Notice of Intent to Make a Determination

Star Blanket Cree Nation, Okanese First Nation, and Little Black Bear Band Regional Waste Diversion Center - Public Comments invited

June 26, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Regional Waste Diversion Center, to be located on Star Blanket Cree Nation, 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. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by July 25, 2026 to:

Indigenous Services Canada
2010 12th Avenue
Regina, SK  S4P 0M3

Telephone: 306-581-3134
Email: isc-skenv@sac-isc.gc.ca

 

Proposed Project

Star Blanket Cree Nation, Okanese First Nation, and Little Black Bear First Nation are proposing to construct a Waste Diversion Centre to serve the three member Nations.

 

The development will include the construction of an attendant building with site equipment storage bays, along with an aggregate‑surfaced pad area designed to accommodate diversion and storage bays for recyclable materials and household hazardous waste (including secondary containment). The site will also feature an elevated loading platform to facilitate transfer of refuse into waste containers. The constructed area will encompass approximately 2.5 ha.

 

The proposed site is located within an abandoned yard site. There is no tree clearing required. Approximately 3.5 ha of topsoil stripping required, with ground disturbance activities consisting of excavation of perimeter ditching, building up the transfer pad area, and constructing the access road.

 

Solid waste will primarily consist of packaging for building materials. Construction refuse will be confined to and collected from the site, with ultimate disposal to an off-reserve designated landfill facility. To manage surface water, perimeter ditching will be constructed around the entire site and will tie into existing natural drainage courses. Site access will be provided directly from Highway 617.