Otipemisiwak Métis Government - Cando Sturgeon Rail Terminal West Expansion Project - Request for Comments on Initial Project Description

Good day Tony,

Please find below comments on the Initial Project Description (IPD) for the Cando Sturgeon Rail Terminal West Expansion Project. I would also like to thank IAAC for coordinating the virtual information sessions which were useful in better understanding the project.

The Cando Sturgeon Rail Terminal West Expansion Project is situated in St. Albert Métis District 11 which is home to over 5,800 registered Métis Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG).

The expansion of the railyard raises several environmental questions about the extent to which it will contribute to habitat fragmentation, air and water pollution, noise and light pollution, soil and water contamination, and how it will impact water resources. Of primary concern is the potential disruption of traditional land use practices, such as hunting, fishing, and berry harvesting, which are integral to the cultural identity of the Métis people. The project's location in Harvesting Area D, as defined by Alberta's Métis Harvesting Policy, underscores the importance of preserving these areas for traditional harvesting activities.

Over the course of previous Traditional Land Use Studies (TLUS) and tabletop studies, OMG citizens have expressed pre-existing concerns about the industrialization of the area and the decline in air quality over their lifetimes, particularly in Fort Saskatchewan and east of Sherwood Park. There have also been previously characterized concerns about the quality of fish in the North Saskatchewan River, which could be further impacted by the project. The project is also near the Sturgeon River, which is noted by OMG Citizens as being an important cultural site. Additionally, based on these pre-existing TLUS, the project does occur in an area where moose and deer harvesting has been documented, as well as berry harvesting. Overall the area has been noted by OMG Citizens as requiring additional protections to ensure the area’s environmental health.

While the IPD states that air quality is managed regionally, there should be consideration for inclusion of site-specific monitoring to assess the project's localized impact to air quality on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, more information is required regarding the relative increase in rail car traffic and frequency of travel to better understand potential impacts on wildlife habitats, wildlife behaviour, and traditional harvesting areas. Additionally, while the area is zoned for industrial development, there should be considerations made to ensure that industrial activities are coupled with appropriate offsetting measures to mitigate cumulative effects and contribute to the overall improvement of Alberta’s terrestrial landscapes and ecosystems such that it can continue to support the exercise of Métis s.35 rights.

Balancing economic development and the growing infrastructure needs of the County with environmental and cultural preservation is essential to secure the sustainable future of the regional Métis community and the broader Alberta landscape. A key component of striking this balance is ensuring that economic reconciliation with the Métis is a core consideration throughout the lifetime of the project, including plans to ensure Métis are able to meaningfully participate in economic opportunities that arise from the project.

We look forward to working with IAAC and the proponent to ensure meaningful consultation and collaboration occurs, to better understand and address concerns expressed by our citizens, and to protect and advance the rights, claims, and interests of the Métis people on the land.

Thank you,