Canadian Destinations

New national park planned for Labrador

By Colin F. Smith

Photo by Baine/Flickr

A new national park larger than any other in eastern Canada is going to be established in the Mealy Mountains region of southeastern Labrador.

An agreement by the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to work toward establishment of the 10,700-square-kilometre Mealy Mountain National Park Reserve was announced in February.

The provincial government also announced its intent to establish a waterway provincial park to protect the Eagle River, adjacent to the proposed national park reserve. Together these areas will protect over 13,000 square kilometres.

The Mealy Mountains are an island of arctic tundra surrounded by boreal forests and coastal seascapes. They rise from the southern shore of Lake Melville and reach heights of more than one kilometre.

The region is considered to contain some of Labrador's most pristine wetlands and Atlantic salmon habitat.

Wildlife includes moose, black bear, osprey and bald eagles, and there are significant seabird colonies along the coast.

In addition, several species at risk are found in the area, including a population of woodland caribou and the eastern population of the harlequin duck.

Marine mammals abound in the coastal and offshore waters, including six species of seals and sixteen species of dolphins and whales. The endangered Atlantic population of Blue Whale may also be found offshore and, on occasion, polar bears can be seen on the pack ice or on offshore islands.

“As we enter into the International Year of Biodiversity, it is fitting that we are working to establish a national park reserve to protect this spectacular boreal landscape for all time, for all Canadians,” said Environment Minister Jim Prentice. “This part of Labrador is not only of ecological significance, it is also of great cultural importance and we are committed to moving forward in a way that recognizes and respects the traditional connections people have with the land.”

Consultations with Aboriginal groups will continue throughout the national park reserve establishment process. As recommended by the steering committee for the park feasibility study, traditional land use activities by Labradorians will be permitted to continue within the national park reserve, managed to emphasize ecological integrity and conservation measures.

The new park will bring economic benefits to the residents of Nunatsiavut, the self-governing territory of the Labrador Inuit, according to First Minister Tony Andersen.

“With the Torngat Mountains National Park to the north, Nunatsiavut is well positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities that will result from the establishment of the Mealy Mountains National Park to the south,” he said.

“Nunatsiavut will be sandwiched in between two of the most beautiful national parks in the country, resulting in increased tourism and economic development.”

Economic benefits are particularly expected for the Rigolets, a Labrador Inuit community with a population of 350 that is located on Hamilton Inlet which leads from the coast to Lake Melville.