The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (the LWBs) are inviting comments and recommendations on a draft Waste Management Policy (the Policy), which will replace the Water and Effluent Quality Management Policy that was released in 2011.

On February 22, 23, and 24 the WLWB will be holding a Public Hearing for DDMI Diavik Mine’s Type A Water Licence Amendment Application (W2015L2-0001). The hearing will be held in a hybrid in-person and virtual format. The WLWB recognizes the ongoing COVID situation and will be implementing COVID protocols to allow for in-person participation where possible. The WLWB is still determining how many participants will be able to attend in-person.

Coming up February 15 to 17, 2022, the WLWB will be holding a Technical Workshop for Nighthawk Gold Corp’s Type A Water Licence Applications (Federal and Non-Federal), as well as their Type A Land Use Permit Application (W2021L2-0005,  W2021L2-0004,  W2021C0009).

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (LWBs) are pleased to announce the release of the Standard Water Licence Conditions and Schedules Template, Version 2.0. This version of the Template includes new Schedules, which provide the detailed information requirements associated with some conditions in the Security, Construction, Waste and Water Management, and Closure and Reclamation sections of the Template.

The LWBs, GNWT, and CIRNAC have released an updated version of the Guidelines for Closure and Reclamation Cost Estimates for Mines. See the news release below. To view the document, click here.

On January 18-20, 2022, the MVLWB will be holding a Technical Workshop for the De Beers Snap Lake Closure and Reclamation Plan (MV2019L2-0004). The purpose of this workshop is to give De Beers and Parties the opportunity to discuss any outstanding concerns regarding closure criteria, closure and post-closure monitoring, AEMP action levels, and monitoring frequency prior to submission of version 1.2 of the closure plan, and AEMP Design Plan. This Workshop will be held virtually via Zoom only, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

The WLWB is holding a Technical Workshop for Diavik Diamond Mine (DDMI)’s Type A Water Licence Amendment, December 8-10, 2021.

The Workshop will be held in a hybrid in-person and Zoom format. Participants who are able and comfortable doing so, are encouraged to attend in person. The Workshop will be held in Yellowknife, NT, at the Quality Inn in the Copper Room. 

From December 13 to 16, 2021, the MVLWB will be holding a Public Hearing for Canadian Zinc Corporation’s Prairie Creek Mining and Mineral Exploration Application. The Hearing will be held both in-person at The Explorer Hotel in Katimavik D and E, and online via Zoom.

Coming up November 30 to December 3, 2021, the WLWB will be hosting the Ekati Closure Criteria Workshop. The Workshop will be in a hybrid in-person and Zoom format. Participants who are able and comfortable doing so, are encouraged to attend in person. The Workshop will be held at the Chateau Nova Hotel in the Caribou Room. Zoom details will be provided the week of the Workshop to those who have RSVP'd.

On November 23 to 26, 2021, the WLWB will be holding a Public Hearing for Ekati’s Point Lake Application. The hearing will be held both in-person at the Chateau Nova, in the Caribou Room, and online via Zoom. The first three days will be full days, the fourth, a half day. For those wishing to attend in person, please arrive between 8:00-8:30am on Tuesday, November 23rd to undergo COVID-19 measures. You will be required to sign in, provide proof of vaccination, and wear a mask when not sitting. Please contact Rhiana Bams if you need the Zoom link.

The LWBs have updated the Maps page found under the Resources tab with an updated link to our Current Authorizations. This map shows all authorizations for the GLWB, MVLWB, SLWB, and WLWB, and will be updated regularly to ensure accuracy. 

The MVLWB is holding a Public Hearing for the City of Yellowknife's Municipal Operations water licence renewal application (MV2021L3-0003) on September 14-16, 2021, 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm daily, with public sessions on September 14, from 7-8pm and September 15, from 1:30-2:30pm. The hearing will be held in Yellowknife at the Chateau Nova Hotel - Caribou Conference Centre, as well as virtually via Zoom.

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (LWBs) are pleased to announce the release of the following updated LWB guidance documents:

The WLWB is holding a Technical Workshop for Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd.’s proposed Point Lake project on September 7-9, 2021. The workshop is regarding Arctic’s Application to Amend Water Licence W2012L2-0001 and its Land Use Permit Applications W2021X0004 and W2021D0005. The purpose of this Technical Workshop is meant to provide a forum where Parties can discuss their concerns about the Applications directly with the Applicant and their consultants.

The MVLWB is holding a Technical Session for Canadian Zinc Corporation's Prairie Creek Mine type A water licence renewal and new land use permit applications (MV2021D0005 MV2021L2-0004), August 31– September 2, 2021. The purpose of the Technical Session is to provide a forum where parties can discuss their concerns with technical components of the application, with the applicant and its consultants.

The Celebrations for the 100 year Anniversary of the signing of Treaty 11 on August 20-22, 2021 have been postponed until further notice. 

The Wek'èezhìı Renewable Resources Board (WRRB) is starting an educational series on Climate Change, beginning with an article on wildfires. To read the first installment in this important series, click here.

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley (LWBs) are pleased to announce the release of the following updated LWB guidance documents:

Water Use Fee Policy

Standard Outline for Management Plans

The Indigenous Centre for Cumulative Effects (ICCE) is calling for proposals from Indigenous communities who are engaged in cumulative effects assessment, management or monitoring projects regarding environmental, cultural, social, or health impact on their land, water or air now and in the future. 

On June 15 - 17, 2021, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board will be holding a Public Hearing for the Pine Point Mining Limited (PPML) - Land Use Permit and Water Licence Applications of the Confirmation and Exploration Program (MV2020L8-0012 MV2020C0017

The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board is seeking an energetic and highly organized individual for the the position of Regulatory Specialist. The job is located in our Yellowknife office. For further details, please click here for the job posting that closes Monday, June 21, 2021.”

The Tłı̨chǫ Government is currently hiring a Regulatory Specialist to work out of their Behchokǫ̀ office. This position is currently available to NWT residents only. Posting is open until 5pm, May 26, 2021. For further details, see the posting below. 

On March 9-11, 2021, the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, the Government of Northwest Territories, and the Government of Canada hosted the annual Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA) Resource Co-management Workshop. This year's workshop was predominantly online with a variety of interactive activities, presentations, and panel discussions. To read the summary report, click here. 

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley are pleased to announce the winners from the 2021 Youth Online Multimedia Contest! The Youth Online Multimedia Contest is a celebration of the water, land and our connection to the environment.  There were three categories to showcase their relationship to water and land in all its forms, through video, photography and artwork.  Prizes have been awarded to the top submissions and runners-up in each category.  For your viewing pleasure please click on the link ( or see below).