The Tourism Act R-025-2025 establishes the Tourist Accommodation Regulations. These regulations, drafted under the authority of section 14 of the Tourism Act, govern various types of tourist accommodations, providing definitions, classifications, licensing procedures, and guidelines for their operation.

The regulations introduce a wide range of accommodation types, including bed and breakfast establishments, cabin establishments, camping sites, hostels, hotels, lodges, remote camps, tent camps, home stays, and others. These classifications aim to distinguish between different accommodation structures based on their facilities, guest capacity, and location, reflecting the diverse nature of tourism in the region. Each accommodation type is defined by its unique characteristics, such as the provision of breakfast in bed and breakfasts or the semi-permanent nature of tent camps.

The primary focus of the regulations is to outline the process for obtaining and maintaining wilderness tourist accommodation licences. This process requires applicants to submit an application to a tourism officer, accompanied by necessary documentation and an annual licence fee. The tourism officer reviews these applications and may request additional information to ensure compliance with the law. Key criteria for issuing or renewing licences include the accommodation’s potential to benefit the local economy, the applicant’s insurance coverage, and the accommodation’s compatibility with the local environment, traditional land uses, and legal requirements.

The regulations also set forth a series of conditions that must be met for the issuance of a licence. These include compliance with the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act and its associated screenings or approvals, as well as the accommodation’s adherence to safety standards and the protection of natural resources.

Licence conditions are not limited to issuance but also extend to ensuring the ongoing operation of accommodations aligns with regulatory standards. Tourism officers are authorized to conduct inspections and investigations to verify compliance. These officers have the power to assign a maximum guest capacity, based on factors like health, safety, and environmental considerations. Operators must adhere to this capacity to prevent overcrowding, which could negatively affect the area’s ecological balance or guest safety.

The aim of these regulations is to ensure that tourism accommodations operate in a manner that respects both the environment and local communities. By imposing detailed requirements for licences, inspections, and compliance, fostering a safe, sustainable, and economically beneficial tourism industry. This is especially important in regions like Nunavut, where environmental conservation and respect for traditional land uses are critical to the social and cultural fabric of the community.

Nunavut (25-2025) May 30, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.