March 25, 2022 – Infrastructure Canada must determine whether the proposed Stz'uminus Long House Renovation and Expansion Project, located in Ladysmith, BC, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Infrastructure Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/Protection?culture=en-CA).

Written comments must be submitted by April 23, 2022 to:

Theresa Comeau, Environmental Review Officer, Infrastructure Canada (theresa.comeau@infc.gc.ca)

The Proposed Project

The proposed project is to upgrade a Long House and build a new Cultural Hall in Stz'uminus First Nation. The existing dining hall and kitchen will be replaced with a new structure separate from the Long House which will be referred to as the Cultural Hall.

The project works will include:

- demolition and removal of kitchen and dining hall from the Long House

- clearing and site preparation

- structural remediation of the Long House

- restoration of bench seating, as necessary

- restoration of roof

- new washrooms

- replacement of the dancers' hall

- entrance ways and sidewalks upgrade for universal access

- parking lot upgrades

- construction of an approximately 4,000 square meter Cultural Hall – new structure

- extended roof for breezeway coverage between the Long House and the Cultural Hall

- installation of commercial type kitchen

- a storage space and first aid room

- other related works

The Project will result in improve access and increase the quality of community, cultural, and recreational infrastructure that will provide a safe and comfortable space for community events.