Yukon may be too soft on illegal land use, minister says

People who violate Yukon land use regulations could soon be facing stiffer penalties, according to the territory's mines minister.

Minister Ranj Pillai was responding to questions in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, about an unauthorized17-kilometre, 3.5-metre wide trail that was built near Carmackstwo years ago.

In December, a Yukon prospector and a local contractor were each fined $1,200 for building the trail.

NDP leader Liz Hanson suggested the punishmentwas too light, and Pillaiacknowledged it was "a very significant situation."

"We are considering legislative changesto increase the penalties under the Territorial Lands Act," Pillai said.

"It certainly has been a challenging situationworking within the framework that we have in place."

• Yukon prospector, contractor each fined $1,200 for cutting illegal trail

Hanson was not entirely satisfied, though.She saidthe illegal trail near Carmacksallowed hundreds of mining claims to be staked in a "newly-accessible area."

"Some of those claims are in the name of those who illegally built the road," she said.

Hanson argues that the $1,200 fine seems to have "erased any harm done, and the prospector is able to go on, business as usual."

"It's kind of like sending a bank robber to jail, but telling him he can keep the money," Hanson said."It makes no sense."

Hanson also asked whether Yukoners will be on the hook to pay for thereclamation work to de-activate the road.

Pillaisaid the government is now working with local First Nations to develop a reclamation plan. In the meantime, he says, a gate has been installed at the trailheadto prevent access.

He said the government is also looking at changing legislationto make those who violate land use regulations"responsible for remediationof the environmental damages caused by unauthorized work."