Due to potential sensitivity and confidentiality of some features referred to in this Section 16 of the EAR/IS, mapping or locations of such features have been redacted.

16. Assessment of Effects on Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use

The valued components (VCs) under the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use component were identified during the VC scoping and selection process as part of the Environmental Assessment (EA) / Impact Assessment (IA) processes. This section describes the potential effects the Project may have on the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs. Non‑Traditional (Non-Indigenous) land and resource use refers to the use of the land and their resources for commercial and industrial purposes such as mining and aggregates, recreation and tourism activities. Non-Traditional land and resource also refer to designation of lands, through federal, provincial or local policy instruments (e.g., transportation or provincial parks). (Traditional commercial activities such as selling pelts and harvested plant medicines are in Section 19 Indigenous Peoples).

The Project Team established the existing conditions for Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use to determine the potential effects of the Project. The characterization of baseline conditions and assessment of effects was based on a review of government regulations and policies, Treaty information, land use planning documents, literature and other online sources, socio-economic primary data collection program, the Indigenous Knowledge program, engagement and consultation activities with Indigenous communities, and opinion of subject matter experts.

The results of the baseline studies are provided in the Socio-Economic Baseline Report (Appendix L of this Environmental Assessment Report / Impact Statement (EAR/IS)).

The assessment of potential effects on the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs is presented in the following manner:

Scope of the Assessment;
Existing Conditions Summary;
Potential Effects, Pathways, and Indicators;
Mitigation and Enhancement Measures;
Characterization of Net Effects;
Determination of Significance;
Cumulative Effects;
Prediction of Confidence in the Assessment;
Predicted future Condition of the Environment if the Project does not proceed;
Follow-up and Monitoring Programs; and
References.

16.1 Scope of the Assessment

16.1.1 Regulatory and Policy Setting

The Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs are assessed in accordance with the requirements of the Impact Assessment Act (IA Act) and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (TISG) for the Project, the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act), the provincial approved EA Terms of Reference (ToR) (Appendix A-2) and EA/IA guidance documents.

Key legislation, regulations, and policies relevant to the assessment of the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs for construction, operation and maintenance of the Project are presented in Table 16‑1.

Table 16‑1: Key Regulations, Legislations, Policies Relevant to Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use

Regulatory Agency	Regulation, Legislation, or Policy	Project Relevance
*Federal*
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)	Impact Assessment Act (2023)	The Project is subject to the federal Impact Assessment Act (refer to Section 2). The TISG issued by IAAC (2020) for the Project (Appendix A-1) were used to identify requirements for the assessment of Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs.
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada	Practitioner’s Guide to Federal Impact Assessments (2023)	The Project follows the policy frameworks, guidance documents and templates provided in the Guide to Impact Assessment (IA) by IAAC (2023).
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada	Guidance: Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) in Impact Assessment (2021)	The Project refers to the guidance document on GBA+, which is a component of the Practitioner’s guide to federal IAs under the Impact Assessment Act.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada / Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)	Indian Act	Project development on designated reserve land (or implicated via spatial bounds) will be subject to provisions and oversight via the Indian Act. The assessment will also consider Project effects related to the land-use mandate associated with the Indian Act in relation to governance, reserve lands, land management and allotment, land use and development, claims and additions to reserves related to First Nation communities.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada / Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)	Indian Act and Indian Timber Harvesting Regulations	Timber removal on Federal land jurisdiction within the Project footprint may be subjected to regulations under the Indian Act. Currently, no regulation under this Act applies to Webequie First Nation; however, the Indian Act does have provisions for such. Project timber harvest may result in changes to the traditional economy and/or represent Crown stumpage fees.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada / Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)	Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management Act	If opted into the Framework, First Nations can develop their own land use regulation, the environment and natural resources, and take advantage of cultural and economic development opportunities with their new land management authorities.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada / Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)	Federal Sustainable Development Act	This Act sets out the federal government’s goals, targets and implementation strategies for sustainable develop that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use will review the Project in following the relevant federal department’s sustainable development strategies.
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada / Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)	First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA)	Projects occurring on Federal land areas may benefit from the FNCIDA, which can develop regulations to support Project advancement in consideration of establishment of regulatory frameworks, and industrial development.
Environment and Natural Resources Canada	Forestry Act and Timber Regulations, 1993	Timber removal on Federal land jurisdiction within the Project footprint will adhere to the requirements of forest harvest agreements and/or permitting requirements of the Forestry Act and Timber Regulations, including security and/or stumpage fees owed to the Crown.
Transport Canada	Canadian Navigable Waters Act (1985)	The Project will cross navigable waterways which may affect the public, recreational users and Indigenous People’s navigation abilities per the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, Section 9.1. There are no crossings of waterbodies listed in the Schedule to the Act designating Navigable Waters, but there will be major, minor, and other works on unlisted waterways deemed to be navigable that will be subject to the Act’s provisions.
*Provincial*
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)	Ontario Environmental Assessment Act (1990)	The Project is subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Terms of Reference (Webequie First Nation 2020), which was approved by the MECP on October 8, 2021, were used to identify requirements for the assessment of Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use Environment VC.
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks	Ontario Declaration Orders MNR-71 and the former Order MNR-75 (Forest Management Planning Exemption) (1994)	Forest management and harvest activities on Crown land within the assessed area of undertaking has been exempted from the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act since 1994 following the outcome of the Class EA and Ontario Declaration Orders MNR-71 and the former Order MNR-75 (now revoked). The Project footprint does not overlap with the Class EA area of undertaking assessed for exemption and therefore does not apply to the Project.
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks	Environmental Protection Act Ontario Water Resources Act	Project effects assessed for the bio-physical environment (e.g., air, water) will be considered in relation to potential changes in the non-traditional land and resource use and will follow from relevant Sections in the EAR/IS.
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks	Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 12	The assessment will consider non-traditional land and resource use effects related to Winisk River Provincial Park.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)	Far North Act (FNA) (2010)	Project components and activities that affect land use will be consistent with the Draft Webequie First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan (CBLUP). As CBLUPs are approved, this Section will be updated following any changes.
Ministry of Natural Resources	Crown Forest Sustainability Act (1994)	Sustainable management of Ontario Crown forests in the Far North region of Ontario are informed by the Crown Forest Sustainability Act and related regulations, licensing, and/or policies. The project footprint and Local Study Area (LSA) of this Project do not overlap with a forest management unit and therefore will not have relevance on the commercial forest industry.
Ministry of Natural Resources	Aggregate Resources Act (1990)	Project effects related to aggregate extraction will be considered for changes in the non-traditional land and resource use.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing	Provincial Policy Statement of Ontario (2024)	The Project assessment considers and follows the policy directions of the Provincial Planning Statement of Ontario, which provides directives on land use planning and development.
Ministry of Northern Development	Mining Act (1982)	The assessment of the non-traditional land and resource use VCs considers Project interactions with mining sector activities such as mining claims and tenure.
Ministry of Northern Development	Growth Plan for Northern Ontario (2011)	The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011, includes a commitment by the province to work with remote communities and other orders of government towards improved access for community residents (Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, 2011). This plan documents the growth plan for Northern Ontario for the next 25 years.
Ministry of Transportation	Northern Ontario Transportation Plan (2020)	The Project is aligned with the objectives of this and the endeavour of supporting sustainable development of northern Ontario.
Ministry of Transportation	Highway Traffic Act	The Project assessment considers government obligations for administration of the Highway Traffic Act, with respect to the WSR expanding Ontario provincial highway infrastructure.
Ministry of Infrastructure	Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act	The assessment will describe changes in employment as a Project effect arising from road infrastructure development.
Webequie First Nation
Webequie First Nation	Webequie First Nation On‑Reserve Land Use Plan (2019)	The Webequie On-Reserve Land Use Plan provides information and guidance for community land use and development projects that occur on the reserve.
Webequie First Nation	Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan (2023)	The Comprehensive Community Plan is a process for Webequie First Nation designed to lay out a roadmap for the Webequie community’s future. It is a planning process led by the community.
Webequie First Nation	Webequie First Nation Draft Community Based Land Use Plan (2019)	The Webequie First Nation Draft Community Based Land Use Plan (CBLUP) outlines the vision, goals, objectives and principles set out by Webequie First Nation and Government of Ontario. The Draft Plan forms the basis for proposed land use areas and direction for land use activities and highlights the shared development and protection interests of Webequie First Nation and Ontario. It advances the Webequie community development goals and community direction for the protection of land, water, species habitat, cultural heritage features and community values. The Draft Plan, completed by Webequie Frist Nation, achieves the Webequie community’s customary stewardship responsibilities and Far North Act, 2010 objectives together by enabling development benefitting First Nations, protecting areas of cultural and natural significance and providing for interconnectedness in protected area design. The Draft Plan has not been submitted to Ontario.

16.1.2 Consideration of Input from Engagement and Consultation Activities

Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs were included in the engagement and consultation program for the socio-economic environment. The engagement and consultation program were guided by the Webequie First Nation Elders to ensure respect for the cultures and traditions of the Webequie people and their clans and neighbours outside the Webequie First Nation. In coordination with federal and provincial government agencies, 22 potentially affected Indigenous communities were identified to be consulted by the Webequie First Nation as the proponent for the Project.

The engagement and consultation activities for the socio-economic environment included Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs.

Table 16‑2 provides a summary of key feedback received during engagement and consultation activities further described in Section 2 (Engagement and Consultation Summary) of this Draft EAR/IS, regarding the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs. This input includes concerns raised by the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities/groups prior to the formal commencement of the federal IA and provincial EA, during the Planning Phase of the IA and ToR phase of the EA.

