April 28, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Lucky Man Community Access Roads project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

 -the Lucky Man 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 28, 2026 and Simple Environmental Review Report (Urban Systems, dated March 23, 2026). 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. In-water work will be scheduled in low-flow or dry conditions to accommodate for potential spring spawning fish, and the Restricted Activity Period (RAP) for spring spawning fish in Central Saskatchewan (April 16 –June 30) will be avoided as a precaution.
4. In-water work should be completed in low-flow, frozen or dry conditions. Banks of the creek must be restored to match pre-existing grades and conditions. If the creek is flowing, isolation and a fish salvage may be required. An environmental monitor may also be required to monitor for amphibians, fish, and sediment.
5. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)s codes of practice and other applicable guidance will be followed.
6. All work will be carried out in accordance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and applicable regulations.
   1. Clearing and grubbing of vegetation will be conducted outside the majority of active nesting periods.
   2. If clearing and grubbing of any vegetation, including ground vegetation, should occur within the nesting period (April 19 to August 26), pre-disturbance wildlife sweeps will be completed.
   3. Prior to vegetation removal, a stick and cavity nest sweep will be conducted by a qualified professional. If any nests/dens are found during construction, all work within the area will be stopped and the appropriate authorities (ISC and Environment and Climate Change Canada) will be contacted immediately. If appropriate, mitigations will be implemented, and work will be stopped until they are in place.
7. Disturbed areas will be re-vegetated and stabilized with an approved seed mix or with natural vegetation matching preexisting conditions as soon as possible.
8. Project activities are to be conducted under low-flow, dry, or frozen conditions. Work must be halted for activities that could potentially cause rutting of the ground surface.
9. Minimize disturbance to wetlands. No staging or storage areas will be located within 30 m of a wetland boundary.
10. All harvested trees of merchantable size should be neatly stockpiled for use by the members of the Lucky Man Cree Nation. All other vegetation that is removed but cannot be reused should be set aside to compost.
11. Restrict operation of machinery to designated laydown areas and roads to minimize impact on surrounding areas.
12. Salvage topsoil and subsoil and store unmixed, until they are reused for final landscaping or elsewhere as needed on the First Nation land. Do not store or push graded material in treed areas, wetlands or waterbodies.
13. Use existing access, roads, and trails wherever possible.
14. An Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Plan will be prepared and adhered to in order to prevent soil erosion and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and waterways in accordance with federal and provincial standards. ESC measures will be removed once vegetation is established.
15. Disturbed areas will be restored to preconstruction grades. Natural drainage pathways must be maintained where possible during clean-up and reclamation activities.
16. Aggregate and borrow materials sourced for the project will be clean and free of contaminants and hazardous substances. Any use of on-reserve borrow pits will be assessed for suitability and approved by the PMT.
17. Have a spill response plan and materials in place prior to project initiation and during operation to manage fuel spills. Storage of hazardous material and refueling is prohibited within 100 m of a water body (wetland or watercourse).
18. An Emergency and Spill Response Plan should be prepared and kept on site at all times. Careful maintenance and monitoring of all equipment will be carried out to minimize the risk of spills or leaks of petroleum-based products.
19. Regardless of volume, any spilled substance that may cause an adverse effect must be cleaned up immediately and contaminated materials removed from site for proper disposal. All spills must be reported to relevant federal, provincial and municipal government departments.
20. Establish staging area for fueling and maintenance of equipment and ensure equipment is clean and leak-free prior to project initiation. All equipment must be properly maintained and equipped with standard air emissions equipment.
21. Waste and/or hazardous materials must be removed from site as soon as practical and taken to a certified/approved landfill in accordance with provincial and municipal legislation.
22. Debris and construction waste should be screened out from the disturbed fill area and properly disposed of.
23. Dust control must be implemented to prevent air quality impacts and ensure the safety of nearby public.

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