March 27, 2026 - Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed Big Grassy First Nation - Micro Subdivision Development Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

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

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are: 

• Air Quality: Construction equipment to be properly maintained, vehicles will not idle on-site, and the ground will be watered on dry, windy days; 
• Spills on-site: Equipment will be checked regularly, refueling of equipment and fuel storage will be conducted in designated areas with spill protection, spill kits to be on site, and the MECP SAC will be contacted if there is a spill; 
• Noise: Equipment will be used during daylight hours only. Noise control devices (i.e., mufflers, silencers) will be used on construction equipment and properly managed. Traffic plans will be made for parking for workers, materials delivery, and storage. 
• Archaeological potential: If any relevant artifacts or human remains are uncovered, works will stop in those areas while an investigation occurs with first nation council and elders, ISC, and local police authority; 
• Erosion and Sediment Control: Sten logs to be used in adjacent ditches to reduce siltation reaching the nearby lake, any disturbed ground will be re-seeded after construction and landscaping; 
• Health and Safety: Construction warning signs, blockades, fences will be placed and personnel will have appropriate PPE and decontamination procedures as stated by the Health and Safety Plan. 
• SAR species protection:
  • Birds: A site walkover to be conducted before construction works begin to ensure there are no noticeable wildlife habitat. All work will halt if any migratory birds, nests, or young are located or discovered, and ECCC and MNFR will be contacted.

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.