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RANKIN INLET
COMMUNITY PLAN
BY-LAW NO. 320
July 2023
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
Page 1
SCHEDULE 1:
PLAN POLICY TEXT
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
Page 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the Rankin Inlet Community Plan is to outline Council's policies for
managing the physical development of the Hamlet for the next 20 years - to 2041. 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 create 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-law 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 3 (Land Use Map), Schedule 4 (Municipal Boundary), and
Schedule 5 (Utilidor Master Plan).
2
COMMUNITY GROWTH AND PHASING POLICIES
The population of Rankin Inlet was 2,441 people, according to the 2016 Census. This
Plan is based on a future population of 4,031 people by 2041, however this number may
increase or decrease based on the influence of various growth factors. These factors
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
Page 2
include economic development activity in the region, the natural rate of population growth
and in-migration from other communities, among others. It is estimated that an additional
232 dwelling units will be required to meet the projected population growth. The policies of
Council are:
a) Plan for a 2041 population of approximately 4,000 people.
b) Identify sufficient land on the Community Plan to meet the needs of the
projected 2041 population.
c) Review the Community Plan in 5 years, in 2026, to re-assess actual rates of
growth and community needs.
d) Council will generally phase new community land development as follows:
e) Council will generally phase new industrial land development as follows:
f) Council may change the phasing of development without amendment to this
Plan.
3
GENERAL POLICIES
The following policies of Council apply to all development in the Hamlet:
a) The development of lots shall be subject to the following lot development
policies:
i. All service connections to buildings with trucked services 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. For the purpose of emergency fire access, buildings shall be limited in
height to three occupied stories.
v. Any building over 500 square metres in gross floor area shall consider
potential wind impacts on surrounding development. A wind study may
be required by the Development Officer.
vi. Culverts are required and shall be installed at access points to lots.
vii. 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.
viii. 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.
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
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b) 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.
c) The Hamlet will pile snow in locations to minimize downwind snow drifting and
where spring melt run-off 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) The Hamlet shall protect any cemeteries and sites of archaeological,
ethnographical, palaeontological, or historical significance from disturbance.
Any development in or near such sites shall follow the Nunavut Archaeological
and Palaeontological Regulations, 2001 of the Nunavut Act (Canada).
f) The Hamlet shall encourage development that minimizes emissions from fossil
fuels, that are energy efficient and that consider alternative energy supply
technology.
g) The Hamlet shall work with the Nunavut Planning Commission to ensure that
the Rankin Inlet Community Plan, the Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan
(KLURP), and the future Nunavut Land Use Plan are compatible.
h) The Hamlet will seek opportunities to improve connectivity of walkways and
other transportation corridors, where possible, to maximize safety and
efficiency for users.
i) Land uses accessory to mining are conditionally permitted, with restrictions
respecting health and safety, and the preservation of community infrastructure.
j) The Hamlet shall not approve development that exceeds the capacity of water
and wastewater infrastructure. As CGS is the owner and maintainer of the
utilidor, CGS shall review development permit applications and advise the
Hamlet regarding utilidor capacity for proposed developments.
k) All proposed subdivisions shall include a plan of servicing for utilidor.
4
LAND USE DESIGNATION POLICIES
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 liveable neighbourhoods, and to protect residential areas from
incompatible development. The policies of Council are:
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
Page 4
a) The Residential designation will be used primarily for housing with all types of
dwellings permitted. Other related residential uses such as a group home, a
home occupation, or a bed and breakfast will be conditionally permitted.
b) Residential development will be phased so that a target minimum of 3.5
hectares of vacant surveyed land is available at any given time.
c) All future residential development areas shall be serviced with utilidor.
d) Where infill or redevelopment occurs in an established residential
neighbourhood, the new development shall be connected to utilidor if the
services are available in the road right-of-way.
4.2
Community Core
The Community Core designation defines the downtown of the community which provides
a focal point for community amenities, cultural activities, retail, services, 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 along with a mix of retail, office, and service commercial uses, tourism-
related uses and limited types of residential uses. The policies for the Community Core
also seek to improve the character of development, increase pedestrian safety and
beautify the streetscape. The policies of Council are:
a) The Community Core designation will permit all uses permitted in the
Community Use designation, as well as commercial office, personal service
and retail uses, 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 Core Area 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, and public art.
c) 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.
d) Front yard parking will not be permitted for any new development over 500
square metres gross floor area in the Community Core. Parking will be
provided at the side or rear of the building. Parking spaces that require
vehicles to back-out onto the municipal road will also not be permitted.
e) Give priority for the development of a defined walkway as shown on the Land
Use Map. Monetary contributions for the construction of the walkway may be
requested as a condition of development approval.
f) Inukshuk Park will be the focus for cultural and recreational activities and
events.
