Notice of Determination

Lake Cowichan, B.C. – December 6, 2024 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Deer Road Expansion of Water & Sewer Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• Community knowledge; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

The Project was posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on November 6, 2024 for public comment. No comments were received.

Mitigation measures[1] taken into account for this determination are:

• Ts'uubaa-asatx Nation is the Proponent of the Project, and will oversee and be accountable for compliance with applicable environmental legislation.
• The Contractor and any subcontractors will review and familiarize themselves with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) before construction begins.
• To mitigate potential environmental impacts, the Project team and Contractor will follow the mitigation strategies/best management practices and comply with conditions in the project specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
• Within the EMP, management plans and conditions associated with the following potential impacts are addressed with mitigation strategies and best management practices to eliminate, reduce, control or offset the potential adverse environmental effects identified for the project:
  • Air Quality;
  • Soil Erosion & Sediment Control;
  • Groundwater Protection;
  • Surface Water Management;
  • Fuel Handling and Disposal;
  • Land Development;
  • Invasive Species Management;
  • Environmental Emergency Response.

The authorities are satisfied 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.