Natur'ELLES - agricultural vegetable‑production perimeters

Gatineau – March 19, 2026 – Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed Natur'ELLES initiative is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

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

• community knowledge; 

• comments received from the public; and 

• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures. 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:  

• Protecting surface water quality and aquatic ecosystems by ensuring that the fish pond is not connected to any natural watercourse and by controlling water volumes, banning chemical products, and redirecting discharged water to safe uses such as irrigation, thereby preventing contamination. 

• Protecting local aquatic biodiversity by using only native fish species and maintaining closed, controlled ponds to avoid escapes and prevent the introduction of exotic species. 

• Protecting soil quality and preventing pollution by requiring contractors to take back end‑of‑life solar equipment (batteries, regulators, cables, panels) and send them to approved recycling facilities, with temporary storage done safely. 

• Protecting wildlife movement and local fauna by installing light, permeable mesh fencing around market garden areas and integrating openings for small fauna when relevant, avoiding ecological barriers.  

• Protecting groundwater resources by conducting hydrogeological studies, respecting site water capacity, and implementing regular monitoring of water levels, flow rates, and quality.  

• Protecting vegetation cover and terrestrial habitats by avoiding vegetation removal as much as possible and, when unavoidable, revegetating disturbed areas with native species adapted to local ecological conditions.  

• Protecting soil quality and surrounding ecosystems by implementing structured construction waste management, including sorting at source, secure temporary storage, disposal at authorized sites, and banning open burning or uncontrolled dumping.  

• Protecting natural habitats and biodiversity by locating all physical works on already disturbed or community‑used sites, minimizing ecological disturbance.  

• Protecting infrastructure and soils from climate hazards by designing installations based on local climate risks and applying site restoration measures after works. 

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

Therefore, Global Affairs 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.