Notice of intent to make a determination

Birch Narrows Dene Nation Community Centre – Public Comments Invited

May 14, 2024 – Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Birch Narrows Dene Nation Community Centre, located within SW19-86-17-3M on Turnor Lake IR #193B, 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 June 13, 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

The Proposed Project

The project involves the construction of a new community center within the Birch Narrows Dene Nation, adjacent to the community arena and store. The community center will be a 3,070.8 square meter facility, with support buildings including three (3) mental health suites and a sweat lodge/land-based learning facility with an expected lifespan of 25+ years.

The scope of work includes site preparation (clearing of trees and grading of the site to support adequate drainage), construction of buildings, an access road, and servicing, and operation of the facility.  Water and sewer connections for the community center and support buildings will be extended to the centralized system. Wastewater treatment consists of a facultative lagoon located on the adjacent municipal lands (Northern Hamlet of Turnor Lake). The Birch Narrows Dene Nation and the Northern Hamlet of Turner Lake have a municipal-type service agreement for the joint water and wastewater systems. Water and sewer mains that will be extended from the existing centralized system to service the site will travel through existing roadway/community arena parking lot, and will be located within close proximity of the building footprint.

All anticipated waste generation from construction activities will be responsibly handled and disposed of at designated off-reserve facilities.