Table 16‑2: Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use – Summary of Inputs received during Engagement and Consultation

Received Comment	How the Comments are Addressed in this Draft EAR/IS	Indigenous Community or Stakeholder
Concerns about the Webequie CBLUP (and the potential for related ministerial orders) under the Far North Act, as well as deliberations by Ontario on proposals to repeal the Act.	The status of the CBLUP and related orders under the Far North Act has been clarified with MNR. The Project Team will continue to monitor the status of the proposal to repeal the Act and incorporate the implications in the EAR/IS, when publicly available and as appropriate. The draft CBLUP will continue to be included in the assessment as it reflects community’s determination to manage and steward their territory.	Ministry of Natural Resources
Information on the progress of the draft Community Land Use Plan. Mapping of the document was done internally and with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) team. However, there are concerns that Elders do not want to share direct information and suggestion that areas of “No-Go” should be shown on the publicly available mining and land system.	Potential effects from the Project on Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship, including where information is available on Community Based Land Use Plans, is considered in Section 16.3.1	Constance Lake First Nation – ATRI Forum
The community is revisiting the Community Based Land Use Planning Process. Incorporating the work done previously. Need to identify and protect areas of interest for harvesting. Need additional resources to do the work.	The proponent is seeking to collect information about Indigenous land and resource use from previous studies as well as well as from current dialogue with community members. The proponent will follow up with the community to request this information as it becomes available. Potential effects from the Project on land use planning and stewardship, including where information is available on CBLUP, is considered in Section 16.3.1.	Marten Falls First Nation
Request that the mining and land system should include an “alienation” layer that indicates the areas where mineral prospecting is prohibited.	The Project has reviewed the alienation layer and included this in the relevant mapping across the EAR/IS as required.	Constance Lake First Nation – ATRI Forum
Concerns that there has been no long-range planning for Eabametoong First Nation. Prior to COVID, discussions were had with Marten Falls First Nation about land use planning and setting up a group with five remote Matawa First Nations to focus on jurisdiction issues, well-being and regional assessment. However, this never happened due to disagreements over issues such as traplines.	It is acknowledged that the Regional Framework Agreement did present some challenges amongst the First Nations and the Project looks forward to working collaboratively with the Matawa First Nations to strive for greater well-being for the communities. Potential effects from the Project on community land use planning and stewardship is considered in Section 16.3.1.	Eabametoong First Nation – ATRI Forum
Describe how the potential positive and adverse interactions between the project and mineral exploration activities and mining operations will be assessed in the Impact Statement.	Please refer to Section 16.3.2 for impacts to mining and other industries in the Project area.	IAAC

16.1.3 Incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge and Land and Resource Use Information

To date, the following First Nations have provided Indigenous Knowledge and Land and Resource Use (IKLRU) information to the Project Team for consideration in the EA/IA for the Project.

Webequie First Nation IKLRU Study for the Webequie Supply Road, Interim Report (Stantec, 2024);
Marten Falls First Nation Indigenous Knowledge, Land Use and Occupancy Study for the Northern Access Roads, Proposed Webequie Supply Road (Suslop, 2024); and
Weenusk First Nation Existing Conditions Report, Webequie Supply Road Project, (MNP, n.d.).

Key Indigenous Knowledge that was shared and subsequently incorporated and/or considered in the assessment of the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs is presented in Table 16‑3. Further details related to methods of IKLRU data collection are provided in the baseline report (Appendix L) and summarized in Section 16.2.1.1.

Table 16‑3: Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs – Summary of Indigenous Knowledge Shared with the Project

Topic	Key Information and Concerns Shared	Response and/or Relevant EAR/IS Section
Forestry	Information Shared Some First Nations see opportunity for small-scale non-commercial forestry opportunities for Nations. Concerns Concerns around road accessibility allowing for Forestry companies to exploit resources.	Section 15.3.3 (Business Environment)
Harvesting Fish and Wildlife	Concerns Concerns of heightened exposure to outsiders would result in overhunting and overfishing and decline in wildlife species and population sizes.Concerns of impacts to wildlife species by altering habitats.Roads intersecting wildlife migratory routes, impacting wildlife movement.Increased poaching of harvested resources. Congestion of select use areas, representing an encroachment.	Section 10.3.5 (Public Access to Fish/Fish Habitat), Section 12.3 (Effects on Wildlife), Section 13.3 (Effects on Species at Risk)
Recreation and Tourism	Information Shared Some First Nations see the potential for tourism collaboration opportunities for both indigenous and non-indigenous people.Excellent potential for recreation, ecotourism and cultural tourism and may also hold some potential for resource-based tourism focused on fishing and hunting.Opportunities to form partnerships towards the development of ecotourism, cultural tourism and resource-based tourism opportunities. View of some First Nations are that new tourism and recreation will be based on sustainable use of land and resources and respect for cultural and community values and features in the area. Concerns Concern that increased access to traditional lands could increase outside tourism.Provincial Parks access would increase.	Section 16.2.2.6 (Parks, ANSI, Protected Areas), Section 16.3.3 (Recreation and Tourism)
Commercial and Industrial Development	Information Shared Proposed roads (including WSR) will bring other forms of development, such as mining or other infrastructure projects, and possibly towns. Concerns Development will limit their ability to use the land and engage in harvesting practices that are not only important for maintaining balance, but also important for sustenance, culture, and identity.Participants were apprehensive of the Project’s connection to the Ring of Fire mineral deposits and future mining activity in the area facilitated by the Project.Concerns about other developments, like dams, drying up area and flooding lands.	Section 15.3.2 (Overall Economy), Section 15.3.3 (Business Environment)

Notes: Names of First Nations and associated location-specific description in some instances are not presented in this table due to potential sensitivity and confidentiality of IKLRU information.

16.1.4 Valued Components and Indicators

Valued Components, including the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use, were identified in the TISG and ToR and serve as the basis for identifying Project-VC interactions and how potential Project effects on VCs will be assessed. Indigenous communities and groups, federal and provincial authorities, stakeholders and the public place high value on non-traditional land and resource uses as these provide the basis of permitted and prohibited activities on different areas of lands for todays and future generations.

The Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs were identified and are intended to capture features of the land use, commercial and industrial activities, recreation and tourism, parks and protected areas, and transportation VCs that may be affected by the Project. These VCs help inform the report structure and better assess and present the data and assessment results. The assessment was conducted using the methodology as outlined in EAR/IS Section 5 (Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment Approach and Methods).

The identified VCs of the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use are:

Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship;
Commercial and Industrial;
Recreation and Tourism (i.e., camps, trails, waterways, etc.);
Provincial and Federal Parks, Ontario ANSI (Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest) and Other Protected Areas; and
Transportation.

“Indicators”, are used to assess potential effects to a VC. In general, indicators represent a resource, feature or issue related to a VC that if changed from the existing conditions may demonstrate a positive or negative effect. The VCs and indicators used to assess the non-traditional land and resource use were refined following input received from the engagement and consultation activities to date.

Each VC is characterized by indicators that represent specific factors that reflect the status of a VC and include metrics that measure change (qualitatively or quantitatively) relative to existing conditions. Indicator metrics were informed by Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) methods.

Non-traditional Land and Resource Use VCs, indicators and rationale for selection are presented in Table 16‑4.

Table 16‑4: Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs – Indicators and Rationale

Valued Component (s)	Indicators	Rationale
Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship	Compatibility with existing and proposed land uses and stewardship.	Communities have an interest in land use and stewardship of lands and wish to avoid changes to land use that are not compatible with existing or preferred future land use.
Commercial and Industrial	Changes to location, number, type of industrial and commercial activities.	Indigenous communities identified the importance of managing resources and associated activities as the Project can cause changes to levels of exploration, access and control of resources and resource-based activities, including proposed mineral extraction and developments in the Ring of Fire area.
Recreation and Tourism (i.e., camps, trails, waterways, etc.)	Changes to location, number, type of recreation and tourism activities or users;Changes to access for land and waterway use; andChanges to resource availability of select species (fish, wildlife) or their habitat.	The identification, maintenance and protection of recreational and tourist features were identified as important as the Project has the potential to increase access to non-traditional land uses.
Provincial and Federal Parks, Ontario ANSI and other Protected Areas	Total number and total disturbed area (ha) of Provincial parks and protected areas.	The identification and protection of parks and protected areas have social, recreational, environmental, health and wellbeing values to Indigenous communities and users.
Transportation	Road Transportation:Change in traffic volume (autos, trucks) on existing road connection (winter) to provincial road network; andChange in opportunities for travel and road use.Air Transportation:Change in demand for air and shipping services.	The transportation network is limited in fly-in remote First Nation communities and its improvement could have lasting socio-economic benefits, while existing waterways for travel require protection.

16.1.5 Spatial and Temporal Boundaries

The following assessment boundaries have been defined for the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs.

16.1.5.1 Spatial Boundaries

The spatial boundaries for the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use (non-Indigenous) VCs are shown on Figure 16.1 and include the following:

Project Footprint – the area of direct disturbance (i.e., the physical area required for project construction and operations). The Project Footprint is defined as the 35 m wide WSR right-of-way (ROW); and temporary or permanent areas needed to support the Project that include laydown yards, storage yards, construction camps, access roads, aggregate extraction sites, and a Maintenance and Storage Facility.
Local Study Area (LSA) – the area within which largely direct and indirect effects of the Project on land and resource use (non-traditional) conditions are likely to occur. The LSA extends approximately 1 km from the centreline of the preliminary recommended preferred route and 500 m from the boundary of the temporary and permanent supportive infrastructure. The LSA also encompasses the following community which may be beyond the 1 km delineation of the preferred route and 500 m for supportive infrastructure:
- Webequie First Nation
Regional Study Area (RSA) – the area where potential largely indirect and/or cumulative effects of the Project may occur in a broader, regional context. The RSA includes the LSA and extends on each side of the LSA to include quaternary watersheds crossed (i.e., Upper Winisk, Middle Winisk, Upper Ekwan, and Lower Attawapiskat) by the preferred route and corresponds to the combined RSAs for Fish and Fish Habitat, Surface Water Resources, Vegetation and Wetlands, and Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat VCs. The RSA also encompasses the following communities which may be beyond the quaternary watersheds:
Marten Falls First Nation;
Attawapiskat First Nation;
Eabametoong First Nation;
Kasabonika Lake First Nation;
Nibinamik First Nation;
Neskantaga First Nation;
Weenusk First Nation;
Kingfisher Lake First Nation; and
Wunnumin Lake First Nation.
See Figure 16.2 or Figure 16.3 for the locations of these First Nations.

