Construction of Five Houses on Weenusk First Nation

February 11, 2026 – Indigenous Services Canada has determined that the proposed project Construction of Five Houses on Weenusk First Nation is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on the following factors:

• There will be positive impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples associated with the construction of these new homes that helps address Weenusk First Nation's overcrowding and unsafe living conditions many of the community members endure due to aging infrastructure and housing shortage by providing safe and comfortable housing.
• The community has confirmed that no traditional or cultural use of the land occurs in the selected locations, and the project is supported by community members and Chief & Council.
• No comments were received by the public.
• During construction activities, mitigation measures to ensure the protection of the environment, and safety of members of the community will be implemented. Mitigation measures proposed for the project have been prepared and reviewed by ISC.

Implementation of mitigation measures is required and have been provided for the project to address:

• Noise: During construction, it is anticipated that noise generated from machinery and construction crews will be encountered. Contractors will be made aware of appropriate working hours to ensure adjacent homes and community members have appropriate noise free times.
• Air Quality: Dust from lumber cutting and vehicular traffic is also expected. During construction and demolition, best practices will be enforced by the community on the contractor, i.e. watered down site and road for dust control, security fencing during construction, controlled hours of work. Operations will be reviewed throughout the project and additional mitigation measures to be considered if complaints are received from the community.
• Soil: There is potential for spills from machinery and fuel storage containers. If, during the course of the project, a spill should occur, every measure possible will be taken to stop and contain the spill immediately as long as it can be safely achieved without risk to the employee. Any spills will be reported to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Spills Action Centre (Toll Free: 1 800 268 6060), as soon as possible.

Indigenous Services Canada is satisfied that 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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