This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot eda96f1de298 · verified 2026-06-04 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
ARVIAT
COMMUNITY PLAN
ARVIAT COMMUNITY PLAN
BY-LAW No. 224
A By-law of the Hamlet of Arviat in Nunavut Territory to adopt a General Plan pursuant to
the provisions of the Planning Act, RSNWT, 1988, c. P-7, s.4.
WHEREAS the Council of the Hamlet of Arviat has prepared a General Plan, referred to
as the "Arviat Community Plan", in accordance with the Planning Act;
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the Hamlet of Arviat, duly assembled, enacts as
follows:
1.
Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of this By-law form part of this By-law.
2.
This By-law may be cited as the "Arviat Community Plan."
3.
This By-law shall come into full force and effect on the date of its Third Reading.
4.
By-law No. 206 of the Hamlet of Arviat, and all amendments thereto, is hereby
repealed.
READ a first time this 19th day of January, 2017.
_______________________
________________________
Mayor, Bob Leonard
Senior Administrative Officer, Steve England
After due notice and a Public Hearing, READ a second time this 16th day of March, 2017.
_______________________
_______________________
Mayor, Bob Leonard
Senior Administrative Officer, Steve England
APPROVED by the Minister of Community and Government Services this 16th day of
November, 2017.
________________________
Minister
READ a third time this 10th day of October, 2018.
_________________________
________________________
Mayor, Bob Leonard
Senior Administrative Officer, Steve England
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
1
COMMUNITY PLAN OF THE
HAMLET OF ARVIAT
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the Arviat Community Plan is to outline Council's policies for managing
the physical development of the Hamlet for the next 20 years - from 2017 to 2037 - that
reflect the needs and desires of the Community. The Plan was created through a
community consultation process. 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:
a)
To develop in an orderly fashion creating a healthy, safe, functional, and
attractive community that reflects community values and culture.
b)
To accommodate an appropriate range and mix of uses to accommodate growth
and change in the community.
c)
To promote the Plan as a tool for making effective and consistent decisions
regarding land use and development in the community.
d)
To support and build upon community values of participation and unity to support
community projects and local economic development.
e)
To protect the natural beauty of "Nuna", protect viewpoints to the water, and
retain waterfront and lakeshore areas for public uses and traditional activities,
while identifying important access routes on the Plan to protect them from
development.
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 Planning Act. The Community Plan
should be reviewed and updated every five years as required by the 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. The Community Plan includes Schedule 1 - "Community Land Use and Zoning
Map", Schedule 2 - "General Land Use Map", and Schedule 3 - "Community Plan (Land
Use Designations)."
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
2
SECTION 2 - COMMUNITY GROWTH AND PHASING POLICIES
At the time of preparation of this Plan, the population of Arviat was approximately 2,657 people.
This Plan is based on a projected population for Arviat by 2037 of 4,401 people. It is estimated
that an additional 504 dwelling units or 25 units per year will be required to meet the projected
population growth. Depending on the housing form, it is estimated that approximately 20
hectares of land will be required to meet the projected population growth. A further 2 hectares
are required for parks or playgrounds, and approximately 25 hectares for non-residential uses.
2.1
The policies of Council to meet expected growth are:
a)
Plan for a 2037 population of 4,401 people and address the current overcrowding
situation.
b)
Identify sufficient land on the Community Plan to meet the needs of the projected 2037
population.
c)
Review the Community Plan in 5 years, in 2022, to reassess actual rates of growth and
community needs.
d)
Council will generally phase new community land development as follows:
i.
Infill and redevelopment of vacant or underutilized lots within the built-up area of
the Hamlet.
ii.
Easterly extension of the community with a mix of uses, including residential,
commercial, and parklands.
iii.
Develop a Community and Commercial Core consisting of a mix of municipal and
employment related uses along the main road and central to the Hamlet.
iv.
Northeastern extension along the road to the cemeteries.
e)
Council will generally phase new industrial land development as follows:
i.
Light Industrial uses along the road to the existing dump site from the Tank Farm
(Industrial Phase 1).
ii.
Industrial uses with limited services along the esker across the airport lands
(Industrial Phase 2).
f)
Council may change the phasing of development without amendment to this Plan.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
3
SECTION 3 - GENERAL POLICIES
3.1
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 in the Zoning By-law.
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.
Where culverts are required, they shall be installed across driveways or 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.
viii.