Figure 16.1: Local Study Area and Regional Study Area for Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use

16.1.5.2 Temporal Boundaries

Temporal boundaries for the assessment address the potential effects of the Project over relevant timescales. The temporal boundaries for the Project consist of two main phases:

Construction Phase: All the activities associated with the initial development and construction of the road and supportive infrastructure from the start of construction to the start of operation and maintenance of the Project and is estimated to be approximately 5 to 6 years in duration.
Operations Phase: Includes all activities associated with operation and maintenance of the road and permanent supportive infrastructure (e.g., operations and maintenance yard, aggregate extraction, and processing areas) that will start after construction activities are complete, including site restoration and decommissioning of temporary infrastructure (e.g., access roads, construction camps, etc.). The Operations Phase of the Project is anticipated to be 75 years based on the expected timeline when major refurbishment of road components (e.g., bridges) is deemed necessary.

The Project is proposed to operate for an indeterminate period of time; therefore, future suspension, decommissioning and eventual abandonment was not evaluated in the EAR/IS (refer to Project Description, Section 4.4).

16.1.6 Identification of Project Interactions with Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use

The identification of Project interactions with the non-traditional land and resource use environment provides a basis for the subsequent assessment of the potential effects of the Project.

Provided below in Table 16‑5 is the list of project activities, Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs and their potential interactions. Potential adverse interactions between project activities and the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs are identified in the below table with a check mark (ü). Predicted positive interactions between the Project and the VCs are identified with a “P”. Where no interaction is anticipated, a dash (-) is shown in the table.

Project-VC interactions were strategically identified to reduce the need for duplicative discussion. The identified Project-VC interactions took into consideration that several activities are interconnected and/or overlap leading to similar effects. In this regard, interactions for employment and expenditures were presented as a separate activity, as nearly every activity would create a potential interaction. The presentation of Project-VC interactions in Table 16‑5 is aimed to streamline measurable parameters to one primary pathway, as appropriate.

Table 16‑5: Project Interactions with Land and Resource Use (non-Indigenous) VCs and Potential Effects

Project Activities	Potential Effects
Project Activities	Change to Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship	Change to Commercial and Industrial Land Use	Change to Recreation and Tourism	Change to Parks, ANSI and Protected Areas	Change to Transportation
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies: Transport of equipment, materials and supplies to the Project site area using the winter road network and airport in Webequie.	–	–	–	–	✓
Surveying: Ground surveys are conducted to stake (physically delineate) the road right-of-way (ROW) and supportive infrastructure components of the Project (i.e., construction camps, access roads, laydown/storage areas, and aggregate extraction and processing areas).	–	–	–	–	–
Vegetation Clearing and Grubbing: Clearing and grubbing of vegetation (forest & wetland), including removal, disposal and/or chipping.	–	–	–	✓	–
Construction and Use of Supportive Infrastructure: This includes temporary construction camps, access roads and watercourse crossings, laydown/storage areas, and aggregate extraction (pits & quarries) and processing areas (screening, crushing), including blasting.	✓	✓	–	–	–
Construction of Road: removal and stockpiling of organics, subgrade excavation, placement of fill and gravel, grading and drainage work (e.g., road ditches, erosion protection, etc.).	✓	✓	✓	–	–
Construction of Structures at Waterbody Crossings: Culverts and bridges – foundations (e.g., pile driving and concrete works), bridge girders, bridge decks, install of culverts.	–	–	✓	–	✓
Decommissioning / Closure of Temporary Aggregate Extraction and Processing Areas (pits and quarries): Demobilization of extracting and processing equipment, grading and site reclamation/revegetation. This also includes formalizing / re‑purposing select pits and quarries proposed as permanent Project components during operations and maintenance	–	–	–	–	–
Decommissioning of Temporary Construction Camps, Access Roads and Laydown / Storage Areas: Grading and site reclamation/revegetation. This also includes formalizing / re‑purposing select access roads to permanent pits and quarries and a construction camp to an operations and maintenance facility as Project components for use during operations and maintenance.	–	–	–	–	–
Emissions, Discharges and Wastes¹: Noise, air emissions / GHGs, water discharge, and hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.	–	–	–	–	–
Completion of Project-Wide Clean-up, Site Restoration / Reclamation and Demobilization: Clean-up of excess materials, site revegetation and demobilization of equipment and materials.	–	–	–	–	–
Employment and Expenditures²	–	–	P	–	–
OPERATIONS PHASE
Road Use: Light and heavy vehicles and maintenance equipment with average annual daily traffic volume of less than 500 vehicles.	✓	✓	✓	–	✓
Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road: Includes: vegetation management control within road ROW; repairs/resurfacing of road granular surface and shoulders; dust control; winter/seasonal maintenance (i.e., snow clearing); road drainage system cleanout/repairs to culverts, ditches and drainage outfalls; rehabilitation and repairs to structural culverts and bridges; and road patrols for inspection.	–	–	–	–	✓
Operation of Pits, Quarries and Maintenance Yard/Facility: Includes periodic extraction and blasting and processing operations (i.e., crushing, screening) and stockpiling of rock and aggregate materials. Also includes operation and repairs of Maintenance Yard/Facility and components within (office buildings, parking, storage of equipment and materials).	–	✓	–	–	–
Emissions, Discharges and Wastes¹: Noise, air emissions / GHGs, water discharge, and hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.	–	–	–	–	–
Potential for Accidents and Malfunctions²: Spills, vehicle collisions, flooding, forest fire and vandalism.	–	–	–	–	–
Employment and Expenditures³	–	–	P	–	–

Notes:

✓ = Potential interaction

– = No interaction

P = Anticipated positive interactions between Project activities and the VC effects

¹ Emissions, Discharges, and Wastes (e.g., air, noise, light, solid wastes, and liquid effluents) can be generated by many project activities. Rather than acknowledging this by placing a checkmark against each of these activities, “Wastes and Emissions” is an additional component under each project phase.

² Accidents and Malfunctions including spills, vehicle collisions, flooding, forest fire and vandalism may occur at any time during construction and operations of the Project. Rather than acknowledging this by placing a checkmark against each of these activities, “Potential for Accidents and Malfunctions” is an additional component under each project phase. The potential effects of accidental spills are assessed in Section 23 – Accidents and Malfunctions.

³ Project employment and expenditures are related to most project activities and components and are the main drivers of many socio-economic effects. Rather than acknowledging this by placing a checkmark against each of these activities, “Employment and Expenditures” is an additional component under each project phase.

16.2 Existing Conditions

This section summarizes existing conditions of Non-traditional Land and Resource Use VCs based on socio-economic data collection, engagement and consultation conducted for the Project, and the integration of IKLRU. A detailed description of the existing conditions, study methods and results are provided in Appendix L (Socio-Economic Existing Conditions Report).

16.2.1 Methods

To characterize Non-traditional Land and Resource Use existing conditions within the spatial and temporal boundaries defined for the EA/IA, a mixed methods data collection approach was used. Data collection included secondary and primary data source research, combined with considerations such as: GBA+, Indigenous Knowledge, and input and feedback from engagement and consultation.

The existing conditions information are intended to present qualitative and quantitative metrics that define the indicators used for each VC (see Table 16‑4). The following sections describe the mixed methods approach of using quantitative and qualitative data collection, with inputs from secondary and primary sources.

16.2.1.1 Engagement and Consultation

Engagement and consultation activities were conducted with Indigenous communities, municipalities, stakeholders, the public and government regulators with interests related to the Project and/or its potential effects. The identification of potential effects pathways was particularly focused on input related to the First Nation communities within the LSA. A full discussion of Project engagement and consultation is provided in EAR/IS Section 2 (Engagement and Consultation). Indigenous Knowledge integrated into the EAR/IS preparation was collected to support understanding of existing conditions and the assessment of effects of the Project on Non-traditional Land and Resource Use VCs, is described further below.

In addition to seeking input from Indigenous communities, government regulators, the public, and other stakeholders on VCs, indicators and spatial boundaries, Indigenous communities and groups were also invited to participate in the Socio-Economic Primary Data Collection Program. Section 2.3 Identification of Participants summarizes the First Nations communities and Tribal Councils that were invited to participate in engagement activities for the EA/IA of this Project.

16.2.1.1.1 Indigenous Knowledge and Land and Resource Use and Data Validation

To understand the social environment, engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities and consider social information relative to each community’s experience, an IKLRU program was initiated. This IKLRU program was undertaken by First Nations (and their selected advisors/ consultants/ contractors) with capacity support provided through the EA/IA process. The communities of Webequie, Weenusk and Marten Falls First Nations participated and provided draft IKLRU summaries for this Project.

Details of the engagement and consultation on IKLRU is presented in Section 16.2.1.4.

16.2.1.2 Collection and Analysis of Baseline Information

Collection of baseline information for the Non-traditional Land and Resource Use VCs involved a mixed method approach, which refers to a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and associated data collection tools. By combining these methods, a better understanding of issues and complex phenomena can be developed than by either method alone (Creswell and Clark, 2007).

