Mr. Speaker, this is a return to oral question asked by Mr. Rabesca on September 21, 1998, regarding NWT campgrounds.
Mr. Speaker, we are currently drafting terms of reference for a study into the needs of local residents regarding the development of a new park in the Rae-Edzo area. We see this as providing employment and economic benefits to the community while allowing consideration of other tourism-related developments.
Although we do not expect the study to begin until the 1999/2000 fiscal year, we hope to have the support of the band and local agencies regarding the terms of reference before March 31, 1999. It is clear that with land claims negotiations not yet concluded, the acquisition of land for this development purpose will be a major consideration.
We anticipate that part of this study would include revisiting some of the planning work previously done, but the study must also recognize other new developments such as the golf course that the community is currently developing.