November 27, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Sandy Lake First Nation - Health Services Building Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The determination was made based on a consideration of the following factors:

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

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are: 

• Air Quality: Implementation of a dust plan including frequent watering by maintaining access to water truck, visual monitoring, inspection and communication; 
• Spills on-site: Equipment will be checked regularly, fuel will be stored in a double walled tank further than 30m away from watercourses, spill kits to be on site, and the MECP SAC will be contacted if there is a spill; 
• Noise: Equipment to be running properly and maintained regularly, minimize idling, and ensure that sound levels are compliant with MOECC Noise Pollution Control Guidelines; 
• Archaeological potential: If any relevant artifacts are uncovered, works would temporarily stop in those areas while an investigation occurs with first nation council and elders; Any human remains would be investigated by provincial and federal police forces.;
• Human Health and Safety: Contractor to comply with all safety standards/ regulations and labour laws. Traffic control and signage to be placed where required and community will be informed of any scheduled disruptions; 
• Erosion and Sediment Control: Contractor to devise and implement a storm water management plan. Sediment and erosion control measures to be implemented (i.e., silt fence), stabilizing any disturbed areas, and minimize disturbance outside the project boundary. 

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada may carry out the project, 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.