Quantitative and qualitative data methods serve different study purposes and are designed to address different types of research questions and information needs. The quantitative approach allows the Project Team to collect information at a broader scale, on a wide range and across several indicators. The qualitative approach complements the quantitative approach as its purpose is to understand topics more in-depth from the perspective of lived experience, and the meanings attached to that experience (Winchester and Rofe, 2010). The Project Team and community facilitators engaged interested communities where possible, to develop primary data using surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

The steps undertaken to collect and analyze data for social existing conditions, including the collection of secondary information, primary information and how GBA+ was incorporated, are described in detail in Appendix L (Socio‑Economic Existing Conditions Report).

16.2.1.2.1 Collection of Secondary Information

Secondary data research and analysis for the non-traditional land and resource use included collection and analysis of information from a range of quantitative and qualitative information sources to present a narrative of the existing conditions in the LSA and RSA. Consideration was given to gender and other subpopulation attributes, where applicable.

Secondary data collection for aspects such as land use context, land use planning and stewardship, and commercial and industrial land use included gathering information from existing data sources such as government reports, academic studies, and industry publications. This data provides insights into historical land use patterns, regulatory changes, and their impacts.

Desktop research involved collecting and reviewing, where available and permissible, information and data from community websites, governmental databases, recent community documents such as Community Based Land-Use Plans, On-Reserve Land Use Plan, provincial and federal websites, Comprehensive Community Plan, and development plans. Supplementary information from census, online service directories (e.g., 211 Ontario), community profiles with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, preliminary comments from and dialogue with First Nations, academic, industry and advocacy research (research for social change) were also used.

16.2.1.2.2 Primary Data Collection

Specific data collection related to the land and resource use (non-traditional) conditions of the LSA and RSA required data collection from Indigenous communities.

A Socio-Economic Primary Data Collection Program was developed to gather Indigenous Knowledge to support assessment of the non-traditional land and resource use VCs. Information relevant to the non-traditional land and resource use VCs was isolated from data that specifically related to social, economic and other conditions. The methods to gather primary data included:

Community surveys: The survey format (i.e., online, in-person surveyors, and community sessions) and the survey content (i.e., questions posed to community members) tailored to the needs of the community as needed. Indigenous communities in the LSA and RSA were invited to participate in surveys through the Socio-Economic Primary Data Collection Program. Indigenous communities were able to choose to complete some or all the surveys themselves and were provided with support via survey administrators or Project Team. All 22 Indigenous communities in the LSA and RSA were invited to participate in the Socio-Economic Primary Data Collection Program, with the aim to discuss and collect socio-economic information or verify information gathered. A plain language socio-economic survey guide was developed to accompany the survey electronically transmitted to each First Nation. Survey statistics were analyzed using Survey Monkey and NVivo, a qualitative software package that allows for systematic thematic analysis of large amounts of text-based information.
Focus groups: Indigenous communities in the LSA and RSA were invited to participate in Socio-Economic focus group sessions, through the Socio-Economic Primary Data Collection Program. Focus groups allow for in-depth understanding of quantitative data, due to qualitative information that relates to individual experiences and issues for a particular topic or question. In May 2022 and February 2023, focus groups were undertaken with distinct sub-groups in the community relevant to indicator metrics, including youth, women, Elders, land users, knowledge keepers and/or off-reserve members. Focus groups were comprised of 3 to 6 participants each and lasted approximately 2 to 3 hours. Although all 22 Indigenous communities were invited to participate in the focus group discussions, only Webequie First Nation engaged in these discussions.
Knowledge holder interviews: Indigenous communities in the LSA and RSA were invited to participate in Socio-Economic knowledge holder interviews, through the Socio-Economic Primary Data Collection Program. Knowledge holder interviews were conducted with knowledge holders and individuals possessing special knowledge or information. Although all 22 Indigenous communities were invited to participate in the Key Informant Interviews, only Webequie First Nation engaged in these interviews.

16.2.1.3 Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)

Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is a required analytical approach for any project operating under Section 22 of the IA Act and is considered part of this EA/IA process. GBA+ is not a method unto itself, but an approach that is associated with a variety of standard quantitative and qualitative data collection tools.

GBA+ recognizes that historical and current power structures (e.g., laws, policies, governments, and other institutions) have shaped society and created inequalities. This is especially important with respect to legacies of colonialism and the impacts on Indigenous Peoples, and in particular, Indigenous women and Two-Spirited people.

In the context of the EA/IA, GBA+ is intended as means to understand and assess how potential Project effects could disproportionately impact more vulnerable groups including women, youth, two-spirited and gender diverse persons, disabled persons and Elders. It is particularly important to consider how the impacts, benefits, and risks of the Project could be unequally distributed across diverse groups within a community, and to develop targeted plans and mechanisms that can be put in place to avoid and mitigate impacts, and/or compensate these groups.

Qualitative primary data collection and analysis for GBA+ focuses on seeking input from diverse groups about their experiences and characteristics of the community, as well as conditions and services available to diverse groups.

For the purpose of the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs, where available, GBA+ data were incorporated into the results and analysis, including inputs and feedback received from the communities.

16.2.1.4 Indigenous Knowledge and Land and Resource Use (IKLRU)

To understand the non-traditional land and resource use context and consider information relative to each community’s experience engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities was undertaken. The IKLRU program was initiated to engage and collaborate with Indigenous communities and groups on the collection and consideration of IKLRU information throughout the EAR/IS. It is important to note that the IKLRU program was undertaken by the Indigenous communities and organizations / groups (and their selected advisors/ consultants/ contractors) with capacity support provided through the EA/IA process.

Indigenous Knowledge information collection was developed with multiple steps with respect to gathering, documenting and permission of use, as well as validating Indigenous Knowledge for the EAR/IS. Community validation is a process for the community and its knowledge holders to verify the accuracy, completeness and sensitivity of the Indigenous Knowledge that is collected for a project.

During Indigenous Knowledge data collection, the community’s practitioners and/or contractors may meet with community members, especially Indigenous Knowledge holders that participated in the study, to review Indigenous Knowledge collected, to discuss, question, add to the information and verify that the community is comfortable and confident with the accuracy and completeness of the information presented. The process is consistent with the TISG prepared by the Agency and adheres to the following guiding principles- respect to Indigenous Knowledge holders, building relationships, carrying on an ongoing dialogue with community members, community involvement in ensuring the context and the meaning of the Indigenous Knowledge provided is understood and maintained, transparency of the process, gaining permissions from communities for usage, and Ownership, Control, Access and Possession ® (OCAP).

The Project Team held Indigenous Knowledge Validation Interviews and Community Information Sessions in the Webequie First Nation Community Hall on August 20, 21 and 22, 2024, with respect to the IKLRU information received. The purpose of this meeting was to share information on the Project, validate the Indigenous Knowledge data was previously collected and collect additional GBA+ information. This community visit validated primary and secondary information regarding Indigenous Knowledge, cultural heritage and GBA+.

Weenusk First Nation completed a draft version of Weenusk First Nation Existing Conditions Report for the Project. This draft was made available to the Project Team on July 26, 2023, with the understanding that it was confidential, pending community verification/confirmation (MNP, 2023). In November 2023, the community completed a verification of the reports, and on January 24, 2024, the final report for the Weenusk First Nation Existing Conditions Report for the Project was made available to the Project Team (MNP, 2024).

Marten Falls First Nation completed a draft version of the Marten Falls First Nation Indigenous Knowledge, Land Use and Occupancy Study for the Northern Access Roads, dated March 20, 2024. The draft report was made available to the Project Team on May 17, 2024, and it was indicated that the report was subject to change (Suslop, 2024).

16.2.1.5 Summary of Data Sources

Table 16‑6 identifies the method data sources that were used to define baseline information for each valued component.

Table 16‑6: Summary of Methods Data Sources for Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs

Valued Component	Data Sources
Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship	Spatial data on existing planned land uses;Provincial Planning Statement 2024 (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2024); and Growth Plan for Northern Ontario (Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, 2011); andCommunity Based land use planning.
Commercial and Industrial	Economic development reports and plans;Government planning documents; andPrimary data (focus groups, surveys, knowledge holder interviews).
Recreation and Tourism (i.e., camps, trails, waterways, etc.)	IKLRU studies;Indigenous engagement and consultation;Business Operators; andCommunity Based land use planning.
Provincial and Federal Parks, Ontario ANSI and Other Protected Areas	Indigenous consultation and Indigenous Knowledge;Ministry of Natural Resources reports;Business Operators; andCommunity based land use planning.
Transportation	Knowledge holder interviews;Social surveys;Engagement and consultation activities;Local service providers (i.e., winter road);Industry reports; andAcademic research.

16.2.2 Results

Baseline data for Non-Traditional Land and Resource use was collected through the above-mentioned means and data gathered specifically for the Project. Additional data was gathered through a review of internal reports received by AtkinsRéalis and publicly available sources relevant to the project study areas.

The existing conditions of the non-traditional land and resource use are described in relation to the indicators as presented in Section 0. Detailed descriptions of the baseline results, including results of the primary data collection and interpretations, are provided in Appendix L (Socio-Economic Existing Conditions Report).

16.2.2.1 Land Use Context

This section provides the context for various terms that are used throughout the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use section, including the governing authorities, associated acts and treaties and the parties involved, and authorizations/permissions.

Information on legislative background of the area, and community based initiatives for development, mentioned in this section provide crucial background and context for the proposed WSR.

16.2.2.1.1 Indigenous Homelands

The Project is situated within the traditional lands of the Anishiniimowin/Anishinabe/Mushkeego Peoples located in the central expanse of northern Ontario. The proposed Project right-of-way (ROW) runs from the community of Webequie First Nation on Eastwood Island within Winisk Lake to the south and east. The western half of the WSR is in the upland area, and the eastern half is in the lowland/peatland area.

Before the first settlers arrived, Anishinabe and Mushkeego sustainably shared the territory and lived Mino Bimaadiziwin (The good life) through guidance from Anishinabe law, which governs their Kii’manitu’meano-goonan (Creator given) responsibilities to assure a good relationship with the Land (Webequie First Nation, 2021).