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
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4.3
Community Use
The Community Use designation is intended to maintain an adequate supply of land for
community uses, preferably in significant and important locations so that residents may
enjoy easy access to public facilities and services. 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 key locations across the
Hamlet offering good access for residents and visitors. 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 will 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,
dog teams and other forms of passive recreation.
b) A playground should be located within 300 metres walking distance from any
residence in the community.
c) Unless otherwise noted, all Commissioner's Land forming part of the 100-foot
strip (30.5 metres) along the seashore measured from the ordinary high water
mark will be designated Open Space.
d) No development is generally permitted within 30.5 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 studies have determined it to be safe and appropriate the
approvals are obtained.
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July 2023
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4.6
Waterfront Recreational
The Waterfront Recreational designation is intended to protect Nuvuk Point for uses
associated with traditional marine activities. The area has historically been the access to
Hudson Bay and a summer camping area. The policies of Council are:
a) The Waterfront Recreational designation will be used primarily for beach
shacks, boat storage, and land-based recreational activities.
b) Owners/lessees of development within this designation will be required to
maintain the development in good repair and keep the surrounding area tidy.
4.7
4.7
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 as well as uses
associated with marine transportation. Permitted uses will also include
garages, power generation plants, and fuel storage.
b) Council will develop new industrial subdivisions at the south end of the town
site to minimize land use conflicts and to reserve land closer to the town site
for residential and community uses.
c) Council will work with local businesses and government operations to identify
opportunities to relocate non-conforming industrial uses (e.g. garages within
the Community Core designation , warehouses, etc.) to the new industrial
subdivision.
d) Council will explore the opportunity for a public/private partnership with mining
interests to improve and/or expand the existing barge landing site at the south
end of town including a new port.
4.8
Transportation
The Transportation designation is intended to protect and ensure the safe operation of the
airport and related activities such as the NavCanada communications sites. The policies
of Council are:
a) Permitted uses in the Transportation designation include 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 areas affected by the Rankin Inlet Airport Zoning
Regulations, as shown on Schedule 3, shall comply with those regulations.
Development applications shall be referred to Nunavut Airports for review and
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
Page 7
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 Nav Canada.
d) Council will discourage the use of travelled pathways that are not identified as
public right of ways.
e) Council wishes to gain administration and control of Airport Lands that are
being used for activities that are not associated with aerodrome operations.
This includes two areas, each of which may require a separate survey: lands
north of the terminal, proposed for a hotel, and the Itivia industrial subdivision.
Hamlet shall have a dialogue with Nunavut Airports regarding the subdivision
and transfer of these lands.
4.9
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 - 'Nuna' - while providing access for traditional, recreational and
tourism activities, as well as quarrying. The policies of Council are:
a) The Nuna designation generally permits traditional, tourism and 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 (IQ).
4.10 Waste Disposal
The Waste Disposal designation is intended to identify existing or former waste disposal
sites and ensure required development setbacks are followed. 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 (Nunavut).
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 Regulations of the Public Health Act.
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July 2023
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4.11 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.
4.12 Municipal Reserve
The Municipal Reserve designation is intended to reserve the 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 may be shown on some of the Municipal Reserve
lands which considers connections with the existing road network, future land
uses, prevailing wind direction, solar orientation, drainage, and topography.
Road layouts may need to be changed according to community needs during
the detailed subdivision design process.
4.13 Restricted Development
The Restricted Development designation is intended to identify lands where the presence
of environmental contamination is either suspected or confirmed. The Restricted
Development designation is also intended to reserve lands for the remediation of
contaminated soils. The policies of Council are:
a) The Restricted Development designation permits no development except
conditional uses accessory to the storage and remediation of contaminated
soils.
b) Despite policy 4.13 a) above, a sports and recreation facilities may be
permitted on the site of the former tailings pond, subject to approval by the
Department of Health.
4.14 Watershed Overlay
The Watershed Overlay identifies the watershed of the Hamlet water source (Lake
Nipissar) and is intended to restrict the uses of the underlying designation to protect the
Hamlet water source. The policies of Council are:
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July 2023
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a) No development is permitted in the Watershed Overlay unless it can be
demonstrated that the development will have no impact on the Hamlet water
source.
b) Despite policy 4.14 a) above, uses accessory to the supply of water such as a
pipeline, a pumping or monitoring station, or road are permitted.
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
SCHEDULE 5:
UTILIDOR MASTER PLAN
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
Rankin Inlet Community Plan
July 2023
[Utilidor Master Plan maps will be added at this location,
without additional by-law amendment,
when they are finalized and approved by Council.]