Environmental Assessment Legislation in the Yukon

The Yukon has long had a reputation for being an easy place for film producers to work. We’re understandably proud of this. In fact, even today the Yukon does not require film location permits, although land-use permits for certain activities do apply.
However, we are proud of our pristine, untouched wilderness and our thriving wildlife. We are also proud of our Northern way of life. Yukon residents enjoy a special connection to the land we call home. It’s why most of us came to live here, and why most of us stay. It’s always been that way. Yukon’s First Nation peoples have felt that connection for thousands of years and, at their core, feel a spiritual union with the land that has sustained them for generations.

Understandably, Yukoners want to protect our beautiful land for our children and future generations.

Film productions on location in the Yukon have always acknowledged this and have recognised that while they are shooting, they become privileged stewards of the land, and do their utmost to protect the environment while getting the job done.

New Legislation is coming into Effect: Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act (YESSA)

Until 2003, the Canadian government was responsible for conducting environmental assessments in the Yukon, but on April 1st 2003, the responsibility for the management of land in the Yukon was passed onto the Yukon government. The Yukon government recognised that they were not the only stakeholders however, and are currently working on creating a ‘made in Yukon’ mirror legislation that takes into consideration all stakeholders concerns, from First Nations to municipal governments. That legislation will come into affect April 2005.

What does this mean for film productions?
  1. Until April 2005, film productions in the Yukon are subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEA).
  2. Under the CEA, certain factors will generally trigger environmental assessment reviews:
    • If an application is made to the Yukon Film Incentive Program
    • If a land-use permit is required
    • If a ‘camp’ is built for a crew for more than 100 person days ( ie: 10 crew x 10 days)
      • * Note: it may be determined during the review that an assessment is not necessary.
  3. If none of the above applies, then no reviews or assessments need to be conducted.
  4. In April 2005, film productions in the Yukon will become subject to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act (YESSA)
    - Under YESSA, the same triggers will apply as before, except for Yukon government funding. This means that a production that applies for funding under the Yukon Film Incentive Program will not automatically trigger a review.
  5. Provided all the necessary information is submitted in advance, reviews will only take a short period of time, in some cases, as little as 24 hours. If it is determined that a full Environment Assessment is required, the review is required to be conducted in less than 42 days. Once again, if all relevant information is provided in advance, the reviews should take a substantially shorter amount of time, even days.
Here is the basic information required in advance:
  1. The GPS location (long / lat), if available, otherwise exact detail of where shooting and film camp will be taking place.
  2. The exact number of person days on the land at the specified location.
  3. Detailed description of what activities will occur at each location.
  4. What type of equipment you will be using - for example - generators, chainsaws, 4 wheelers, grip equipment, lights etc.
  5. How you plan to deal with human waste, grey water etc.?
  6. How will food be served and stored at this location?
  7. Will you require campfires at this location?
Where do you go for assistance?

We’re here to help! The Yukon Film & Sound Commission is your source for all YESSA information, rules and procedures. Call us at 867-667-5400 or email us at [email protected]