Public Notice

Notice of intent to make a determination

Nekaneet Cree Nation Youth Centre – Public Comments Invited

 

December 11, 2025 – Indigenous Services Canada must determine whether the proposed Nekaneet Cree Nation Youth Centre project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.

 

Written comments must be submitted by January 10, 2026 to:
Indigenous Services Canada
Alvin Hamilton Building, 1783 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2B6
Email: isc-skenv@sac-isc.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

The Nekaneet Cree Nation proposes to construct a new Youth Centre adjacent to the existing Nekaneet School on reserve lands located at SW-36-9-25-W3M. The purpose of the project is to provide a culturally grounded, safe, and dedicated facility that supports the Nation's currently funded First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program activities, including Prevention Services, First Nation Representative Services, and Post-Majority Support Services.

The proposed building is anticipated to be approximately 18,000 to 24,000 square feet depending on final design refinements, with dedicated program rooms, counselling spaces, cultural programming areas, a gathering space, kitchen, and support areas required to deliver existing FNCFS-funded services. The facility is designed with a minimum lifespan of 50 years, consistent with modern community infrastructure standards and CHRT 41 capital funding requirements.

Site preparation activities will include clearing of vegetation and stripping of approximately 100 mm of topsoil, minor grading and cut/fill operations to level the site, establishment of contractor laydown area, temporary access routes, fencing, and safety controls, and excavation for foundations, utility trenches, and building services.

Construction activities will consist of installation of foundations (shallow footings or piles depending on soil conditions), construction of the building structure, envelope, interior partitions, and systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), installation of on-site servicing (water, sewer, electrical, and telecom from the building to existing connection points), and development of parking areas, walkways, and landscaping.