Generally, Anishinabe and Mushkegowuk shared a common spiritual view with Indigenous Nations across the continent, and that is based on a profound respect for Shkagamik-Kwe (Mother Earth), which was also a relationship based on reciprocity (Thomas, 2020; Helin, 2008).

Colonial impacts have been devastating in Anishinabe and Mushkeego Homelands. Before the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) established itself and exploited fur-bearing animals to support trade in Europe, the people lived sustainably with the land. Fur-bearing animals were hunted to near extinction, with the beaver population having been nearly decimated, which resulted in starvation mode for the people living in their homelands (SNC-Lavalin, 2022). Before that time, Anishinabe had never before been subject to a commerce style economy (SNC-Lavalin, 2022).

The Indian Act, implemented in 1876 had an adverse impact on Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Perhaps the most harm was done while Indigenous children were forced to attend Indian Residential Schools, which were either government run, or church run institutions (SNC-Lavalin, 2022).

As the proponent for the Project, Webequie First Nation like many Indigenous Nations and communities across Turtle Island (North America) have been living with the effects of colonial impositions since the arrival of Europeans to the continent and the formation of Canada. The impositions, spanning more than seven generations have had a reverberating impact on Anishinabe. Webequie First Nation has been striving for Mino Bimaadiziwin and to strengthen their Nation in a holistic way while reclaiming culture. Anishiniimowin/ Anishinabe/ Mushkeego, as Indigenous Nations of Canada, are stewards of their traditional homelands, and hold Aboriginal and treaty rights as recognized and affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Prior to the Treaty No. 9, the Indigenous communities’ customary way of life was highly mobile while maintaining sacred connection to the land, with large territories to sustain themselves (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Canada’s legal framework has evolved in recent years, in particular, the recent adoption of the action plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (The United Nations, 2007), through it United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act that came into effecton June 21, 2021. The UNDRIP is the most comprehensive international instrument for the minimum protection of the human rights of Indigenous Peoples around the world. Canada’s commitment to UNDRIP and the development of the action plan to implement the UNDRIP Act are two important calls to action for the government that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Canada’s five-year action plan (2023-2028) promotes and respects the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples of Canada as they relate to lands, territories, resources, and autonomy.The measures identified in this plan considered various sections such as health, justice, education, land and environment and culture (Government of Canada, 2023a).

The assessment of the potential impacts of the Project on the exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights is presented in Section 19 of the EAR/IS.

16.2.2.1.2 Treaty Lands

Treaties formalize the legally binding relationship of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments and set out the rights, responsibilities, and relationship. Each treaty is unique and may include elements such as the protection of traditional practices. The Project is within land covered by Treaty No. 9, also known as the James Bay Treaty (CIRNAC, 2013). The Treaty No. 9 area covers approximately two-thirds of Ontario’s total landmass (see Figure 16.2) and includes:

“that portion or tract of land lying and being in the province of Ontario bounded on the south by the height of land and the northern boundary of the territory ceded by the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850, and the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850, and bounded on the east and north by the boundaries of the said province of Ontario as defined by law and on the west by a part of the eastern boundary of the territory ceded by the Northwest Angle Treaty No. 3.” (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, 2013)

Treaty No. 9 was signed between Anishiniimowin/Anishinabe/Mushkeego and the Crown in 1905-1906, with adhesions in 1929-1930. The treaty provides measures regarding land cessation, rights and benefits, resource development, and cultural preservation.

In April 2023, ten First Nations under Treaty No. 9 announced a lawsuit against the Ontario and federal governments regarding their right to govern their territorial lands (and waters), arguing that resource extraction has infringed upon their jurisdiction for over a century (McIntosh, 2023). The ten communities are Attawapiskat First Nation, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Aroland First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Fort Albany First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation. A “co-jurisdiction” approach is one aspect of the litigation announcement, that the ten First Nations in Treaty No. 9 do not ascribe to the Crown’s existing framework of decision making, approvals, prohibitions and policies (Pratt & Langlois, 2023). Treaty No. 9. Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Chief Donny Morris said in a statement “[w]e are putting Ontario and Canada on notice. “No more development – mining, forestry, hydro or any other similar activities without our consent” (McIntosh, 2023).

All communities described in the LSA and RSA for Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use are parties of Treaty No. 9, except for Long Lake #58 First Nation, which lies within the geographic boundaries of the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850, and the Métis Nation of Ontario, which is not part of Treaty No. 9.

Figure 16.2: Treaty Lands and Indigenous Communities

16.1.1.1.1 Reserves

The Indian Act established in 1876 is the primary federal legislation that administers “Indian” status, First Nations governance and the management of reserve lands. It states that land on reserves is owned by the Crown but is given to the First Nation or the Band to hold and use as a tenant. The key provisions of this Act are administration of Indigenous affairs, defining of the Indigenous status, governance of reserves, establishment of band councils, and control of cultural and social practices. The Act has undergone multiple amendments throughout the years.

16.1.1.1.2 Crown Land

In Ontario, 87% of lands are held by the province, where 77% of the province’s land mass is made up of Crown land managed under the Public Lands Act, with an additional 10% of Crown land held as provincial parks and conservation reserves (Government of Ontario, 2024). More than 95% of northern Ontario is Crown land. The remaining lands are held by the federal government, in the form of national parks, First Nation reserves, military bases, or is privately owned.

16.1.1.1.3 Road and Transportation Planning Studies

Various road/transportation studies undertaken by Webequie First Nation and others have been completed, or are on-going, in the region. These studies provide context on the transportation planning initiatives in the region. These studies have been previously described in Section 1.3 (Background and Project Purpose) and include:

Winter Road Re-Alignment Study (2008);
Cliffs Ferroalloys Black Thor Mine Integrated Transportation System (2011);
Noront Resources Eagle’s Nest Mine Access Road (2013);
All-Season Community Road Study (2016);
All-Season Community Road Study – Phase 2 (2017);
Marten Falls Community Access Road (2018, ongoing); and
Northern Road Link (2021, on-going).

16.1.1.1.4 Provincial Plans and Policies

Ontario Provincial Planning Statement

The Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS) is issued under Section 3 of the Planning Act and provides province wide policy directions related to land use planning and development. The most recent PPS came into effect October 20, 2024. PPS 2024 guides local decision-making authorities to ensure their comments, submissions, and advice that affect planning matters “shall be consistent with” the policy statements of the PPS. The PPS sets the province’s vision on how lands are settled, infrastructure is designed and built and how land and resources are managed to achieve long-term objectives of livable and resilient communities and the wise use and management of resources. The following policy directions for planned transportation improvements relevant to the Project include:

Transportation systems that are safe, energy efficient, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and are appropriate to address projected needs.
As part of a multimodal transportation system, connectivity within and among transportation systems and modes should be maintained and improved, where possible, including connections across jurisdictional boundaries.
Transportation corridors and rights-of-way for infrastructure including transportation, transit, electricity generation facilities and transmission systems to meet current and projected needs.
The co-location of linear infrastructure should be promoted, where appropriate.
Development proposed on adjacent lands to existing or planned corridors and transportation facilities should be compatible with, and supportive of, the long-term purposes of the corridor and should be designed to avoid, or where avoidance is not possible, minimize and mitigate negative impacts on and adverse effects from corridor and transportation facilities.
In territories that do not operate under municipal organization, development that is related to sustainable management of resources and resource-based recreational uses, including recreational dwellings not intended as permanent residence is supported. Land use also considers compatibility issues to avoid, minimize and mitigate potential adverse effects from odour, noise and other contaminants that can affect the risk to public health and safety, and to ensure the long-term operational and economic viability of major facilities in accordance with provincial guidelines and procedures (MMAH, 2024). Major facilities can include transportation corridors such as the WSR, and sensitive land uses can refer to residences, day care centres, education and health facilities and the natural environment.
Adverse effects are defined by the Ontario Environmental Protection Act as impairment, injury, damage, loss or interference to the quality of natural environment, property, plant, animal, human health, human safety and discomfort, including loss of enjoyment or normal use, interference with normal business conduct, and rendering property, plant or animal life unfit for human use (Government of Ontario, 1990). If adverse effects cannot be avoided, permitted development adjacent to sensitive land users may be permitted if the need is identified, alternative locations have been evaluated, adverse effects are minimized and mitigated and potential impacts to industrial, manufacturing or other users are minimized and mitigated.

Growth Plan for Northern Ontario

The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario 2011 (GPNO) is a 25-year plan to align provincial decision-making and investment for economic and population growth in northern Ontario. It seeks to diversify resource-based industries, provide education and training, integrate infrastructure investments and planning, and build mutual understanding and work cooperatively with Indigenous communities in this vision. Section 5 of the plan recognizes the need for an integrated, long-term transportation plan to improve connectivity of Ontario’s fly-in communities and their various forms of travel including air transportation, winter roads to provide vital lifelines for food, amenities, education and health services. It seeks to align investments in infrastructure with economic development priorities in GPNO, coordinate transportation and land-use planning, and planning a transportation system that:

Optimizes capacity, efficiency and safety of the existing transportation system;
Links major markets, resource development areas and economic and service hubs;
Creates or strengthen linkages between economic and service hubs and rural and remote communities; and
Reduces emissions and other environmental impacts associated with transportation.

The GPNO also included mineral and mining supply and tourism as priority existing or emerging economic development sectors as opportunities to develop collaboration, investment, growth, labour, research-related strategies. It also affirmed the province’s commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities to integrate efforts in economic development planning, regional economic plans and regional economic development strategies that include the above-mentioned transportation points as well as the mineral and mining supply and services, and tourism sectors. Relevant sections of the GPNO include:

Facilitating partnerships among communities and industry to optimize community employment and benefits in the minerals sector;
Facilitating the entry of new participants and entrepreneurs, including Indigenous businesses, co-operatives and commercial developers in the minerals sector;
Investing in strategic infrastructure and provincial parks system to improve competitiveness of the tourism industry and visitor experience;
Improve training and skills development related to business operations in the tourism industry to better serve domestic and international travelers;
Encourage cultural planning to identify opportunities to promote tourism including Indigenous community based niche tourism opportunities; and
The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario was prepared under the Places to Grow Act, 2005.

