With effect from 1 January 2018, Qaasuitsup Municipality is divided into two, which both Naalakkersuisut and the municipality have recommended, to Kommune Qeqertalik with the towns Aasiaat, Kangaatsiaq, Qasigiannguit and Qeqertarsuaq; and to Avannaata Kommunia with the towns Ilulissat, Qaanaaq, Upernavik and Uummannaq.
The municipal council of Qaasuitsup Municipality has adopted Planning Strategy 2017, which sets out the direction for revision of the town plan. The Greenland Government Act no. 30 of 28 November 2016 amending the structural reform of the municipal sector, states that the two transitional committees are to approve each of their proposals for a new town plan.
Growth through diversity
As part of the preliminary plan process, a planning strategy – Strategy 2017 – has been prepared. Strategy 2017 describes the overall direction for the municipality’s future development as well as specific and action-oriented efforts.
The vision of Strategy 2017 states:
In Avannaata Kommunia, there is room for many different people, experiences and development. Respecting our basis for living – the magnificent nature, natural resources and unique culture – we create room for new life, new communities, a sustainable modern development and – not least – each other.
The world’s largest municipality has plenty of room for all of this and, consequently, room for the good life. Avannaata Kommunia is an inclusive municipality – both in terms of settings and in terms of values. The vision is a unifying principle for the development of our municipality and the aim for other municipal policies and efforts, including the town plan. Basically, the vision describes what Avannaata Kommunia is to live off and prioritise in the future and how to best unite the strengths within the municipality – including physical planning.
With the Coalition Agreement "Priority goals and visions", there has been a focus on strengthening local development opportunities.
Four core values
The vision is based on four values characterising the special qualities of Avannaata Kommunia:
- Solidarity
- Learning
- Diversity
- Hospitality
Solidarity is part of our cultural identity. Through solidarity, we achieve safety and are motivated to assume responsibility.
Solidarity is when:
- everyone participates actively in our community
- we are committed and assume responsibility
- we work together
To be able to utilise the many future possibilities, learning is to be a focal point. Education and knowledge are important keys to ensuring a long-term development of the municipality.
Learning is when:
- we are open, curious and eager to learn more.
- we put people’s knowledge to use.
- we ensure that insight into our culture is handed over from one generation to the next.
The strength of north-western Greenland lies in its diversity – our unique nature, the changes of seasons, natural resources, possibilities for adventures and our living societies. We want to maintain and protect this diversity in the future.
Diversity is when:
- there is room for differences.
- life comes in many shapes and sizes.
- we protect the differences and distinctive characteristics of our municipality.
By focusing on hospitality, we can build on the traditional friendliness, warmth and openness of north-western Greenland.
Hospitality is when:
- everyone feels welcome.
- newcomers are seen as a resource.
- Avannaata Kommunia is an attractive place to live.
The core values are our strengths and with them we must ensure and develop our future municipality. For this purpose the town plan and area administration are key tools.
