Toronto, Ontario – February 23, 2026 –  The Canada Infrastructure Bank (with the support of Indigenous Services Canada) has determined that the carrying out of the Cogeco AHSIP Lambton 28 Project on Walpole Island First Nation Reserve is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

A Notice of Intent to Make a Determination was posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on August 26, 2025. No comments were received during the public comment period.

In making its determination, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) considered:

• Potential adverse impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
• Indigenous knowledge and community input provided by Walpole Island First Nation representatives; Walpole Island First Nation representatives were engaged during planning and implementation. In response to concerns raised regarding aerial installation, the proponent adopted a buried installation approach along existing disturbed roadways.
• No comments were received from the public since the date of the posting of the Notice of Intent to Make a Determination;
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures were applied, including:
  • Installation of fibre infrastructure within previously disturbed roadway rights-of-way;
  • Placement of works on the inland side of roadways to maximize distance from adjacent waterways where feasible;
  • Implementation of erosion and sediment control considerations during design and construction;
  • Restoration of disturbed areas following construction;

The CIB sought specialist expertise from Indigenous Services Canada pursuant to section 85 of the IAA. Based on the information reviewed, including mitigation measures, the CIB is satisfied that the Project is not likely to result in significant adverse environmental effects.