Notice of Determination:

March 6, 2026 - The Federal Authorities have issued their Notice of Determination after evaluation of the project, Parking Lot Expansion at RCMP H Division HQ and have determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and can therefore proceed.

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

• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Community and Indigenous knowledge;
• Comments received from the public; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination include:

• All work to be conducted in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) regarding the protection of migratory birds, their eggs, nests, and young if encountered on site and in the vicinity.
• Contractor to conduct a pre-work walk-through of the tree clearing area to ensure there are no signs of nesting birds prior to any cutting; if signs are observed, do not commence work and notify BGIS and PSPC.
  • If an active nest is encountered once work is underway, immediately stop work in that area and notify BGIS and PSPC for directives.
  • If a nest site is discovered:
    • (i) do not disturb the nest or neighbouring vegetation until nesting is completed;
    • (ii) halt activity in the vicinity and implement a buffer appropriate to the species in consultation with the appropriate regulators (ECCC–CWS under the MBCA; Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources for raptors);
    • (iii) do not mark the nest or tree/shrub with flagging tape or similar material.
• The Mitigation Measures Form shall be acknowledged by the contractor and remain on site for the entirety of the work. Position is contingent on tree clearing occurring in March 2026; if schedules change and clearing is pushed to April/May, PSPC will revisit requirements for a possible nest sweep.
• A site-specific spill contingency/response plan must be developed prior to the commencement of the work, and responsible staff must be trained. It shall be kept on-site at all times during the completion of the project so that any leaks or spills that occur can be promptly reported, contained and cleaned up. An emergency spill kit must be maintained onsite in case of fluid leaks or spills from machinery.
• Personnel shall be trained and fully informed in proper spill prevention and response procedures and for use of spill response kits.
• Sediment control plan to be implemented to prevent erosion debris from entering catch basins/storm drains.
• All removed materials will be disposed of in accordance with federal and municipal waste management regulations. Recycling will be prioritized where feasible.
• Covering or wetting down dry materials and rubbish to prevent blowing dust and debris.
• If any material of potential archaeological significance is uncovered during work, activities in the immediate area will stop immediately, the site will be secured, and the Departmental Representative will be notified. The provincial archaeological authority will then be contacted for direction and work will not resume in the affected area until clearance is provided.