Public Notice

Notice of intent to make a determination

Waterhen Lake First Nation New School – Public Comments Invited

 

May 25, 2026 – Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Waterhen Lake First Nation New School is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

 

Written comments must be submitted by June 24, 2026 to:

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

 

The Proposed Project

The Waterhen Lake First Nation is proposing to construct a new school to replace the former Waweyekisik Educational Centre destroyed by fire in 2024. The proposed 14 hectare site is approximately 2 km south of the former school location within undisturbed forested land east of Highway No. 951 and south of the core community. Planned infrastructure includes the new school building, a playground, ball diamond, running track and soccer field, parking lot, water and wastewater pipelines, utilities (power, propane, and communication lines), road access, culverts, and landscaping. 

Site preparation activities will include clearing and grubbing of the proposed site. The extent of vegetation clearing will be kept to the minimum amount necessary to construct the new school, playground, access road and parking area and to provide a fire break. Construction activities will include primary earthworks, new utility installation, sub grade construction, ditch construction, structure construction, grading and landscaping.

The project is not expected to generate hazardous waste products. Waste and refuse resulting from construction will be removed from site by the contractor as soon as practicable and taken to an approved waste management facility, sent for recycling or sold for reuse where applicable and appropriate.