Wherever possible, building foundations should achieve an unobstructed gap of
at least 0.8 metres between the ground and the underside of the building to
reduce snowdrift.
b)
Consideration should be given to the development of a Master Drainage Plan for the
entire community and the adoption of a snow piling by-law.
c)
The Hamlet will pile snow in locations to minimize downwind snow drifting and where
spring melt runoff can be properly channelled to drainage ditches or waterbodies.
d)
The Hamlet shall avoid piling snow within at least 30.5 metres (100 feet) of any
watercourse.
e)
No development is permitted within 30.5 metres (100 feet) of the normal high water mark
of any river, major creek or major water body, except subject to terms and conditions of
the Hamlet Council.
f)
Utilities or communications facilities shall be permitted in any land use designation.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
4
g)
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.
h)
The Hamlet shall protect cemeteries and sites of archaeological, ethnographical or
historical significance from disturbance. Any development in or near such sites, including
the 33 known archaeological sites recorded within the municipal boundary, shall follow
the Nunavut Archaeological and Paleontological Regulations, 2001 of the Nunavut Act
(Canada).
i)
The Hamlet will improve pedestrian safety in the community by considering the
construction of roadside pedestrian walkways along primary roads and improving the
safety at know dangerous intersections throughout the community (eg. 6th Street, in
proximity to schools, Northern Store and Co-op).
j)
The Hamlet shall encourage development that minimizes emissions from fossil fuels,
that are energy efficient and that consider alternative energy supply technology.
k)
The Hamlet shall consider strategies to adapt to the future impacts of climate change,
such as locating development away from low lying coastal areas and protecting existing
areas against erosion.
l)
The Hamlet will promote new economic development opportunities, especially in tourism
and mining sectors.
m)
The Hamlet will give due consideration to the Climate Change Adaptation Plan.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
5
SECTION 4 - LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
4.1
Residential
The Residential designation is intended to provide and maintain an adequate supply of
land for residential uses. It also permits other small conditional uses subject to the
approval of Council. The policies of Council are intended to maintain an adequate supply
of residential land, and to protect residential areas from incompatible development. The
policies of Council for Residential areas are:
a)
The Residential designation will be used for housing with all types of dwelling
types permitted. Uses that are residential in nature, such as a group home, a
home business, or bed and breakfast, will also be permitted.
b)
Residential development will be phased so that a target minimum of 25 vacant
legally surveyed lots are available at any given time.
c)
Council will look for opportunities to infill lots for new housing within the existing
townsite. Council will work with Nunavut Housing Corporation to determine
appropriate housing form and identify where low-rise apartments and other forms
of multi-family dwellings could be located.
d)
Council will seek to remediate the former "East Dump" in order to permit future
residential development.
4.2
Community
The Community designation is intended to maintain an adequate supply of land for
commercial and community uses, preferably in central and accessible locations so that
residents may enjoy easy access to public facilities and community services. The
policies of Council for Community areas are:
a)
The Community designation will be used for:
i) Commercial uses such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, personal
and business services and offices;
ii) Public uses, such as community centres, places of worship, medical
clinics, schools, and other institutional or community uses; and,
iii) Government services.
b)
Commercial and Community facilities will be centrally located along main roads
wherever possible to ensure safe and convenient access by residents.
c)
Due to the rapid growth of the community, Arviat may require a new fire hall
within the next five years.
d)
Residential uses will be permitted when located above a ground floor commercial
or community use.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
6
e)
Council will encourage the re-use or redevelopment of existing unused or
underused sites within the community.
f)
Lands in residential expansion areas shall also be reserved for Community uses
to ensure all residents have convenient access to commercial and community
services.
g)
Council may adopt a Core Area Beautification Plan, which provides more details
on the character of development in the Community and provides an action and
phasing plan for improvements such as walkways, street lighting, paving, road
widenings, signage, and public art, as outlined in the Plan. Parking lots shall
generally be located at the side or rear of buildings.
h)
Council shall seek opportunities and encourage the relocation of industrial uses
and low density residential outside the Community designation over time by
considering land swaps and/or other incentives.
i)
Council will work with Qulliq Energy Corporation to relocate the power plant to
industrial lands and implement a cleanup plan in order to promote redevelopment
of this centrally located brownfield lot.
