In an open house format, delegates will have the chance to learn about ongoing Environmental Assessments for projects in our region. Delegates will be able to ask project proponents about the different EA steps and challenges, First Nation involvement and experiences, and also learn about the types of projects in the region undergoing EAs.
Projects to by displayed include:
Wataynikaneyap Power
Wataynikaneyap Power, a partnership between 13 First Nations and Goldcorp, is a First Nation led company working to design, permit, construct, own and operate a transmission line to bring grid connection to Pickle Lake and beyond to connect remote First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario. The company’s vision is to provide reliable and accessible power for residents, businesses, and industry in the region and realize economic opportunities for First Nations. The company is proposing a single project with a two-phase development process with an in-service date of 2015 and 2018. The goal of the First Nations is to eventually own 100% of this important infrastructure.
Environmental Assessment Act Coverage for Forest Management on the Cat-Slate Forest
In July 2011 Cat Lake First Nation and Slate Falls Nation, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) completed the Community Based Land Use Plan, "Niigaan Bimaadiziwin"- A Future Life. The approved Community Based Land Use Plan identifies forest management as a desired and compatible land use on the Cat-Slate Forest. Cat Lake First Nation and Slate Falls Nation (Cat Lake and Slate Falls) wish to seek Environmental Assessment (EA) Act coverage for the undertaking of forest management on the Cat-Slate Forest as the second step towards realizing a new economic development opportunity.
Windigo Technical Unit - Environmental Assessment Community Driven Winter Road Realignment/Construction
With changing weather and climate conditions a community may find the need to realign their winter road. Communities usually cannot support the cost of the work solely through community funding and may have to apply for external funding. The realignment of winter roads on Crown Land generally requires a Work Permit under the Public Lands Act. Additionally external funders often require proof of a work permit prior to any funding being considered. This project details one such process.
Springpole Gold Access Corridor Project
Gold Canyon Resources Inc. is currently working through an Environmental Assessment under the Ministry of Natural Resources Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects (Category C) to construct a winter operational grade access road to their Springpole Gold Project, located near Springpole Lake, northwest Ontario. Provincial approvals required under this EA include a Letter of Authority for road construction and minor water crossings under the Public Lands Act and Lakes and Rivers Improvements Act; a Land Use Permit for the access corridor and under the Public Lands Act; an Overall Benefit Permit for impacts to woodland caribou under the Species at Risk Act; and a Forest Resource License to harvest Crown owned timber under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. Consultation and development of this Project were initiated in February 2012. The project is currently under final review by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment.