Notice of Early Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — July 7, 2025 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) conducted an assessment of the York Factory First Nation Ten Shilling Aerodrome Project (the project) and on July 3, 2025, decided at an early stage that a comprehensive impact assessment is not required for the project proposed by York Factory First Nation (the proponent), located in Manitoba.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), IAAC has considered each of the following factors:

• the Initial Project Description and Response to the Summary of Issues, as submitted by the proponent pursuant to sections 10 and 15 of the IAA;
• the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project;
• adverse impacts that the project may have on the rights of Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
• comments received by IAAC from the public, Indigenous groups, and federal authorities in relation to the project, as reflected in the Summary of Issues;
• any relevant assessment referred to in section 92, 93 or 95 of the IAA; and,
• whether a means other than an impact assessment exists that would permit a jurisdiction to address the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, and the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project.

In light of the factors considered, IAAC is of the view that the potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or direct or incidental adverse effects, from the project would be limited or addressed through existing federal and provincial legislative and regulatory frameworks. This includes but is not limited to the Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Manitoba's Heritage Resources Act, and Water Rights Act. As a result, IAAC decided that a comprehensive impact assessment under the IAA is not required for the project. Decisions like these ensure that Canada's impact assessment process is efficient by determining at an early stage whether a comprehensive impact assessment is required or not.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact information@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.