Notice of Determination

April 13, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Deschambault Lake Road Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

 

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

- the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation has authorized the project by Band Council Resolution, and its membership will benefit from the project

- no comments were received from the public about the project

- mitigation measures are required for 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 March 5, 2026 and other supporting documents. 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. This Notice of Determination does not apply to ancillary features associated with this development that were not included in the Project Description form.

3.           All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.

a.           Clearing and grubbing activities will take place outside of the breeding bird nesting period.

4.           The project is located within the range of Woodland Caribou, listed as Threatened under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). If Woodland Caribou is observed within the project site, work will stop and safe passage will be observed until the caribou have left the site.  Observations of caribou will be reported to the SKCDC and the Canadian Wildlife Service.

5.           The use of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides will be avoided to mitigate impacts to the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee, which may occur in the project area.

6.           A Request for Review will be submitted to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the measures stated in the application and anticipated Letter of Advice will be implemented.

7.           Erosion and sediment control measures will be installed to prevent erosion and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and waterways. 

8.           Disturbed areas will be revegetated and/or stabilized as soon as possible with compatible native vegetation to existing conditions.

9.           Riprap erosion control measures will be applied where ditch grades exceed 2%.

10.        All imported soil materials will be clean and free of hazardous materials.

11.        Aggregate and borrow materials sourced for road construction will be clean and free of contaminants and hazardous substances.

a.           Material will be sourced from an existing approved excavated site. Any new sites will undergo an environmental assessment which may include having qualified biologists conduct species detection surveys in the appropriate growing/breeding period following the appropriate protocols.

b.           Any new borrow sites will also need to be assessed by a qualified archaeologist to determine if a Heritage Resource Impact Assessment (HRIA) will be required to be conducted when the ground is free of snow and frost.

12.        Where appropriate, topsoil will be retained for landscaping purposes following construction.

13.        Construction and demolition waste and refuse will be removed from site as soon as practicable and taken to a certified/approved landfill, sent for recycling or sold for reuse where applicable and appropriate.

14.        Organic waste from tree clearing and grubbing will be taken to a certified/approved landfill or compost depot, as appropriate.

15.        Equipment will be maintained in good condition to reduce emissions and prevent leaks. Spill kits must be readily available for operator use.

16.        Regardless of volume, any spilled substance that may cause an adverse effect must be cleaned up immediately and contaminated materials removed from the site for proper disposal. All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.

17.        Fire protection, dust control, and spill prevention measures will be established and implemented for the duration of construction.

18.        Dust control must be implemented to prevent air quality impacts and ensure the safety of nearby public.

19.        All equipment must be properly maintained and equipped with standard air emissions equipment.

 

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.