Shoreline Repairs and Improvements on Rainy Lake and Footprint River

July 20, 2026 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Naicatchewenin First Nation Shoreline Repairs and Improvements project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• Community knowledge; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Implementation of mitigation measures is required for the project to address:

• The potential to cause the death of fish by means other than fishing, and the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat which are prohibited under the Fisheries Act; and
• The potential to cause effects to listed aquatic species at risk which are prohibited under the Species at Risk Act the Species at Risk Act, will be mitigated by:
  • • Plan in-water work, undertaking or activity to respect timing windows (i.e. no in-water work between September 15 – July 15);
    • Limit the duration of in-water works, undertakings and activities so that it does not diminish the ability of fish to carry out one or more of their life processes (spawning, rearing, feeding, migrating);
    • Develop and implement an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to avoid the introduction of sediment into any waterbody during all phases of the work, undertaking or activity; Schedule work to avoid wet, windy and rainy periods (and heed weather advisories) that may result in high flow volumes and/ or increase erosion and sedimentation
    • Regularly observe the watercourse or water body for signs of suspended sediment during all phases of the project and take corrective action when and where required;
    • Clearing of riparian vegetation should be kept to a minimum: use existing trails, roads or cut lines wherever possible to avoid disturbance to the riparian vegetation and prevent soil compaction. When practicable, prune or top the vegetation instead of grubbing/uprooting.to limit impacts on riparian vegetation; and,
    • Replace/restore any other disturbed habitat features and remediate any areas impacted by the work, undertaking or activity.

• The potential to release a polluting substance into the land, water or air resulting from equipment leaks, spills and fuel handling will be mitigated by:
  • • Ensuring equipment is checked regularly and repaired when leaks are detected
    • Fuel to be handled according to federal and provincial regulations
    • Fuel to be stored in a double walled tank further than 30m from any surface water
    • Spill kit to be located on site
    • Contact MECP Spills Action Centre is there is a spill in excess of 100L
    • Any hazardous wastes, such as used oil, will be transported to a licensed facility
    • All materials will be inspected for contamination prior to utilizing in construction
    • If contaminated soils are encountered during excavation, works should be halted and the engineer will be notified along with any related First Nation and provincial/federal authorities as applicable. The content of contamination would be determined, removed and disposed of in accordance with the CCME Guidance Manual for Environmental Site Characterization and Human Health Risk Assessment (2016)
    • Any areas of stockpiled or exposed soil should be stabilized using tarps or similar covers
    • Ensuring equipment is maintained regularly and emissions meet federal and provincial standards

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied that 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.