ʔaq̓am Northeast Cluster Clean Drinking Water Project

Public Notice

 

ʔaq̓am Northeast Cluster Drinking Water Project – Public Comments Invited

 

November 5, 2026- Environment and Climate Change Canada intend to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Environment and Climate Change 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 December 5, 2026 to:

 

Environment and Climate Change Canada 
Canadian Wildlife Service 
5421 Robertson Road 
Delta, British Columbia V4K 3N2 
Email: ReglementationPAC-RegulatoryPAC@ec.gc.ca 
 

 

The Proposed Project

 

The ʔaq̓am Community proposes to extend its existing drinking water distribution system on Kootenay #1 Reserve, located approximately 9 km north of Cranbrook, British Columbia. The proposed extension will provide treated drinking water to existing and future homes in the northeast portion of the community.

Specifically, the Project will  extend the existing watermain by  installing approximately 4.3 km of new watermain from Lot 31 to properties along Birdstone, Casmer, and Pauls Roads.

The Project is located within an area consisting primarily of grasslands, open forest and other vegetated habitats. Project activities also include:

• vegetation clearing and ground disturbance were required;
• excavation of trenches for watermain installation;
• installation of watermain and service connections; and
• reclamation and revegetation of areas temporarily disturbed during construction.

The proponent has applied to Environment and Climate Change Canada for a Species at Risk Act permit under section 73(3).