The Planning Act

The Planning Act sets up the ground rules to make land use planning decisions in Ontario. Its purpose is to integrate matters of provincial interest into provincial and municipal planning processes and decision-making frameworks that are consistent and conform with the Provincial Policy Statement and other plans. It ensures planning decisions are fair, open, accessible, timely, efficient while promoting sustainable economic development and healthy natural environment. The Planning Act does not apply to the Project location.

Ontario Environmental Protection Act

The Ontario Environmental Protection Act provides broad and comprehensive oversight into the activities that can affect or alter the natural environment. It seeks to protect and conserve the natural environment, by establishing a regulatory framework to evaluate activities that affect the air, lands, waters in Ontario. It covers waste, renewable energy, vehicle licensing, packaging, and spills. Two key features of the act include a registry of new or proposed changes to activities and the provision of an Environmental Compliance Approval.

Far North Act

The Far North Act, 2010, amended in December 2021, sets out a joint land use planning process between First Nations communities and the province that is consistent with existing Aboriginal and treaty rights affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Act promised a significant role for First Nations in land use planning on Crown land, in areas of interest defined by First Nations. The Far North Act, 2010 enables First Nation and Ministry of Natural Resources to work together to develop the ToR to guide the development of CBLUPs to designate and protect areas of cultural, ecological, biological values and functions and permitted activities. It was intended to provide a consensus-based working relationship to consider potential economic development such as forestry, tourism, mining, renewable energy.

The Project is located within the boundaries defined by the Far North Act, 2010 in northern Ontario, and includes areas of interest identified within CBLUPs or ToR prepared by some First Nation communities in the LSA and RSA.

Webequie First Nation undertook a community based land use planning process under the Far North Act, 2010 and completed a draft CBLUP in 2019. At this time, the community has not submitted the plan for approval to the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines; however, the community-led participatory process has provided important insights into the community’s values, goals and stewardship role and the results have been incorporated into the EAR/IS.

To some extent, other First Nation communities have participated in the CBLUP process, having submitted ToRs to the Ministry of Natural Resources, including:

Attawapiskat First Nation;
Marten Falls First Nation;
Constance Lake First Nation;
Weenusk First Nation;
Kashechewan First Nation;
Wawakapewin First Nation; and
Eabametoong First Nation (with Mishkeegogamang First Nation).

Additionally, through the Webequie First Nation CBLUP, Webequie identified some areas of shared land uses with Nibinamik First Nation, Kasabonika Lake First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation.

In 2021, Section 12 of the Act was repealed, which stipulated that constructing infrastructure, such as the WSR, could not occur without a CBLUP in place. If a CBLUP was not in place, it also included special provisions for the Minister or Lieutenant Governor in Council in such a case.

Mining Act

The Mining Act manages mining claims and exploration of mineral development that is consistent with the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. It establishes processes to work with third parties along the mining sequence and outlines rehabilitation and closure plan requirements. It also seeks to minimize the impact of mining activities on public health, safety and the environment. The mineral sector has played a significant role in northern Ontario’s economic sector.

Northern Ontario Transportation Plan

The draft Northern Ontario Transportation Plan, 2020, is a living document and outlines a number of actions to help build a modern and sustainable transportation system. It recognizes the challenges and impacts of climate change on people in northern communities and indicates the need for strategic and resilient improvements including the vital service winter roads that connect fly-in First Nations communities. Sixty-seven actions are identified under six themes including reliable travel options which specifies the province’s support for “Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations as they advance their Environmental Assessments on their individual road projects for all-season roads to connect their communities and connect their communities to the proposed Ring of Fire developments.” (Ministry of Transportation, 2022). As climate change brings extreme weather events that affects transportation system, it has also shortened the season for winter roads use, which carries essential supplies and services for fly-in communities.

In addition, the Northern Ontario Transportation Plan promotes safety awareness by partnering with the commercial trucking industry and Indigenous communities to align with Ontario’s anti-human trafficking strategy and the Calls for Justice reported by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Crown Forest Sustainability Act

Forestry is one of the primary industries and land uses in northern Ontario as it covers 70.5 million ha of forest (MNR, 2021). The Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994, enables the regulation of forest planning, operations, licensing, processing and enforcement of forests on Crown lands. Forest Management Units segment the administrative areas with forest management plans which are prepared or approved for a ten-year period, determine where harvesting can occur, to establish a balance of social, economic and environmental values.

There are no Forest Management Units in the Project area, LSA or RSA.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997

This Act provides the regulatory framework to lawfully hunt and trap wildlife and fish as it also establishes conservation and wildlife protection measures for their habitats.

Public Lands Act, 1990

The Public Lands Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P 43 allows the province to manage public lands also called Crown lands. It allows the management, sale, disposition, entrance into agreements, and delegate powers that cover the interest and goals of the province.

16.1.1.1.5 Federal Regional Assessment in the Ring of Fire Area

A Regional Assessment in the Ring of Fire area under the IA Act is being conducted by IAAC in partnership with Matawa First Nations, Mushkegowuk First Nations and Weenusk First Nation to understand effects of existing and potential future development in the Ring of Fire mineral development area (also known as Kawana ‘bi ‘kag). The Ring of Fire mineral development area has been studied over the past two decades following the discovery of rich mineral deposits in the northern Ontario region (see Section 16.2.2.1.5). All-season roads including the WSR have subsequently been proposed that will connect the Ring of Fire mineral development area to the provincial highway networks to the south. Resource and infrastructure development in the area may cause effects to First Nations that has been home to the people of the land since time immemorial and hold and exercise Aboriginal and Treaty Rights protected by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

The Regional Assessment will take into consideration the effects of resource development activities as well as infrastructure projects such as proposed all-season roads in the area. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change committed that the regional assessment is described as a collaborative approach between the federal government agencies led by IAAC and representatives of First Nations communities, as described in the issued draft ToR (IAAC, 2024). The draft ToR was released in September 2024 for public comment and then finalized in January 2025 by fifteen First Nation partners and the IAAC (IAAC, 2025). The finalized TOR provides information on how the co-led regional assessment will proceed to the next steps of the assessment.

The participating First Nations of the Regional Assessment, that are within the Project LSA and RSA for non-traditional land and resource VCs are:

Attawapiskat First Nation;
Eabametoong First Nation;
Marten Falls First Nation;
Neskantaga First Nation;
Nibinamik First Nation;
Webequie First Nation; and
Weenusk First Nation.

The Regional Assessment is independent of the EA/IA for the WSR and other IAs in the region and is a separate federal assessment process. As required by the TISG for the Project, and the IA Act, relevant information from the Regional Assessment, if available, will be used to inform the effects assessment for the Project.

16.1.1.1.6 Canada’s United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Act, S.C. 2021, c. 14

Canada’s United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent in 2021. It is a key piece of legislation on renewing the Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. This Act reflects the international human rights framework to interpret and apply across Canadian laws and their implementation. An action plan has also been created to present measures that achieve the Act’s objectives.

16.1.1.2 Land Use Planning and Stewardship

This section provides a description of available land use planning information for LSA and RSA communities. It is noted that Indigenous communities in the LSA and RSA have traditional stewardship knowledge and practices that, although may not have been documented in western-style land use plans, deeply inform the conditions of the land and waters, and how Indigenous communities occupy and use the land and waters to sustain their communities. Although a critical source of understanding the landscape in this region, and potential effects to communities, the focus of this section is on non-traditional land use planning process and non-traditional land and resource use. For the purposes of the EAR/IS, a distinction was made between traditional and non-traditional land and resource use by Indigenous communities. This approach ensured that potential effects pathways related to Indigenous community involvement in land use planning processes could be described separately to the traditional stewardship role that Indigenous communities hold as part of their culture and Indigenous rights. The traditional land and resource use, cultural continuity and the assessment of potential impacts on the exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights is presented in Section 19 of the EAR/IS.

A primary vehicle developed by the province for northern Ontario is the CBLUP under the Far North Act, 2010. The Far North Act, 2010 is a process for First Nation communities in the Far North to engage in western-style land use planning in collaboration with the Province. The Far North Act, 2010 was envisioned by the Province to help guide the process of resource and infrastructure development by collaboratively identifying designate land use areas permitted for potential development as well as protected areas for traditional Indigenous occupation and use. The Act was intended to guide preparation of plans lead by First Nation communities. While many First Nations were initially involved in the CBLUP process, most First Nations have not completed the planning process formally with the province. However, many First Nations have undertaken the CBLUP process under the Far North Act, 2010 to a degree.

For the purposes of the EAR/IS, areas of interest for planning (AIP) identified in CBLUP documents under the Far North Act, 2010 are shown in Figure 16.3. Areas of interest were identified by maps provided in draft ToRs for CBLUPs or identified in the draft Webequie First Nation CBLUP as communities that have shared areas of interest (which included Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation and Nibinamik First Nation). Based on currently available information, for the purposes of the EAR/IS, the non-traditional land and resource use LSA and RSA were reviewed for potential overlap with the AIP of the following First Nation communities corresponding with (Section 16.1.5.1):

LSA: Webequie First Nation; and
RSA: Marten Falls First Nation, Attawapiskat First Nation Eabametoong First Nation, Kasabonika First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Wunnumin Lake First Nation and Weenusk First Nation.

