Public Notice

Resurface & Upgrade Paths to Improve Accessibility – Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area – Public Comments Invited

October 1, 2024 - The authority must determine whether the proposed repair and maintenance, located in the Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, the authority is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

 

Written comments must be submitted by November 1, 2024, to:

John Viengkone

Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service

4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON M3H 5T4

416-884-5148

John.Viengkone@ec.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

Friends of Wye Marsh Inc. (FOWM) is proposing to undertake enhancements for paths at the Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area (WMNWA). The WMNWA is located in Midland, Ontario and is federal land managed by ECCC-CWS in partnership with FOWM. The paths are managed by FOWM and located on an existing, maintained path network within the NWA.

The project's purpose is to improve two loops within the existing path network to become fully accessible to visitors with disabilities and comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). To meet AODA compliance, activities proposed include resurfacing using a raised-tread method, assessment and repairs to a section of boardwalk, and two small reroutes to ensure the path is level, smooth, and meets the required sloping to become fully accessible. Excluding the two reroutes, the resurfaced and upgraded paths will be within the same footprint as the existing path network. The reroutes are expected to add approximately 41m of new path to the footprint but will be offset by the closure of existing paths. The total length of closed paths will exceed the length of paths added. Resurfacing of the existing paths and reroutes will be completed using skid steer, mini excavator, mini dumper, and other light machinery. Existing trails and roads will be used to transport machinery and materials safely on and off site.

The proposed work will occur starting after November 1, 2024, for completion by March 31, 2025, when disturbance to birds and other wildlife will be minimal. Minor vibration and noise disturbance may occur during this project due to resurfacing paths and moving and transporting construction materials. Work duration will be minimized to decrease overall disturbance and will be completed by a contractor who can comply with permits, obligations, and requirements of the area.

Where reroutes occur, the non-accessible path will be closed and restored to the native surrounding forest habitat. Exposed soil and excavated material will be re-graded, stabilized and/or re-seeded as needed using suitable native plants, soils, seed mix and seed application to benefit wildlife including species at risk. Appropriate waste disposal containers and methods will be used to reduce risk of spills and contamination. This work will require a Canada Wildlife Act permit to allow for proposed construction activities to occur including the operation of a conveyance and ground disturbance. The Contractor will be required to assess the site for species at risk and stop work if encountered. The Contractor will also be required to do regular inspections and maintenance of vehicles and machinery to ensure they are free of fluid leaks, invasive species, and wildlife.