Notice of Intent to Make a Determination

Shoal Lake Cree Nation Community Drainage - Public Comments invited

February 19, 2024 - Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Shoal Lake Cree Nation Community Drainage, to be located on Shoal Lake Cree Nation, 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 March 18, 2024 to:

Indigenous Services Canada
Alvin Hamilton Building, 1783 Hamilton Street

Regina, SK  S4P 2B6

Telephone: 306-581-3134
Email: isc-skenv@sac-isc.gc.ca

Proposed Project

Shoal Lake Cree Nation is proposing  to upgrade drainage and flooding protection systems within the reserve boundaries. The core areas within the reserve experience poor surface drainage and  the outlying areas around the community have a number of small drainage paths to Pakwaw Lake resulting in wetlands, which greatly reduces the available land that can be used by the community. A drainage study identified the primary issues in the core subdivision area were blocked, damaged or exposed culverts, and the need for ditching, lot grading, and roadway improvements.

The core subdivision proposed upgrades consist of road and drainage improvements throughout the core area, including ditching improvements and replacing the damaged and/or missing culverts. The ditching improvements would include excavation to regrade the ditches where required, minor lot regrading to promote positive drainage away from homes/structures, road reconstruction followed by topsoil replacement and seeding the disturbed ground to prevent erosion.

The east diversion channel's require maintenance including: cleaning vegetation, replacing washed out riprap at the eight check structures, regrading of the ditches and topsoil replacement and seeding

The south diversion channel is utilized as a protection structure used to divert water from the Pasquia Hills to Pakwaw Lake. This channel is also used to seasonally direct treated effluent from the lagoon during discharge events. Reconstruction or rehabilitation of the channel, pending on where the core wishes to expand, would include: excavation of 1,200 m of drainage ditching channeling;  construction of three intake structures;  construction of one outfall structure; and replacement of topsoil and seeding for erosion prevention.

It is also proposed that the west existing berm structure be reconstructed to suitable height and expanded east and blended to a higher flood elevation. The following upgrades are recommended:  reconstruction of 1,250 m of water retaining berm;  construction of an additional 700 m of berm east to higher ground; and  construction of two outfall release check structures.