Demolition of Abandoned Houses in Residential Area on North Spirit Lake First Nation

Notice of Determination

May 30, 2024 – The public period on the project is closed. Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed "Demolition of Abandoned Houses in Residential Area on North Spirit Lake First Nation" is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The determination was based on the following factors:

• The project will have a positive impact on the rights on Indigenous peoples, associated with the construction of safe housing for North Spirit Lake First Nation's community members that will accommodate the community's growing population;
• Community knowledge did not identify any values (cultural, historical, archaelogical, terrestrial/aquatic wildlife, etc.) within or adjacent to the project area that would be affected by project activities;
• No comments of concern that needed to be addressed were made by the public; And
• Mitigation measures will be implemented during construction activites to ensure the protection of the environment and safety of members of the community.

The implementation of mitigation measures is required to address:

• Species at Risk - Two endangered bats species, Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), have the potential to have taken residence in the abandoned buildings, and could be disturbed during demolition activities;
• Air Quality - Dust from construction activities and emissions from construction vehicles could impact the air quality of residents surrounding the project area; And
• Noise - Temporary noise impacts from the use of heavy equipment and construction activities could impact residents surrounding the project area.

The following mitigations have been presented by the proponent:

• Species at Risk - No endangered bats have been noted to reside in the project area, or adjacent to the project area. However, a site walkover will be completed prior to demolition to ensure that these species and/or their habitat will not be impacted, including an inspection of the inside of the abandoned buildings;
• Air Quality - Vehicles and equipment will be inspected to ensure they are in good repair, on-site vehicle and equipment idling will be discouraged and where practical, dust generation from construction activities is to be controlled using water sprayers where applicable, construction will be avoided during times of excessive wind (>30 km/hr) and dry conditions to minimize the release of airborne particles, and transportation and delivery of construction materials will be scheduled to minimize the amount of bulk construction materials stored on-site at a given time;
• Noise - The public will be advised in advance of the project schedule, construction (including the operation of machinery) will not take place outside of regular working hours to minimize distubance, all vehicles will be properly tuned up and include noise muffling devices, and equipment will be properly maintained or replaced.

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied 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.