Figure 16.3: First Nations Areas of Interest for Planning based on Available Community Based Land Use Planning Documentation

16.1.1.2.1 Local Study Area

Webequie First Nation

Webequie First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan

The Draft Webequie First Nation CBLUP states:

“Webequie First Nation people have a long history of customary stewardship of the land and water within our traditional territory. Our existence, identity and culture are fundamentally connected to the land.” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b)

The Webequie First Nation’s strategic approach to land use planning encompasses both community-specific and broader territorial considerations. Through the formulation of the Webequie First Nation CBLUP and the Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan (2019), Webequie First Nation is navigating the intricate balance between sustainable development and cultural preservation and revitalization. These plans, along with the Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan collectively reflect the community’s commitment to harmonizing growth, resource utilization and the traditional values within the framework of its unique Three-Tier governance model. The following sections elaborate more on these comprehensive planning efforts and their strategic implications.

The Far North Act, 2010 enables First Nations and the province to work together to develop a ToR and CBLUP to designate and guide the protection and development of a planning area following their cultural, ecological, economic, biological values, interests, functions, and activities. After the ToR for Webequie was finalized in 2014, the Draft CBLUP was developed in iterations starting in 2015 with the most recent version in 2019 used as reference for this EAR/IS. The goals, objectives, and principles guide the development of the plan and define the existing ways the land is used, and how it will balance changes in the future within the planning area (approximately 2.8 million ha).

A joint planning team of Webequie community members worked to develop the draft CBLUP. The process to develop the CBLUP also included discussions with neighbouring First Nations communities on shared areas of interest. The overlap of these shared areas recognizes the historic and community connections and requires continued engagement with neighbouring communities to align land use plans.

The planning area is also contextualized with Webequie First Nation’s Three-Tier Model (see Figure 16.4) which has been passed down by generations and provides three land use objectives which forms the foundation of Webequie First Nation’s land use approach, as follows:

Tier 1: The reserve land base level includes the how the land use will provide services, homes, community at the local or on-reserve level.
Tier 2: The cultural land base extends beyond the reserve to include lands that have ancestral values and traditional practices that embodies their cultural, spiritual and stewardship ties, values and identity to the lands.
Tier 3: The economic land base reaches further and identifies the need to balance their traditional values of the land with the economic and development opportunities through sustainable approaches and agreements that respect other parties.

Figure 16.4: Webequie First Nation Three-Tier Model

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2023.

The draft Webequie First Nation CBLUP is a land use planning policy and tool that not only recognizes how the community will transition to make decisions that empower their future, self-sufficiency and responsible stewardship of the land but also builds in their rich culture, practices, values, principles, and philosophies. The goals and objectives include the harmonization of Webequie’s stewardship responsibilities, promotion of their cultural, spiritual, emotional and physical connections to the land, protection of natural ecological systems with development and economic opportunities to foster self-reliance and become a self-sustaining community. In addition, a unique objective of the CBLUPs includes the protection of lands with cultural value and ecological systems through an integrated network of protected areas.

The proposed planning area is 2,875,617 ha that surrounds the reserve (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). Eight land use zones are defined in the draft Webequie First Nation CBLUP with three land use designations: Enhanced Management Area (EMA), Dedicated Protected Area (DPA), and General Use Area. The draft Webequie First Nation CBLUP cites all-season road options with opportunities for synergies for other linear infrastructure and nearby mineral sector development. EMAs balance the protection of sensitive Indigenous features with economic development opportunities that will support and develop Webequie’s capacity, skills, and leadership. DPAs focus on the protection of sensitive Indigenous features, restrict economic development, support tourism, recreation and limit linear corridors to maintain remoteness and “direct development away from sensitive cultural values” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). Table 16‑7 summarizes the direction for the WSR through the land use zones in the draft CBLUP, and Table 1 – Webequie Draft CBLUP – Summary of Land Use Activities Direction for new road development and maintenance including conditions.

Table 16‑7: Webequie Draft CBLUP – New Road Development

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Zone 3 Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Road Development and Maintenance – New	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan

The Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan was completed in 2019, and it established a shared community vision that outlines what kinds of development and land uses are permitted and where, and sets out the decision-making process for those projects. Through input and feedback from the community, provides guidance for Webequie First Nation Chief and Council to make decisions on community land use and development projects within the 34,279 ha of Webequie reserve. For example, this includes plans for:

Housing;
Power;
Water and sewer;
Community buildings;
Roads;
Camps;
Airport;
Landfill;
Pow wow area;
Gardens; and
Other uses.

The Plan was developed in keeping with the Three-Tier Model approach as a path for Webequie First Nation to establish its approach to protect, manage and develop resources in such a way that it maintains traditional way of life, ancestral relationship with the land and equitable and sustainable resource development. This Plan is specific to Tier 1, the Webequie reserve lands, of the Three-Tier model (described above), and was developed with community member workshops and is aligned with other community planning processes, including the draft Webequie First Nation CBLUP and the Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan.

As shown on Figure 16.5, the Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan includes and illustration of existing land uses as well as future land use options on the Webequie reserve. The Plan also includes more detailed information on cultural and environmental protection areas, with planning and design measures such as setbacks and runoff practices.

As shown on Figure 16.6, the Plan identifies the “all-season mine road” (WSR) that connects the Webequie community on Eastwood Island from the road near the Webequie airport eastward to the Ring of Fire mineral development area.

Figure 16.5: Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan – What Will We Build Where?

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019a.

Figure 16.6: Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan – Future Roads map

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019a.

Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan

The Comprehensive Community Plan is a result of the process of the community coming together to “dream for the future.” Seven goals of the Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan are the lenses that identify the direction of changes to build their community in the future.

The Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) was completed in 2023 over a 4-year process of engaging the community, Elders, staff and leadership. The purpose of the CCP was to lay out a roadmap for the future changes that will be coming and documented the Webequie community’s understanding of its current challenges, strengths, values, vision and required additional community studies and plans. It integrates other community plans and visioning processes, promotes working together to achieve the Webequie community’s seven directions/goals towards its vision of a “resilient, culturally vibrant, healthy, holistic and sustainable community [that] harmonize[s] traditional and modern knowledge” (Webequie First Nation, 2023).

The history of the Webequie community in its present-day location originated as a summer gathering site for clan families to live together. After Treaty No. 9 was signed and adhesions made in 1929-1930, the north side of Eastwood Island began to be developed. Land use concerns continued through the decades. The history includes requests by the Webequie First Nation were made for reserve land (1945), negotiations to stop building tourist camps for non-Indigenous users (1960s), tourism in Winisk Park (1960s), reserve recognition (1985), community infrastructure (1990s), reserve status (2001), Ring of Fire mineral development area discovered (2005), blockades to force negotiations (2010), Idle No More Movement (2012) and the development of land use plans (2010s). The Three-Tier Model (Figure 16.4) has been the central guide for land use planning as a traditional practice throughout this time period.

The history of the social context is woven through the Webequie First Nation timeline include the Sixties Scoop and devastation of residential schools, community services infrastructure such as education, retail and nursing stations, social and mental health crisis, forest fire fighting, youth speaking out on wellbeing issues, healthcare programs for substance abuse, and development of strategies and telecommunications.

As noted above, seven directions/goals capture the priority areas that the community need to live sustainably and want to improve. Working towards this vision takes a multitude of initiatives in all seven areas. Comprehensive lists of strengths, opportunities and challenges were devised for each goal by community leadership and community members through extensive community engagement activities. Highlights from each goal includes include
(refer to Figure 16.7):

Education and Training – primary and secondary education, retaining teaching, provision of childcare, training a young workforce, a health and wellness centre;
Cultural Vibrancy and Traditional Life – proud of culture and history, importance of connection to land, Oji-Cree fluency, sustenance gathering and learning the culture;
Housing and Infrastructure – housing needs, infrastructure upgrades and repairs, Elder Centre, airport development, broadband construction;
Environmental Quality and Relationships with the Land – several monitoring initiatives, changes in plant, wildlife and weather, living off land to protect culture and heritage, Choose Life program;
Community Health and Wellness, Family, and Social Conditions – expanding services, trauma, chronic health diseases and addiction, Eldercare, dedicated physician, employment and training opportunities;
Economic Development – partnerships and business ventures, remote location and high cost of living, employment and training, resource development; and
Community Leadership and Governance – self-governing community, transparency and accountability in decision making and reporting, hiring and training for better inter-departmental communications.

The Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan is an iterative or living document as it can be used as a guidepost to see what initiatives worked and learn from those that didn’t. Management and monitoring of efforts is required as an ongoing process to ensure the community is engaged and lead the way in the future.

Figure 16.7: Webequie Concepts of Comprehensive Community Plan

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2023.

16.1.1.2.2 Regional Study Area

Land use planning information for the RSA consists of government plans and policies outlined in Section 16.2.2.1 and First Nation communities that have a historic and existing interest in stewardship of the area, as well as occupancy and land and resource use.

In March 2024, the Draft Omushkego Wahkohtowin Conservation Plan was released which outlined the vision, model, funding, partnerships to develop coastal and land-based conservation plans from James Bay to Hudson Bay and inland shown on Figure 16.17 (Mushkegowuk Council, 2024). It was one of four initiatives included in an $800 million government fund in December 2022 (Government of Canada, 2025). The coastal plan proposed 86,000 km² area as a National Marine Conservation Area. A land-based plan which also proposes to cover the shoreline, estuaries and rivers from Fort Severn to Chapleau Cree First Nation is in development and may cover an area of 130,000 km² of wetlands, and 75,000 km² of boreal forest which combines for a total of 20,500,000 ha (McIntosh, 2024).

The land-based plan will require the involvement, agreement, and funding from federal and provincial governments, the private sector and other organizations. A project finance for performance (PFP) approach was identified for this initiative which will create a governance framework, identify areas for protection and conservation, and determine economic and cultural directions that will support livelihood and community well-being. Seven First Nations who are members of Mushkegowuk Council have signed onto this plan and another two, have agreed to be represented by the Council for the purpose of the PFP. The plan estimates a ten-year period to implement these goals and reach their vision to protect the ecological integrity of Na-Taski-Nano (“Mother Earth” and “that which sustains the people.”) As more detailed information is publicly released, this report will be updated.

