August 03, 2021 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard has decided that the proposed Queen Charlotte Strait Navigation Aid Replacement and Helipad Installation project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects

In making this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard considered the following factors and mitigation measures:

• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples: Engagement with Indigenous Peoples who's Traditional Territories the sites are within was conducted and support given from some of the Nations. Coast Guard is continuing to reach out to the Nations they have not received a response from. Work will  not occur in areas where permission is required if Coast Guard does not receive confirmation of approval;
• Indigenous knowledge:
• community knowledge: Public notification on local wharfs and marinas as well as local papers were posted with no response from the public. Verbal support from BC Parks supervisor for work occurring within conservation areas and ecological reserves;
• comments received from the public: No public comments were received;
• mitigation measures:
  • Environment Protection Plan,
  • Environmental monitoring at site to be demolished,
  • Completing work at known nesting sites after the nesting period,
  • Environmental monitor to inspect sites prior to barge access to confirm nesting completion

 Implementation of mitigation measures is required for the project to address:

• Bird nesting habitat
• Water and sediment quality
• Coastal riparian and shoreline
• Marine mammal and finfish presence
• Fish and fish habitat
• Indigenous fisheries and infrastructure

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard is satisfied that there is little potential for the project to cause adverse environmental effects on areas of federal jurisdiction.

Therefore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard may exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.