge from the values of a community and its vision of how it
would like to grow. The goals established for this Community Plan are:
1. To develop in an orderly fashion creating a safe, healthy, functional, and attractive
community that reflects community values and culture.
2. To promote the Plan as a tool for making effective and consistent decisions
regarding land use and development in the community.
3. To ensure an adequate supply of land for all types of uses to support the growth and
change of the community.
4. To build upon community values of participation and unity to support community
projects and local economic development.
5. To protect the natural beauty of "Nuna", protect viewpoints to the water, and retain
waterfront and lakeshore areas for public uses and traditional activities.
1.3
Administration of the Plan
The Community Plan is enacted by By-law. Changes to the Plan can be made by
amending the By-laws in accordance with the Nunavut Planning Act. The Community
Plan should be reviewed and updated every five years as required by the Nunavut Planning
Act. A Zoning By-law is also being enacted for the purpose of implementing detailed
policies based on the Community Plan. All development must follow the intent of the
Community Plan and Zoning By-law. The Community Plan includes Schedule 1 (Plan
Policy Text), Schedule 2 (General Land Use Map) and Schedule 3a and 3b (Community
Plan Map and Airport Area).
Baker Lake Community Plan By-Law No. 218
March 2013
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SECTION 2. COMMUNITY GROWTH AND PHASING POLICIES
At the time of preparation of this Plan, the population of Baker Lake was approximately
1,934 people. This Plan is based on a future population of 2,554 people by 2033, however
a potential population of 2,754 is also considered in the case of increased mining activity.
It is estimated that an additional 442 to 509 dwelling units will be required to meet the
projected population growth, representing the need for approximately 24 to 28 hectares of
land for residential development. A further 3 hectares are required for commercial uses,
2.8 hectares for community uses and approximately 10.7 hectares for industrial uses. The
policies of Council are:
a) Plan for a 2033 population range of between 2,554 to 2,754 people.
b) Identify sufficient land on the Community Plan to meet the needs of the projected
2033 population.
c) Review the Community Plan in 5 years, in 2018, to re-assess actual rates of growth
and community needs.
d) Council will generally phase new land development as follows:
i.) 2013 - 2018:
Build on existing vacant lots within the built-up area.
Develop Phase 1, 2, 3, and 4 residential subdivisions.
Develop additional industrial lots..
ii.) 2018 - 2023
Develop Phase 5 subdivisions (a, b, c).
Develop industrial subdivision near old landfill, if required.
Develop new barge landing, dock and sealift area.
iii.) 2023 - 2033
Redesignate and develop Municipal Reserve areas (as required).
e) Council may change the phasing of development without amendment to this Plan.
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March 2013
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SECTION 3. GENERAL POLICIES
The following policies of Council apply to all development in the Hamlet regardless of
land use designation:
a) The development of lots shall be subject to the following lot development policies:
i.) All service connections to buildings shall be easily accessed from the front
yard on all lots and grouped together, where possible.
ii.) Access to new buildings will avoid, where possible, main entrances on the
south-southeast side to reduce problems associated with snow drifting.
iii.) Buildings shall be sited to respect setbacks identified on the Zoning Chart.
iv.) Any building over 500 m2 in gross floor area shall consider potential wind
impacts on surrounding development. A wind study may be required by the
Development Officer.
v.) Culverts are required and shall be installed at the access points to lots.
vi.) On any portion of a lot where fill is introduced, drainage shall be directed
towards the public road. Exceptions may be made by the Development
Officer. Where possible, drainage troughs shall not be located in Utility
Rights-of-Way or Easements.
vii.) Road widenings may be obtained as required at the time of development or
redevelopment of a lot in situations where the road right of way is less than
16 metres wide.
b) Consideration should be given to the development of a Master Drainage Plan for
the entire community and the adoption of a snow pilling by-law.
c) Utilities or communication facilities shall be permitted in any land use designation.
Other than designated Rights-of-Way or Easements for Utility or Communication
lines, Easements alongside roadways, marked between the edge of the roadway and
lot lines, will be used for distribution lines, with a minimum clearance, as specified
in the Utility Corporation's Joint Use Agreement.
d) The Hamlet will pile snow in locations to minimize downwind snow drifting and
where spring melt run-off can be properly channeled to drainage ditches or
waterbodies.
e) The Hamlet shall avoid piling snow within at least 30.5 metres (100 feet) of any
watercourse.
f) A minimum setback distance of 30.5 metres (100 feet) shall be maintained, except
subject to terms and conditions of the Hamlet Council.
g) The Hamlet shall protect any cemeteries and sites of archaeological, ethnographical
or historical significance from disturbance.
h) The Hamlet shall encourage development that minimizes emissions from fossil
fuels, that are energy efficient and that consider alternative energy supply
technology.
i) The Hamlet shall work with the Nunavut Planning Commission to ensure that the
Baker Lake Community Plan and the future Kivalliq Regional Land Use Plan are
compatible.
