Canada Center for Inland Water Marine Infrastructure Repairs, Burlington, ON

Sept. 16, 2026 – The ECCC authority has determined that the proposed Canada Center for Inland Water Marine Infrastructure Repairs

• is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge; community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• In-water works to be restricted to outside the sensitive timing windows established by the MNR. Based on the fish species composition within Lake Ontario, the restricted in-water works timing window is likely to be from July 16 to September 14. These dates are to be confirmed with MNR prior to the start of in-water works.

• Isolation of the areas where in-water works are required, using silt curtains, sheet piling, or equivalent.

• Installation of end-of-pipe fish screens should de-watering be required.

• Fish and mussel salvages within the isolated areas, overseen by an individual who is considered by DFO to be a Species at Risk expert. The use of trained divers may be required due to water depths. Fish and mussel salvages will be conducted under a Licence to Collect Fish for Scientific Purposes obtained from the MNR, and any additional permitting under the ESA or SARA.

• An emergency spill response plan to reduce the risk of the entry of deleterious substances into the water.

• Equipment and machinery shall be clean and free of aquatic invasive species prior to arriving to the Site. Operate machinery on land in stable areas. Wash, refuel, and service machinery in such a way to prevent any deleterious substances from entering the waterbody. • Limit disturbance of fish habitat features to the area(s) required to carry out the works.

• Develop and implement and erosion and sediment control plan for all Phases and routinely monitor for effectiveness.

• Prior to the start of work, the structures on the wharf (e.g. the small utility housing units and the roofed parking space with solar panels) and the breakwater should be inspected for any bird nesting activity. If a bird nest (or nesting activity) is observed, qualified biologist should be contacted to determine next steps. In addition, there is some potential for birds nesting on the breakwater (e.g. double-crested cormorants or terns).

• Prior to the start of in-water work, the area should be scanned for animals, including turtles and waterfowl. In-water work should not begin until any animals have moved off.

• If a turtle is observed near work occurring in the water, work should be halted until the turtle has moved out of the area.

• The site will be managed as per Environment Canada's Best Practices for the Reduction of Air Emissions from Construction and Demolition Activities (2005) to mitigate the project's atmospheric impacts including:

• Idling of equipment and Project-related vehicles is to be limited to the extent practicable.
• All equipment and Project-related vehicles will arrive on site free from oil or petroleum leaks and will be regularly checked for leaks and be kept in good state of repair.
• Regular maintenance of vehicles to ensure functioning mufflers and emission control systems.
• Contractor will comply with the municipal noise by-law for construction noise restrictions to avoid construction activities during the night.
• Best practices will be implemented to reduce noise including equipment muffling.
• Operators of heavy equipment are required to possess the appropriate qualifications and certifications for the specific types of machinery they operate.
• Personnel will be trained in the task performed and wear the proper personal protective equipment.

 

The ECCC's authority is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, the ECCC 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.