Public Notice

Notice of intent to make a determination

Poundmaker Cree Nation New Bridge Construction – Public Comments Invited

January 15, 2025 – Indigenous Services Canada and Transport Canada must determine whether the proposed Poundmaker Cree Nation New Bridge Construction project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada and Transport Canada are inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

Written comments must be submitted by February 14, 2025 to:

Indigenous Services Canada
Alvin Hamilton Building, 1783 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2B6
Email: isc-skenv@sac-isc.gc.ca

and/or

Scott Kidd
Transport Canada
344 Edmonton Street
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2L4
Telephone : 431-334-9682
Email : scott.kidd@tc.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

Poundmaker Cree Nation is proposing to construct a new crossing over Cut Knife Creek to provide access to community infrastructure, residences, and cultural grounds. A new 15 m long, 8.54 m wide bridge will be built to replace an existing vented low level crossing located approximately 400 m upstream of the proposed bridge crossing site. The existing crossing will be decommissioned after construction of the bridge is complete. The removal of the vented low-level crossing is a "major work" as set out in the Canadian Navigable Waters Act Major Works Order. As a major work, the removal of the crossing requires an approval from Transport Canada's Navigation Protection Program. Details of the application for approval can be found at: https://nwar-rlen.tc.canada.ca/files-dossiers/1999-600166?GoCTemplateCulture=en-CA

The new bridge will be constructed using pre-cast concrete pile caps and girders which will be supported on hollow steel piles. The abutments will consist of lock block retaining walls with an engineered granular backfill. The project will include regrading and armoring the embankment with rip rap to prevent erosion during high flows.

Site preparation and construction activities include stripping of topsoil, and ground disturbance for the construction of the bridge abutments and road approaches leading up to the bridge. Waste generated during the project will be confined to and collected from the site, with ultimate disposal to an off-reserve designated landfill facility.