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March 2013
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SECTION 4. LAND USE DESIGNATION
4.1
Residential
The Residential designation provides land for primarily residential uses, but also permits
other small-scale conditional uses subject to the approval of Council. The policies of
Council are intended to maintain an adequate supply of land for residential development,
to build safe and livable neighbourhoods and to protect residential areas from incompatible
development. The policies of Council are:
a) The Residential designation will be used primarily for housing with all types of
dwelling types permitted. Other related residential uses such as a group home, a
home occupation, or bed and breakfast will also be permitted.
b) Residential development will be phased so that a target minimum of 2 hectares of
vacant surveyed land is available at any given time.
4.2
Community Core
The Community Core designation defines the core area of the community which provides a
focal point for community amenities, cultural activities, and tourism. Given the important
role the Community Core plays in defining community and cultural identity, specific
policies are adopted for this area. Policies are aimed at maintaining the community uses
and a mix of service commercial and tourism related uses, allowing limited types of
residential uses, improving the character of development, increasing pedestrian safety and
beautifying the streetscape. The policies of Council are:
a) The Community Core designation will permit all uses permitted in the Community
Use designation and retail commercial and tourism or visitor-related uses.
Residential uses will be conditionally permitted by Council and only multi-unit
dwellings or dwelling units in non-residential buildings above the ground floor will
be permitted.
b) Council may adopt a Downtown Beautification Plan which provides more details
on the character of development in the Community Core and provides an action and
phasing plan for improvements such as walkways, street lighting, paving, road
widenings, signage, public art, as outlined in the Plan.
c) Council will consider granting a land credit to the GN Department of Education for
future land applications in return for the re-alignment of the road on the west side
of the High School.
d) Council shall seek opportunities and encourage the relocation of industrial uses and
low density residential uses outside the Community Core over time by considering
land swaps and/or other incentives.
e) Front yard parking will not be permitted for any new development of a significant
size in the Community Core. Parking will be provided at the side or rear of the
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building. Parking spaces that require vehicles to back-out onto the municipal road
will also not be permitted.
f) Give priority for the development of a defined walkway as shown on the
Community Land Use Map. Monetary contributions for the construction of the
walkway may be requested as a condition of development approval.
4.3
Community Use
The Community Use designation is intended to maintain an adequate supply of land for
community uses, to provide easy access to public facilities and services, and to reserve
significant and important locations for community uses. The policies of Council are:
a) The Community Use designation will be used primarily for public uses (i.e. social,
cultural, religious, or educational) and government services.
b) Community facilities will be centrally located to ensure safe and convenient access
by residents.
4.4
Commercial
The Commercial designation is intended to support local economic development by
maintaining an adequate supply of land for commercial uses in a central location with good
access from the community. The policies of Council are:
a) The Commercial designation will be used for commercial uses such as hotels,
restaurants, retail, personal and business services, and offices.
b) Residential uses shall be permitted when located above a ground floor commercial
use.
c) Commercial facilities will be located along main roads, where possible, to provide
safe and convenient access by residents.
d) Council will encourage the re-use or redevelopment of existing commercial sites
within the existing townsite.
4.5
Open Space
The Open Space designation is intended to protect shoreline environments, maintain access
to the sea and to reserve open spaces within the built up area for recreational uses and
cultural events. The policies of Council are:
a) The Open Space designation will be used primarily for parks, walking trails,
traditional and recreational uses such as beach shacks, harbour uses, boat storage,
dog teams, community docks, temporary storage of sealift materials and equipment
during sealift operations, and municipal infrastructure such as a water pump house.
All uses are conditional and at the discretion of Council.
b) Owners of development will be required to maintain the development and keep the
surrounding area tidy.
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c) A playground should be located within 300 metre walking distance from any
residence in the community.
d) Unless otherwise noted, all Commissioner's Land forming part of the 100-foot strip
(30.5 m) along the seashore measured from the ordinary high water mark will be
designated Open Space.
e) No development is generally permitted within 30 metres from the normal high
water mark of any river or major creek. Council may consider the filling of a
waterbody where it is needed for future development provided that the appropriate
approvals are obtained.
f) Open Space corridors will be protected for trail connections and drainage channels.
