Dealings with lands in the village

(1) The council shall have the following privileges, duties and responsibilities with respect to lands within the village, (a) a map or maps showing the lands in the village and their distribution shall be delivered to the council by the Ministry responsible for lands, and the council shall be informed by the Ministry in a timely manner of any changes or intended changes; 39 (b) the council may constitute itself a Lots Committee or may appoint a Lots Committee under section 14 of this Act hereof to make recommendations to the said Ministry with regard to the distribution of lots and lands within or affecting the boundaries of the (c) before dealing with any lands in the village, the Ministry responsible for lands shall consult the council and take its views into account; and should the said Ministry decide not to follow the advice of the council it shall explain its reasons in writing to the council before effecting that decision, and provide the council further opportunity to present its case to the Ministry; and (d) with the consent of and under the conditions negotiated with the department of Government responsible for forestry, the may have responsibility for maintaining forest reserve boundaries that coincide with the village boundary and be compensated for this. (2) A council may acquire by lease, purchase or otherwise, lands and buildings or any part thereof for any purpose of public utility. (3) The Ministry responsible for lands shall transfer title to such lands in a village as are required by the village council to construct any buildings necessary for it to carry out its functions under this Act as well as for recreational purposes such as parks and playing fields.