Construction Project

The Category I Land Development Application Form must be submitted to the LHC at least 60 days before the proposed start date of a construction project over Nunavik Category I Land. A construction project is any activity that has a direct impact on the land, meaning it changes, occupies, or alters the terrain in some way.

Examples of construction projects include:

  • Construction of new infrastructures or buildings, such as:
    • Residential buildings (houses, staff housing, transit, etc.)
    • Commercial buildings (store, office, hotel, restaurant, etc.)
    • Institutional buildings (school, hospital, firehall, etc.)
    • Recreation facilities (arena, pool, playground, etc.)
    • Storage facilities (warehouse, boat shelter, etc.)
    • Civil works (road, dumpsite, lagoon, etc.)
    • Outfitting camp
  • Building or structure extensions
  • Relocation of buildings or structures to a new site

Some activities don’t require a Category I Land Development Application Form because they do not impact the land or fall under another category or type of authorization.

These include:

  • Building or interior renovations
  • Window or roof replacement
  • Installation of poles, streetlights, or fences
  • Blasting
  • Decontamination work and environmental remediation – see the appropriate section for details
  • Mineral extraction (quarries or borrow pits) – see the appropriate section for details

How to Request a Parcel of Category I Land for a Construction Project

The Category I Land Development Application Form is used to request the allocation of a parcel of Category I Land. Please note that a Development Permit issued by the Northern Village is also required for any project taking place within municipal boundaries. The allocation of a parcel of Category I Land by the LHC in no way obligates the Northern Village to approve the project, nor does it ensure the project's compliance with municipal and provincial regulations.

Application Form for Development Permit from Northern Villages

  1. Application

    The promoter must complete the Category I Land Development Application Form and submit it to the concerned Landholding Corporation (LHC) along with all required documentation at least 60 days prior to the start of the construction. Please note that incomplete applications or missing information may delay the review process.

    The fee to submit an application is established at $300.00 and can be paid either by cheque or by electronic money transfer (EMT).

    Please note that submitting an application does not constitute permission to use or occupy Category I Land, nor does it authorize the start of any construction or development activities. Any unauthorized use or occupation of Category I Land may result in legal action, including an injunction requiring the immediate cessation of all activities. The LHC may also hold the responsible party liable for restoring the Land and repairing any damages caused.

  2. Review and Approval

    Upon receipt of a duly completed Category I Land Development Application Form and the payment of the applicable fee, the application form will be reviewed by the LHC which reserves the right to accept or refuse any application at its sole discretion. The LHC also reserves the right to reject any Category I Land Development Application Form if the Applicant and/or their contractor has outstanding debts related to previous projects or Land occupation.

    Many communities have established Land Use Committees made up of representatives from the LHC Board and the Municipal Council. These committees review construction projects within the community to help streamline the application process. Promoters may be invited to attend a meeting if questions arise or additional clarifications are needed. Please note that the Land Use Committee’s role is advisory only and it can only make recommendations. Final approval from both the LHC Board of Directors and the Municipal Council is required before any construction project can proceed within municipal boundaries.

  3. Signature of a Land Lease

    Once the Category I Land Development Application Form has been approved by the LHC, the LHC Board of Directors will issue a formal resolution confirming acceptance of the construction project.

    Following this approval, a Land Lease Agreement must be signed by both parties for the rental of the allocated parcel of Category I Land. An invoice for the first year of rent and applicable construction fees will then be issued.

    Land Lease Terms and Conditions

    • Lease Duration: Land leases are granted for a maximum term of five (5) years and may be renewed according to LHC policies.
    • Rent: The rental rate is determined by the LHC based on its internal guidelines.
    • Community Service Projects: For lands used for community services, such as roads, schools, hospitals, police stations, or telecommunications and other community services of the same nature supplied by the Government, its agents or mandataries of the State, the LHC must grant a lease for a nominal yearly rent of $1. These leases are not subject to term restrictions.

  4. Construction

    The construction project will be authorized to proceed only once all these steps are completed, granting the promoter the right to use and occupy the allocated parcel of land. Construction must begin within two (2) years of approval; otherwise, the LHC reserves the right to terminate the lease and reallocate the land to another user.

    During the construction phase, exterior storage of containers, machinery, and supplies is permitted within the limits of the allocated lot. If additional space beyond the leased parcel is required, a separate request must be submitted to the LHC (see section on Exterior Storage).

  5. Survey of the final lot

    At the end of construction, a surveyed plan of the lot must be submitted to the Landholding Corporation. This survey must be completed within one (1) year following the end of construction to ensure the land lease accurately reflects the final dimensions of the developed parcel.

    Please note that no adjustment or reduction in surface area can be made to the lease without an official surveyed plan.