Notice of Determination for the Black Lake First Nation - Firehall and Equipment

February 6, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Black Lake First Nation - Firehall and Equipment project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

-the Black Lake First Nation has authorized the project by Band Council Resolution, and its 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, Simple Environmental Form (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated December 15, 2025) and other supporting documents. 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.
3. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.
4. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   • Screening of the site by a qualified environmental professional will be completed if clearing is planned within the potential nesting period for migratory birds (May 1 to August 31).
   • If clearing and construction is scheduled within the breeding and nesting period, a pre-construction wildlife sweep will be completed 7 days prior to construction and will consist of a visual and auditory inspection to assess breeding activity within and surrounding the project area.
   • Supplemental sweeps will be completed if work stoppage of greater than 7-days occurs during the construction period.
   • If any nests or dwelling are discovered, or breeding bird activities are observed indicating the proximity of a nest an appropriate setback with proper flagging to mark the buffer zone. The areas will be avoided until young have naturally left the nest.
   • ISC and Environment and Climate Change Canada must also be contacted immediately upon discovery to determine mitigation strategies.
5. Provide erosion and sediment control measures to prevent soil erosion and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties.
   • Inspect, repair, and maintain erosion and sediment control measures during construction until permanent vegetation has been established.
   • Remove erosion and sediment controls measures and restore and stabilize areas disturbed during removal.
6. Revegetate and/or stabilize disturbed areas as soon as possible.
7. The contractor will have an emergency response plan that will be implemented in the event of an accidental spill during construction and will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits during construction.
8. Regardless of volume, any spilled substance that may cause an adverse effect must be cleaned up immediately and removed from the site for proper disposal. All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.
9. Materials imported to site will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.
10. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.
11. Dust control must be implemented to prevent air quality impacts and ensure the safety of nearby public.
12. Waste and/or hazardous materials must be removed from site as soon as practicable and taken to a certified/approved landfill in accordance with provincial and municipal legislation.