Notice of Determination

September 15, 2023 – Indigenous Services Canada has/have determined that the proposed Elders Home Redevelopment Project at Wikwemikong First Nation, that the project is not likely to cause siginificant adverse environmental effects. 

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

• There will be positive impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples, associated with the redevelopment of the Elders Home, where Elders can recieve culturally appropriate care intheir community;
• During construction activities mitigation measures to ensure the protection of the environment and satety of the community will be implemented. Mitigation measures proposed for the project will be implemented by the Contractor for the proponent. 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• Erosion and Sediment Controls will be implemented to reduce and control soil erosion and sedimentation runoff to adjacent wetland.  
• Pollution Control measures will be implemented to reduce and control contamination to soil and groundwater associated with maintenance and re-fueling of equipment, storage of hazardous materials, sampling of ponded water prior to dewatering (if applicable) and testing imported soils, fill or aggregates prior to backfilling.  Refueling will be done at least 30 m from a waterbody.  An emergency response plan to manage fuel spill will be developed and all spill will be reported to the Ontario Spills Action Centre.
• To reduce and/or control the introduction or spread of invasive species, equipment will be pressure washed before entering a site and before being moved to another location
• Vegetation Clearing will be completed outside of Migratory Bird nesting season (Mid-April to Late August in the region).
• Exclusionary fencing will be installed around the work area to prevent species from entering the project site and in advance of reptile nesting season (April 1). Fencing will be designed and installed to follow the Ontario's Reptile and Amphibian Exclusion Fencing to ensure effectiveness and prevent harm to SAR reptiles:
• Dust Control Measures will be implemented to control air quality. Where practical, idling of on-site vehicles will be discouraged. Vehicles will be covered when soil or aggregates are transported. 
• Noise Control Measures including the use of noise muffled devices and restricting construction work to regular working hours, will be implemented to reduce and control temporary construction noise disturbances to receptors near the construction site.
• Project activities will comply with provincial and federal Occupational Health and Safety requirements. Best Management Practices will be implemented to address and respond to potential environment effects on Archeological/Cultural resources:

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.