Notice of intent to make a determination

Construction of Five Houses on Weenusk First Nation – Public Comments Invited

 

January 8, 2026 – Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Construction of Five Houses on Weenusk First Nation, located in Peawanuck, ON, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

 

Written comments must be submitted by February 7, 2026 to:

Hannah Silvaggio

101-100 Anemki Place

Fort William First Nation, ON P7J 1A5

hannah.silvaggio@sac-isc.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

 

Weenusk First Nation is proposing the construction of 4 detached houses and a trailer home around the community. Each lot is 929 square metres and three lots require the demolition of existing residential units due to structural damages from fire or abandonment. Other construction activities will include: excavation of topsoil, backfilling and compacting new sand and gravel, grubbing, grading and levelling, foundation laying, ditching for culvert installation around the lots, and installation of electrical and plumbing. Debris will be disposed at the local community landfill. Any hazardous waste generated will be sent out via air or ground transportation in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Aggregate will be sourced from a nearby gravel pit. The new homes will replace homes that burnt down and mitigate overcrowded housing. Construction is estimated to start in June 2026 to October 2027.