Attawapiskat First Nation - Tiny Homes Development

Notice of determination

November 2, 2026 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Tiny Homes Development project at Attawapiskat First Nation 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[1] taken into account for this determination are:

• Before work starts, a site walkthrough will be taken to determine if any migratory birds are present within the site and work boundaries. If any birds or nests are found to be present, work shall be paused and all required parties will be notified for the next steps; 
• Health & Safety measures will be implemented through the Health and Safety Plan which includes restricting public access to work areas using signs, barriers, fencing, and controlled access points where appropriate. Traffic controls will be implemented for construction vehicles and safe speeds will be maintained; 
• Cultural or Archaeological items if encountered will have work stopped immediately and the area will be protected from disturbances. The Contractor will notify the First Nation and regulatory authorities and work will not resume until direction has been given; 
• Air Quality & Odour measures will be implemented by applying water to exposed soils, haul roads, and other dust-generating surfaces. Minimize vehicle idling and secure fine-grained material during transportation; 
• Spills measures will be implemented by inspecting equipment regularly for leaks for fuel, oil, coolant, etc. Store fuels, lubricants and hazardous liquids in secure containers with appropriate secondary containment. Spill kits will be available on site and personnel will be trained in spill prevention, response, and reporting; 
• Erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented to reduce impact to surface water by using silt fences, sediment barriers, stabilizing stockpiles and disturbed ground, and minimizing the duration of exposed soil. Vegetated drainage ditches will be constructed to convey surface runoff away from the development in a controlled manner. Drainage works will be designed so that they do not discharge sediment-laden water to Monument Channel or cause erosion, downstream flooding, or adverse drainage effects on adjacent lands; 
• If contaminated or hazardous materials are encountered during construction, all work will stop and the appropriate authorities will be notified. The suspected material will be isolated to prevent further disturbance or spreading; 
• Noise control measures will be implemented by limiting construction to project work hours, keeping engine convers, mufflers, and exhaust systems in good working condition, and avoiding unnecessary idling. 

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.

[1] Mitigation measures means measures to eliminate, reduce, control or offset the adverse effects of a project or designated project, and includes restitution for any damage caused by those effects through replacement, restoration, compensation or any other means.