Notice of Determination

April 3, 2025 - Indigenous Services Canada and Transport Canada have determined that the proposed Poundmaker Cree Nation New Bridge Construction project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The determination was based on a consideration of the following factors: 
- the Poundmaker Cree Nation is in support of the project, and its membership will benefit from the project
- mitigation measures are required for the project
- inclusion of mitigation measure 3 below to address a public comment received by Transport Canada about the project

Implementation of the following mitigation measures is required for the project:

1. The project shall proceed in the manner described in the ISC Project Description form, dated May 1, 2024, Simple Environmental Review report (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated January 22, 2025) and design drawings (BCL Engineering Ltd., dated November 7, 2024). The Proponent will immediately notify ISC of any changes to the proposed project for approval.
2. Relevant permits and approvals will be obtained before undertaking any work. It is the Proponent's responsibility to meet all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations that apply to the proposed project, and to adhere to the conditions outlined in any permits or approvals issued for the project. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.
3. Tree clearing and grubbing will be limited to the area required to construct the access road and bridge right-of-way.
4. Tree clearing and grubbing activities will be conducted before the majority of active nesting periods begin. Prior to any clearing and topsoil stripping activities, a nest sweep will be conducted along all areas planned to receive ground disturbance to confirm the absence of any nests. If any nests are discovered, the activity level of the nest will be determined, and mitigation procedures specific to the observed bird species will be implemented.
5. All in-water work will be completed in accordance with all relevant governing regulations.
6. Work will not be allowed to take place during the spring spawn period between April 1 and July 15 and all work below the high water mark will be completed before the fall/winter spawn season commences on October 1.
7. Fish passage will be maintained by not obstructing flows.
8. Silt fencing and erosion control matting will be utilized to minimize erosion and sediment in the water.
9. Machinery will be operated from land and turbidity curtains will be used where necessary in the stream when shaping the toe of the embankments.
10. Topsoil will be replaced and disturbed areas seeded and protected with erosion control blankets.
11. The contractor will utilize spill prevention procedures and spill kits will be present at the site during construction. Contractors will be required to have a spill response plan and dewatering plan in place during construction.
12. Equipment will be clean, maintained, and inspected prior to each use.
13. Stockpiles of imported material will be inspected prior to placement to confirm the absence of any potential contaminants.
14. Refueling of equipment will be a minimum of 100m from water body. Scheduling of the work will occur during low flow periods.
15. Materials will be stored outside of the bed and boundary zones of the water body.
16. The site will be cleaned of debris on a daily basis.
17. Equipment idling will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of construction.
18. The contractor will be required to responsibly dispose of all waste generated during construction to appropriate registered off-reserve disposal facilities.

Indigenous Services Canada and Transport Canada are satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.