June 11, 2021 - Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Transport Canada (TC) must determine whether the proposed Potlotek First Nation Passenger Ferry Wharf Replacements (Mainland and Chapel Island), located in Potlotek First Nation, NS is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, ISC and TC are inviting public comments in respect to that determination.

Written comments must be submitted by July 12, 2021 to:

Indigenous Services Canada – Environment

PO BOX 160

Amherst, NS

B4H 3Z3

aadnc.paeat-erpat.aandc@canada.ca

Proposed Project

The  purpose of the Project is to provide safe wharf facilities and continued safe passage of people to and from Chapel Island, Richmond County, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.  The Project includes the replacement of two existing wharves situated on the Bras d'Or Lakes, Nova Scotia.  The existing structures have been deemed unsuitable/unsafe for continued long term use.  The existing structures will be decommissioned, the Chapel Island structure will be rebuilt in its existing location, and the mainland structure will be rebuilt approximately 50 m east of its existing location.  Other related works include a new access area/parking lot for access to the new mainland wharf using already existing access areas and the parking lot.

The Project will include the replacement of an existing timber crib wharf structure on the mainland and an existing timber structured wharf on Chapel Island, with two new steel pile wharf structures, complete with concrete decks and protective timber sheathing.  The wharves will be designed for passenger transport only and not for vehicles or industrial uses.  The mainland wharf replacement location is at the end of Sitmuk Awti (Chapel Island Road), located off the Trunk 4 Highway, and is expected to measure 41m long by 5m wide.  The Chapel Island wharf replacement is approximately 200m from the mainland at the southeast tip of Chapel Island and is expected to measure 47m long and 5m wide. Access to and from Chapel Island is by water only.