September 15, 2023 – Infrastructure Canada must determine whether the proposed Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Lake - Traditional Lands, Gathering Space project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Infrastructure Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/Protection?culture=en-CA).

Written comments must be submitted by October 16, 2023 to:

Marika Haspeck, Environmental Review Officer, Infrastructure Canada (marika.haspeck@infc.gc.ca)

The proposed project includes proactive repair and rehabilitation of the flood damaged shoreline of the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Lake at the Traditional Lands Gathering space, Camp Big Child.

Project works will include:

• Earthworks to adjust the slope and grade to make accessibility easier and reduce the risk of future shoreline erosion (~1500 m shoreline stabilization)
• Revegetating the majority of the project area
• Implement restoration works and mitigation measures to establish a climate change resilient site.
• Establishing grey infrastructure: washroom facilities, sacred fire circle gathering space, picnicking areas
• Expansion of ~3.6 km of trail network to establish fire breaks to protect the 44 ha of natural forest
• Planting ~1000 trees and native vegetation to enhance shoreline integrity

There is currently limited access to the lake from the gathering space and shoreline due to damage (debris and tree death) from flood conditions in 2014.  This reduced accessibility is due to the shoreline being heavily impacted and trees along the lake perimeter being killed by high water levels. The plan is to make the shoreline accessible along the perimeter where the cabin and gathering places are. This site benefits the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, Ahtahkakoop, and Muskeg Lake First Nations as well as members of the city of Saskatoon.