One Arrow First Nation Road Upgrades

Notice of Determination

 

July 22, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed One Arrow First Nation Road Upgrades project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

-the One Arrow 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, dated June 8, 2026, Simple Environmental Review Report (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated July 16, 2026), 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. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.
3. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   1. Topsoil stripping activities will be conducted outside of active nesting periods where possible.
   2. If topsoil stripping should occur within the nesting period (late April to late August), a pre-construction site inspection will be conducted to determine the presence of nesting birds.
   3. If any active or suspected nests are identified, species-specific mitigation measures will be implemented in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
4. Erosion control measures such as silt fencing and rip rap will be utilized as needed to limit and contain the impacted areas during construction.
5. After construction, all disturbed areas will be seeded to reestablish vegetative growth equal to that of the surrounding area.
6. The project is anticipated to include the replacement of culverts required for drainage of the road network. The project engineer has verified that culverts are intended to function as cross-drains and are not intended to convey drainage from streams or other waterbodies (BCL Engineering Ltd., correspondence dated July 22, 2026).
7. The contractor will have an emergency response plan that will be implemented in the event of an accidental spill. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction.
8. Materials imported to site (e.g., gravel for roadway surfacing) will be inspected prior to placement to confirm absence of any potential contaminants.
9. To limit the effects of noise, construction activities will only occur during daytime hours. Combined equipment noise levels will not exceed 80 decibels. Construction activities occurring near residences will be limited to reduce exposure times.
10. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.
11. The contractor will be required to dispose of all waste generated during construction at appropriate registered off-reserve disposal facilities.

 

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.