Clyde River is located on the eastern coast of Baffin Island and is also known as Kangiqtugaapik or “nice little inlet”. The community is surrounded by spectacular mountains, icebergs and fiords that reach into the Barnes Icecap. The natural wonders of the region attract many outdoors enthusiasts, including rock and ice climbers from around the world.
There is an abundance of wildlife in the area, including polar bears, caribou, narwhals, and other marine mammals. The large marine Niginganiq National Wildlife Area, located in nearby Isabella Bay, provides protection to important bowhead whale habitat that is of great benefit to other species in the area as well.
Potential non-renewable resources in the region include: oil and gas, iron, coal, gold, diamonds, uranium, and base metals.
Land Use Planning
Approved Land Use Plan
The community of Clyde River is located within the planning region of the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan (NBRLUP). The NPC reviews all project proposals in and around Clyde River to determine if the proposed activities conform to the requirements of the NBRLUP.
Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan
Between 2004 and 2011, NPC staff visited every Nunavut community to conduct individual “Use and Occupancy Mapping” interviews to collect information on traditional land use activities “within living memory”. This community land use information is included in the Draft Plan and has been used to support decision making.
The Commission also visited the Community of Clyde River on November 7 & 8, 2012, for community engagement meetings on the Draft Plan.
Information was presented and received from participants in Clyde River in accordance with Nunavut Planning Commission’s Engagement Strategy. The summary report of the Community Meetings on the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan held on November 7 & 8, 2012, in Clyde River can be found below.
The community views and comments have been very informative in the ongoing process of development and revisions of the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan. In particular, all areas of importance identified by the community are included in the Draft Plan as “Community Priorities and Values”.