4.6
Industrial
The Industrial designation is intended to reduce the negative effects and dangers associated
with industrial uses such as noise, dust, odours, truck travel and the storage of potentially
hazardous substances by concentrating these uses on the periphery of the townsite. The
policies of Council are:
a) Permitted uses in the Industrial designation will include all forms of manufacturing,
processing, warehousing and storage uses. Permitted uses will also include
garages, power generation plants, and fuel storage.
b) Council will develop a new industrial subdivision near the old landfill site to
minimize land use conflicts and to reserve land closer to the townsite for residential
and community uses. Council will work with local businesses and government
operations to identify opportunities to relocate over time non-conforming industrial
uses (eg. garages, warehouses) to the new industrial subdivision.
c) Council will explore the opportunity of a public/private partnership with mining
interests to develop a new dock and barge landing site at the east end of town.
4.7
Transportation
The Transportation designation is intended to protect and ensure the safe operation of
airport and related activities such as the NavCanada communications site. The policies of
Council are:
a) Permitted uses in the Transportation designation includes all activities related to air
traffic and uses accessory to these activities such as related commercial activities
and communications sites.
b) All development within the 4km boundary of the airport, as shown on Schedule 2,
shall comply with the Baker Lake Airport Zoning Regulations. Development
applications shall be referred to Nunavut Airports for review and approval where
development is proposed adjacent to the airport and/or where development has the
potential to interfere with airport operations.
c) All development within the Transportation Influence Zone of the communications
facility is subject to the approval of NavCanada.
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d) Council will discourage the use of travelled pathways that are not identified as
public right-of-ways.
4.8
Hinterland
The Hinterland designation applies to all unsurveyed land within the Municipal Boundary
not designated by another land use and is intended to protect the natural beauty and
cultural resources of the land - 'Nuna' - while providing access for traditional, recreational
and tourism activities, as well as quarrying. The policies of Council are:
a) The Hinterland designation generally permits traditional, tourism and passive
recreational uses. Permitted uses also include dog teams, quarrying, and
infrastructure projects for local economic development.
b) Council shall ensure that development does not negatively impact wildlife, wildlife
habitat and harvesting and is consistent with the guiding principles of Inuit
Qaujimajatuqangit.
4.9
Waste Disposal
The Waste Disposal designation is intended to identify existing or former waste disposal
sites and ensure required development setbacks. The policies of Council are:
a) The Waste Disposal designation permits no development except those uses
accessory to the operation or remediation of a waste disposal site.
b) The Hamlet shall prohibit the development of residential uses and uses involving
food storage or food preparation within the 450 metre setback from any existing or
former waste disposal site, pursuant to the General Sanitation Regulations of the
Public Health Act.
c) The Hamlet shall prohibit the development of any public road allowance or
cemetery within a 90 metre setback from a waste disposal ground, pursuant to the
General Sanitation Regulation of the Public Health Act.
d) The Hamlet will evaluate options for long-term sewage treatment. The evaluation
will consider cost-effectiveness, the degree of environmental protection and the
land use implications.
e) The Hamlet will evaluate all possible options for an integrated waste management
system, including:
a. the suitability of the existing landfill site for long-term use;
b. the use of an incinerator;
c. metal recovery projects; and
d. complementary strategies, such as source reduction, reuse, and recycling of
waste materials.
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4.10
Granular Resources
The Granular Resources designation is intended to protect aggregate deposits for future
extraction. The policies of Council are:
a) The Granular Resources designation does not permit any development except uses
accessory to the operation or remediation of a quarry or gravel pit.
4.11
Municipal Reserve
The Municipal Reserve designation is intended to reserve land for the future growth of the
community. The policies of Council are:
a) The Municipal Reserve designation does not permit any development except
temporary uses approved by Council.
b) Municipal Reserve lands shall be redesignated by amendment to this Plan prior to
being used for community expansion.
c) A conceptual road network is shown on some of the Municipal Reserve lands
which considers connections with existing road network, future land uses,
prevailing wind direction, solar orientation, drainage and topography. The concept
may need to be changed according to community needs during the detailed
subdivision design process.
d) Lands designated Municipal Reserve near the old power plant may be affected by
significant environmental constraints to development, such as contaminated soils
and poor drainage. All constraints shall be cleared of environmental constraints
prior to the lands being redesignated for development.