Notice of Determination

 

June 9, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Nekaneet Cree Nation Fire Hall project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

The determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

- the Nekaneet Cree Nation are in support of the project, and their membership will benefit from the project

- no comments were received from the public about the project

- mitigation measures are required for the project

 

Implementation of the following mitigation measures is required for the project:

1. The project shall proceed in the manner described in the ISC Project Description form, dated April 2, 2025, Simple Environmental Review report (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated April 9, 2025) and Site Plan (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated April 1, 2025). The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project for approval.

2. Relevant permits and approvals will be obtained before undertaking any work. It is the Proponent's responsibility to meet all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations that apply to the proposed project, and to adhere to the conditions outlined in any permits or approvals issued for the project. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.

3. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.

a. If any topsoil stripping occurs with the nesting period of the region (mid-April – late August), the site will be inspected prior to determine the presence of any ground nesting birds.

i. The inspection will occur within 7 days of the start of construction activities and will consist of a visual and auditory inspection to assess breeding activity within and surrounding the project area.

ii. The inspection will be conducted by walking transects with intermittent stopping points to record all birds that are seen or heard, while also noting observed breeding behaviors.

iii. If a bird is accidentally flushed, the immediate area will be vacated promptly. Suspected nesting locations will be recorded, and appropriate buffer zones/mitigation measures will be established.

b. The walking inspection will also include an assessment for observation and/or detection of any mammal, amphibians, and plant species listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act.

i. A filtered list of species considered likely to inhabit the area based on habitat preferences will be created prior to the field assessment to employ a better targeted search approach, and mitigation measures will be developed for any observed species.

4. Erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fencing and rip rap will be utilized to limit and contain the impacted areas during construction.

5. After construction, seeding will be completed in disturbed areas to reestablish vegetative growth equal to that of the surrounding area.

6. The contractor will have an emergency response plan that will be implemented in the event of an accidental spill. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction.

7. Materials imported to site (aggregate materials to be utilized as base gravel for site surfacing) will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.

8. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.

9. The contractor will be required to dispose of all waste generated during construction at appropriate registered off-reserve disposal facilities.

 

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.