Hiawatha First Nation Retirement Residences

The Proposed Project

Hiawatha First Nation is proposing the construction of an Elder's Lodge, which will be situated on the north shores of Rice Lake in the community. The new development will comprise of 15 units built across 3 separate buildings. All buildings comprising of the Elder's Lodge will be built to net zero energy performance. The complex will also include a small communal building to host cultural teachings, ceremonies, promote knowledge transfer between Elders and youth, and exhibit archeological artifacts from the site. Activities for this project will include:

  • The servicing of fifteen (15) lots in preparation for construction of the lodge;
  • Excavation and backfilling for the footing, foundations, and interior of all buildings, electrical trenches, sidewalks and curbs, roadways and parking, septic field bed water and sewer services, and storm water services;
  • Installation of all services including electrical, septic field bed, water services, sewer services, and storm water services;
  • The construction of two (2) 6-plex apartment buildings (583 m2 each), one (1) 3-plex apartment building (292 m2), and one (1) community building (92 m2). The total size of these buildings will total approximately 1550 m2.
  • All civil work including asphalt roadway and parking lot construction, concrete sidewalk and curb construction, landscaping and earthworks.

It has been noted that areas adjacent of the project location have previously been inhabited by multiple Species at Risk (SAR). The shore line just outside the project area contains critical habitat for various SAR vegetation, birds and reptiles. Although no species at risk have yet been identified within the project area, the proponent intends to create mitigation measures to avoid harming these species and their habitat that will be included in the final determination.

A potential archeological site has also been identified in the project area and an archeological assessment is in progress.

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Latest update

Notice of Determination

July 31, 2024 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Hiawatha First Nation Retirement Residences is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. This determination was based off of the following factors:

  • There will be positive impacts to the rights of Indigenous peoples associated with the construction of these retirement residences by providing comfortable housing to the community's elders that also contains facilities for residents to host cultural teachings, ceremonies, promote knowledge, and transfer between Elders and youth. There will also be a space for the exhibition of archeological artifacts found from the project site;
  • There were no comments received from the public;
  • During construction activities, mitigation measures will be implemented to ensure the protection of the environment, and safety of members from the community. Mitigation measures have been provided by the proponent and reviewed by ISC.

 Possible impacts due to construction and the proposed mitigations are listed below:

  1. Potential to cause sensory disturbance, such as noise or vibrations: Service construction equipment regularly, avoid excessive noise, notify all local residents of construction schedule, shut off equipment when not in use, adhere to all applicable noise guidelines, and follow all speed limits.
  2. Potential to affect Indigenous peoples physical and cultural heritage or anything of historical or acheological significance: An archelogical assessment is currently ongoing to identify locations where discovery of artifacts is probable. Hiawatha First Nation will be consulted of any heritage or historic resources that are uncovered during this process and the proper course of action will be determined prior to work commencing in the area.
  3. Potential release of polluting substance into the land, air, or water: equipment will be maintained and checked regularly; store proper spill kits with equipment; fuel will be handled according to federal and provincial regulations, storing in a double-walled tank away from water; water spraying to control dust particulates should they irritate residents; maintain vehicles and equipment to comply with emission standards, avoid excess idling; ensure staff are trained on spill hazards and appropriate spill response; all hazardous waste will be transported to a licensed facility.
  4. Potential for construction activities to negatively effect wildlife: any sightings of species at risk in the project site will be reported to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and consult the ECCC on the proper actions to manage the individual(s); erosions and sediment control measures such as a silt fence barrier and straw bale check flow dams in any outflow ditches; ensure stockpiles are properly sloped to discourage swallow nesting; installation of turtle fence/ wire backed silt fence barrier in any areas that are identified as turtle breeding grounds; ensure worker are aware of potential species at risk in the area.

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, Indigenous Services Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part. 

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Contacts

Indigenous Services Canada - Ontario
Shawn Green, Environment Officer
655 Bay St, Suite 700
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K4
Telephone: 416-973-1298
Email: shawn.green@canada.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Hiawatha First Nation (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2023-09-20

  • Proponent

    Hiawatha First Nation

  • Authorities

    • Indigenous Services Canada
    • Infrastructure Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    85919

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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