East End Subdivision Development - Eabametoong First Nation

Notice of Determination

July 9, 2026 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed East End Subdivision Development - Eabametoong First Nation is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• There will be positive impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples, associated with the construction of the subdivision that will provide lots needed to construct new homes that will help address closing the housing gap in the community;
• The subdivision is part of the community planning that has been approved by the community Chief & Council;
• No comments were received from the public; And
• During construction activities mitigation measures to ensure the protection of the environment, and safety of members of the community will be implemented.  Mitigation measures proposed for the project have been prepared and reviewed by ISC.

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

• Air quality reduction from emissions and dust;
• Noise impacts from construction works;
• Impacts to birds and wildlife habitat through tree clearing;
• Vegetation loss from clearing;
• Erosion and siltation from excavation works;
• Spill of fuel or equipment leak or discovery of contaminated soils;
• Disturbing historic or cultural artifacts;
• Construction health and safety concerns;
• Interruption of local traffic;
• Interruption of water and sewer service;
• Bedrock blasting for trench work.

Proposed mitigations are as follows:

• Air quality reduction from emissions and dust - Ensure that construction equipment is properly maintained for efficient combustion, idling of vehicles onsite will be minimized, watering the ground will be done on dry, windy days to reduce dust, long-term soil stockpiles will be revegetated, hauling vehicles with soil or sand will be covered when driving through residential areas, speed should be limited to 20 km/hr on disturbed ground at the construction site; 
• Noise impacts from construction works - Equipment mufflers to be in good working condition, works to occur during daylight hours only, neighboring residents will be notified of construction schedule;
• Impacts to birds and wildlife habitat through tree clearing - After the completion of a migratory bird and species at risk (SAR) bat survey in the project area, a nesting Northern Flicker was found in a tree cavity and many Killdeer were observed flying, walking, feeding and mating in a recently cleared block. Little Brown Myotis were also sound recorded near some trees with loose bark and snags, but the snag density was not large enough to be considered high quality roosting habitat. A 15 m radial buffer will be established around the nesting Northern Flicker and remain undisturbed for at least 68 days until the nest is empty. Contractors will be mindful of potential Killdeer nests and, if observed, apply a buffer where possible;
• Vegetation loss from clearing - Area to be cleared will not extend beyond the marked boundaries of the development site. Non-local equipment is to be cleaned prior to bringing to the site to avoid introducing invasive species. Should any vegetative species at risk be encountered, works in the area will cease and ECCC and MNRF will be contacted for guidance or for permit approval. Distrubed areas around the perimeter of the development site will be re-seeded with vegetation;
• Erosion and siltation from excavation works - Silt fencing and/or sten logs will be utilized between the site works and the adjacent lake, any nearby ditches or areas of standing water, the riparian vegetation along the lake shore will be maintained, any disturbed and exposed ground surface and soil stockpiles will be re-seeded with grasses after construction and landscaping is complete. Silt fencing and/or sten logs will remain in place until re-vegetation is established. Nearby water bodies will be inspected during rainfall events to see if there is any discernable siltation occurring from the construction site. Erosion control measures will be inspected throughout the construction works and maintained;
• Spill of fuel or equipment leak or discovery of contaminated soils - Construction equipment will be regularly inspected for leaks and well maintained. The contractor will utilize a spill cleanup kits on the construction site and to contain any liquid spills. No re-fueling is to occur within 100 m of the lake. The Ontario MECP Spills Action Centre (Toll Free: 1-800-268-6060) will be contacted in the event of a significant chemical leak or spill (100 L or more). All efforts to contain and clean up spills as soon as possible will be made. Any above ground fuel tanks or used oil containers will be double-walled or stored in a designated area with spill containment barriers. Refueling will be conducted in a designated area of the site with warning signs. Fuel tanks will have barriers installed around them. If contaminated soils are discovered during excavation works, the works would temporarily cease in the area, ECCC and the First Nation would be notified, and an engineered investigation would occur in accordance with CCME guidance documents to determine the extent of the contamination;
• Disturbing historic or cultural artifacts - If any relevant artifacts are uncovered, works would temporarily stop in those areas while an investigation occurs with First Nation, ISC, Archeological Services Branch of Parks Canada, and provincial authorities; any human remains would be investigated by the provincial or federal police force, a stage 2 archaeological study is being proposed for this project prior to the construction works;
• Disposal of waste - Any construction, commercial or residential waste produced would be disposed of a a landfill site approved by the First Nation and ISC. Any hazardous material waste would be hauled to a licenced facility. Any access soil material excavated would be utilized for landscaping or hauled away as landfill cover material. Cut timber will be piled for use by community members. All food waste will be cleaned up immediately to prevent scavenging animals;
• Construction health and safety concerns - Contractor to utilize a safety program and workers will wear personal protective equipment while onsite, access to construction site will be restricted for public, safety signs and fencing will be utilized around the site and excavations, open excavations will be backfilled or fenced off before the end of each work day in residential areas. An emergency response plan will be prepared by the contractor;
• Interruption of local traffic - The lagoon and quarry access roads may temporarily experience lane closures during the construction works as the piping is installed and the new subdivision roads are constructed, but the contractor will ensure that partial access to these sites will remain open during the construction works. Warning signs will be placed on the roadway around the areas of construction;
• Interruption of water and sewer service - The works will be phased so that at no time should the community have their existing sewer collection interrupted. The contractor will utilize sewer pumping trucks if needed during times of pipe connections. There will be temporary disruptions to the water service during pipe connections, however the residents will be made aware of the schedule for disruptions;
• Bedrock blasting for trench work - An explosives expert will be in charge of the blasting operations and will conduct the work in accordance with the Explosives Act of Canada and the Ontario Use of Explosives Standard Specification OPSS 120, and the blasting permit. A pre-blast and post-blast inspection of surrounding structures will be conducted. Blast mats and a horn sounding system will be used for site safety. Residents will be made aware of the blasting schedule and safety procedures.

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. .