Notice of Determination

 

January 19, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Sturgeon Weir Water and Wastewater Upgrades 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 July 29, 2025 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.
   1. Applicable approvals from Manitoba Environment and Climate Change, Environmental Approvals Branch must be received before proceeding with construction of the project.
3. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   1. Vegetation clearing will take place outside of the spring and summer months to the maximum extent feasible to avoid disturbance to breeding birds and other spring breeding wildlife species. The breeding bird nesting season for this ‘Zone C6' area is April 25 to August 20.
   2. Ahead of clearing activities, a biologist will assess trees for potential pileated woodpecker nests protected under the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
4. This development is located within the range of Boreal Woodland Cariou, listed as Threatened under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
   1. During construction activities, monitoring for caribou should be carried out by the selected contractor. Work should be paused should a caribou be spotted within the project site and only allowed to continue construction once the caribou leaves the project site.
5. Clearing for the project footprint will be minimized to the extent feasible and will be clearly marked to avoid clearing more than required.
6. Usable trees/wood will be cut and stacked at the project site for local use as firewood.
7. Areas disturbed for the construction of the lagoon within the project site that will not be required for on-going activities will be naturally rehabilitated by spreading of stockpiled organics and reseeding using an approved native seed mixture and native plantings to the extent practical.
8. An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will be implemented for construction of the project.
   1. Areas disturbed during the construction phase that are not required for the project operation phase (e.g. equipment laydown areas) will be revegetated as quickly as feasible to stabilize the soil and minimize soil erosion.
   2. Excavated materials will be stockpiled, compacted and reused where appropriate. Stockpile heights will be monitored and limited.
   3. Excavation activities will not occur during high rain or wind events to minimize the erosion potential of exposed soils.
9. Baseline groundwater samples will be collected prior to commissioning the sewage Lagoon.
10. Existing groundwater monitoring well on site will be maintained for use in monitoring after construction is completed.
11. Contractor staff will be trained in the correct handling and management of potentially harmful substances.
12. Storage and disposal of liquid wastes and filters from equipment maintenance, and residual material from spill clean-up will be contained in an environmentally safe manner and in accordance with existing regulations.
13. Vehicles and equipment will be well maintained.
14. Material stockpile heights will be limited.
15. Dust suppression activities such as the use of an approved dust control agent and/or water will be undertaken if required.
16. All vehicles used for the Project will comply with Environment Canada's On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations as required.
17. Idling of motorized equipment will be minimized to the extent feasible.
18. Construction activities at the project site will be limited to daytime hours to avoid impacts to nearby noise receptors.
19. Hearing protection will be encouraged on the project site when noise levels reach above the daily exposure limit of 85 dBA.

 

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