4.3
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
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, boat storage,
community docks, and temporary storage of sealift equipment during sealift
operations.
b)
A playground should be located within a 300 metre walking distance from any
residence in the community and Council shall set aside a space for a playground
in new residential areas.
c)
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.
d)
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.
e)
Open Space corridors will be protected for trail connections and drainage
channels.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
7
4.4
Light Industrial
The Light Industrial designation is intended for light industrial developments which are
compatible with surrounding uses. These uses should not be apparent outside an
enclosed building, and should operate in a manner that creates no nuisance to adjacent
properties. Limited outdoor activities that are necessary to a principal use such as
loading, service and storage may occur, but should not dominate the use of the site. The
policies of Council for Light Industrial areas are:
a)
Permitted uses in the Light Industrial designation will include all forms of
manufacturing, processing, warehousing and storage uses.
b)
Garages are permitted in the Light Industrial designation provided they do not
generate excessive noise, fumes and odours.
c)
The storage of dangerous or hazardous materials is not permitted in the Light
Industrial designation.
d)
Council shall ensure compatibility between uses and minimize the negative
impact of light industrial uses on adjacent non-industrial areas.
e)
Council will work with local businesses and government operations to identify
opportunities to relocate non-conforming industrial uses (e.g. garages, power
plant, warehouses) to industrial lands.
f)
All Communication Satellites, outside the transportation designation, should be
moved to the industrial subdivision.
g)
Council will support the development of renewable forms of energy (e.g. wind
and solar).
4.5
Heavy Industrial
The Heavy Industrial designation is intended to reduce the negative effects and dangers
associated with industrial uses, such as excessive noise, dust, truck travel and the
storage of potentially hazardous substances. Industrial uses shall be directed to
industrial subdivisions away from the centre of the Hamlet. The policies of Council for
Heavy Industrial areas are:
a) Permitted uses in the Heavy Industrial designation will include the power generation
plant, fuel storage and other uses likely to generate excessive noise, fumes, traffic,
odours or are hazardous or obnoxious.
b) Council will develop new industrial subdivisions at the south end of the townsite to
minimize land use conflicts and to reserve land closer to the townsite for residential
and community uses
c) The uses permitted in the Light Industrial designation are also permitted in the Heavy
Industrial designation.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
8
4.6
Transportation
The Transportation designation is intended to identify major transportation and
communication facilities such as airports, marinas, and communication installations, and
to ensure their safe and efficient operation. The policies of Council for Transportation
areas are:
a)
The Transportation designation shall be used for all activities related to air traffic
and sealift operations, as well as uses accessory to these activities such as
communications sites, storage and warehousing that is needed close to the
Airport and sealift facility.
b)
Permitted uses in the Transportation designation include all activities related to
air and marine traffic and uses accessory to these activities, such as commercial
activities and communications sites.
c)
All development within the areas affected by the Arviat Airport Zoning
Regulations, as shown on Schedule 3 (Land Use and Zoning Map - Municipal
Boundary), shall comply with those 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.
d)
All development within the Transportation Influence Zone of the communications
facility is subject to the approval of NavCanada.
e)
Council supports a runway expansion.
f)
Council supports continued investments into the Maguse Lake Road project to
provide access to the Nuna.
g)
Council will discourage the use of travelled pathways that are not identified as
public rights-of-way.
h)
All development within the 200 metre Influence Zone of the Non-Directional
Beacon (NDB) Communications Facility is subject to the approval of NavCanada.
4.7
Nuna
The Nuna 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 while providing access for traditional, recreational and tourism
activities as well as allowing for quarrying, mining exploration and local infrastructure.
The policies of Council are:
a)
The Nuna designation shall permit traditional, tourism and recreational uses.
These include dog teams, quarrying, and local infrastructure projects.
b)
Council shall ensure that development does not negatively impact wildlife, wildlife
habitat and harvesting, and is consistent with the guiding principles of Inuit
traditional knowledge.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
9
4.8
Development Constraints
The Development Constraint overlays are intended to protect the water supply, granular
resources, environmentally sensitive areas and hazard areas. The Policies of council for
Development Constraint areas are:
a)
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, in accordance with the General Sanitation Regulations of the
Public Health Act.
b)
The Hamlet will continue to evaluate options for long-term sewage treatment.
The evaluation will consider cost-effectiveness, the degree of environmental protection
and the land use implications.
c)
The Hamlet supports a reduction in the 450m setback from the Metal Disposal
Site to 100 metres for future community expansion
d)
The Hamlet will continue to evaluate all possible options for an integrated waste
management system, including:
o the suitability of the existing landfill site for long-term use;
o the use of an incinerator;
o metal recovery projects; and
o complementary strategies, such as source reduction, reuse, and recycling of
waste materials.
4.9
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) All municipal reserve lands shall be redesignated by amendment to this Plan prior to
being used for community expansion.
c) Municipal Reserve lands shall be re-designated by amendment to this Plan prior to
being used for community expansion. Re-designations shall include residential,
community, and light industrial land to facilitate the development of a mixed-use
neighbourhood.
Hamlet of Arviat Community Plan
10
d) Lands designated Municipal Reserve may be affected by significant environmental
constraints to development, such as contaminated soils, shallow waterbodies and
poor drainage. All constraints shall be cleared of environmental constraints prior to
the lands being redesignated for development.