Notice of intent to make a determination

Clearwater River Dene Subdivision - Public Comments Invited

March 18, 2022 - Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Clearwater River Dene Subdivision, located on Clearwater River Dene IR 122 is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

Written comments must be submitted by April 16, 2022 to:

Indigenous Services Canada
SK Region, Environment Unit
1827 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4P 2S9
aadnc.isc-skenv.aandc@canada.ca

The Proposed Project

Planning design and construction of the Phase B  subdivision in  located in the Clearwater River Dene Band Indian Reserve No. 222 generally east of roadway Circle Drive North in the Registered Plan No. 79B04645 within the vicinity of NE 7-87-22-W3 and NW 8-87-22-W3. Infrastructure will include: new water and sewer mains, service connections, fire hydrants, primary power and street lights, roadways (within the subdivision and access to subdivision from Central Avenue - alignment yet to be confirmed).

The activities associated with this work will include:
•    Planning, design and construction administration of a 29-lot subdivision including water and sewer mains, service connections, fire hydrants, primary power, roadways, drainage, 
        approaches, lot grading, street lights, and legal surveying (January 2022 – April 2023)
•    Clearing and grubbing of proposed subdivision area (January 2022 to March 31, 2022)
•    Tender Contract (April / May 2022)
•    Construction (Spring / Summer 2022 - Completion Date) 

Clearing and grubbing will occur during the winter months by the Band to avoid environmental concerns related to bird nesting.  The bush and trees will be removed and disposed of in accordance with standard practices. Merchantable/useful timber will be salvaged and utilized by local band members. 

At the award of the contract, the contractor will develop a roadway to serve the proposed lots for residential use. The roadways will be constructed in such a manner to achieve adequate positive drainage in the subdivision ditches. The underground water and gravity sewer pipelines will be installed below frost levels in the roadways. 

Front portions of individual lots will be built up with local fill material (from road/ditching material) and serviced with individual water and sewer service connections. Power and streetlighting along the roadway network and individual lots will be installed by SaskPower following earthworks construction.

Most of the waste will consist of overburden earthen material (during clearing and grubbing). The proposed subdivision will be stripped of the topsoil and vegetation.  The topsoil can be repurposed for landscaping following construction or used in an adjacent existing subdivision. Suitable excess soil will be utilized at the local landfill to provide cover. The useful timber will be salvaged as a source of local firewood. Other waste products associated with construction that cannot be repurposed will be disposed of at the local landfill.  

Hazardous waste (spills) associated with heavy equipment use will follow provincial guidelines for disposal and reporting.