The following section describes land use planning information from First Nation communities that may have interests that intersect with the non-traditional land and resource use in the RSA.

The Project Team will continue engaging with First Nations communities in the RSA to understand their CBLUP or objectives to manage their traditional territories to uphold their ability to manage resources and steward their lands.

Marten Falls First Nation

In 2013, Marten Falls First Nation’s ToR was approved for their CBLUP (MFFN and MNR, 2013). Marten Falls First Nation has worked on a draft CBLUP to address environmental and cultural issues, and to identify and plan socio‑economic development strategies with the growing economic and resource development activities within Marten Falls First Nation historical traditional lands and waterways. Marten Falls First Nation identified an area of interest for planning that encompasses an area of 4,265,385 ha in the ToR for its CBLUP, as shown on Figure 16.3 andFigure 16.8.Marten Falls First Nation respects adjacent communities’ shared uses and interests within the area of interest for planning and was intended to include direction for existing and potential land uses and resource-based opportunities within the area of interest (MFFN and MNR, 2013). The ToR outlines that the CBLUP will address the following land uses:

Historical and contemporary indigenous use;
Protection/conservation/protected areas;
Forestry, including non-timber forest products;
Geoscience and the mineral sector;
Renewable energy;
Recreation;
Tourism;
Infrastructure;
Water and Waterway use;
Climate change mitigation and adaption;
Fish and wildlife management; and
Fire management.

The ToR acknowledges adjacent First Nations communities including the following located within the WSR LSA:

Webequie First Nation;
Attawapiskat First Nation; and
Neskantaga First Nation.

Marten Falls First Nation also expressed interest in a CBLUP process that “identifies shared areas of interest to assist in relationship protocols with neighbouring First Nations” and “dialogue with adjacent communities to support understanding of shared areas and interests within the planning area” (MFFN and MNR, 2013).

The following five principles (MFFN and MNR, 2013) will help guide the planning process in the development of the CBLUP:

“Kezhikanawabajikateg kaye ji tepwaaniwaang kekikinozhiwemakaang.” Everything on our land and water is living and needs to be respected;
“Kawininitojikateg nikan onajikewining ineke.” The anishnabek relationship to the land should be seen as a cultured landscape; also an area that is continuously being used by the anishnabek as a habitation and as a resource;
“Kakina ji wiinda mawa nowaht anishnabek ka onjiwatch.” Engage the anishnabek on all issues that affect our shared and communal lands;
“ jih ishi kanawejikatey kakina kekon” Respect the natural and Anishnawbe customs and teachings at all times; and
“Chi Mamow waban ji kateg emishiinonaniwang mashkawisiinaniwang” Looking at it together. In numbers there is strength.

The Marten Falls area of interest overlaps with the WSR Project Footprint for 131.6 ha, with the LSA for 7,205.3 ha, and with the RSA at 318,930.4 ha.

Many First Nation communities have developed CBLUPs, which outlines land ownership, land access, and traditional uses on the land. Limited information is publicly available about Marten Falls First Nation’s documented plans for land use. As information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS. The CBLUP has not been released publicly, and information therein has not been reviewed.

Attawapiskat First Nation

The ToR for Attawapiskat First Nation’s CBLUP was signed in 2015 (Attawapiskat First Nation, 2015). It outlines the community’s values, proposed planning process and their guiding principles. The document reviews environmental and cultural issues, interconnectedness and economic development related to natural resources. The planning area, shown on Figure 16.3 and Figure 16.9 covers a land mass known as the community’s traditional area that extends from Kapiskau river in the south to Hudson Bay in the north and westward along Hudson Bay towards the Winisik River and from Akimiski Island in the east to Lake Missisa in the west (Attawapiskat First Nation, 2015). The planning principles within the ToR for the CBLUP consist of:

Cultural and heritage values;
Biodiversity;
Cumulative effects of land use activities;
Climate change;
Areas of natural resource value for economic development;
Infrastructure;
Tourism; and
Protected areas.

Many First Nation communities have developed CBLUPs, which outlines land ownership, land access, and traditional uses on the land. Limited information is publicly available about Attawapikat First Nation’s documented plans for land use. As information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS.

Attawapiskat First Nation is one of 10 northern First Nations who have launched a lawsuit against the Ontario and federal government in April 2023 (McIntosh, 2023). They have requested that the provincial and federal governments be barred from making any decisions about how land could be used without Indigenous consent. The lawsuit centres on Treaty No. 9 and the contrast between the verbal and written promises of Treaty No. 9 as recorded (McIntosh, 2023). The Nations are arguing that they did not cede or surrender their territories, and that Treaty No. 9 did not give the Ontario government the right to allow resource extraction (McIntosh, 2023).

Eabametoong First Nation

The ToR for the Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang First Nations CBLUP was signed in July 2013 (Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang First Nations, 2013). The ToR is intended to guide the CBLUP which outline the community’s values and objectives for land use planning. Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang have identified an area of interest that encompasses an area of 2,487,752 ha, as shown on Figure 16.10. This area of interest is defined by Eabametoong First Nation and Mishkeegogamang First Nation and it includes the traditional land use areas (north of the Far North Act, 2010 boundaries) that is bordered primarily by the Albany River on the south and approximately along the height of land of the Attawapiskat watershed on the north. Traditional harvest areas have been used to help define the boundaries of the planning area, with respect for neighbouring First Nations. The ToR outlines that the CBLUP will address the following land uses:

Traditional and customary land use;
Conservation and protection of land;
Forest management;
Tourism;
Mineral sector;
Recreation;
Water conservation;
Renewable energy;
Access and infrastructure;
Climate change; and
Fire management.

Eabametoong First Nation and Mishkeegogamang First Nation describe their traditional use territory as Tassshikaywin, which means “our places on the Earth and in nature’s realm” (Eabametoong, Mishkeegogamang First Nations and Ministry of Natural Resources, 2013) and was used in the CBLUP planning initiative.

Many First Nation communities have developed CBLUPs, which outlines land ownership, land access, and traditional uses on the land. Limited information is publicly available about Eabametoong First Nation’s documented plans for land use. As information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS.

Eabametoong First Nation is one of 10 northern First Nations who have launched a lawsuit against the Ontario and federal government in April 2023 (McIntosh, 2023). They have requested that the provincial and federal governments be barred from making any decisions about how land could be used without Indigenous consent. The lawsuit centres on Treaty No. 9 and the contrast between the verbal and written promises of Treaty No. 9 as recorded (McIntosh, 2023). The Nations are arguing that they did not cede or surrender their territories, and that Treaty No. 9 did not give the Ontario government the right to allow resource extraction (McIntosh, 2023).

Figure 16.8: Marten Falls First Nation Area of Interest for Planning

Source: MNR, 2022.

Figure 16.9: Attawapiskat First Nation Area of Interest for Planning

Source: Attawapiskat First Nation, 2015.

Figure 16.10: Eabametoong First Nation and Mishkeegogamang First Nation Area of Interest for Planning

Source: Eabametoong First Nation and Mishkeegogamang First Nation and Ministry of Natural Resources, 2013.

Kasabonika Lake First Nation

CBLUP documentation for Kasabonika Lake First Nation was not available for review when the EAR/IS was prepared, including information as part of a CBLUP or similar process. Although a formal land use plan for the Kasabonika Lake community was not available for review, information has been gathered about the Kasabonika Lake community for the purposes of the EAR/IS.

The Kasabonika Lake community is a fly-in Anishininiimowin (Oji-Cree) Nation in Treaty No. 9 territory located in northern Ontario. Kasabonika Lake First Nation is located 570 km north of Thunder Bay and 448 km northeast of Sioux Lookout. The community is situated on the southwestern shores of Kasabonika Lake within the Winisk River watershed.

The Kasabonika Lake community is only accessible by air, with seasonal road access in the winter months only. The Kasabonika Lake First Nation community is located primarily on Kasabonika Island on Kasabonika Lake, with some parts of the community situated across the bridge to the mainland, including the all-season Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Kasabonika Airport and other ancillary services. Land use on Kasabonika Island includes a mix of residential, commercial and community buildings, which house services typical of remote communities in Northern Ontario.

Kasabonika Lake First Nation is a signatory of Treaty No. 9 and received reserve status in 1979 (Shepherd and Orchard, 2022). Kasabonika Lake became a satellite community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake) in the 1970’s (MacDonald, 2011). Kasabonika Lake First Nation has a long tradition of seasonal settlements throughout their traditional territory. Generally, these were erected or occupied during the spring when large game was abundant (Sieciechowicz, 1986). Camps are spread out along the lakeshore and represent a more diffuse pattern of settlement. Today homes in the community are packed more closely together.

The community chose the island location for several reasons: It is more convenient to land a float plane, it is a natural protection against forest fires, and it provides some protection from bears and wolves (MacDonald, 2011). During the fur-trade period, Kasabonika Lake First Nation settlement had a palisade encircling it (Kayahna Tribal Area Council, 1985). The Kasabonika Lake First Nation homeland is centred on the lakes of Kasabonika and Shibogama with heavy utilization on the lakes, and an overall east-west orientation and important connection with Big Trout Lake to the west. The Kasabonika Lake First Nation utilize the land for hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering and travelling between communities (Kayahna Tribal Area Council, 1985). The land north of Kasabonika Lake was historically used more extensively compared to the other areas around Kasabonika Lake. As the Kasabonika Lake First Nation was an established community site even before the signing of the Treaty, there was no need for families to settle in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug so there are almost no historical records of people from Kasabonika Lake First Nation utilizing the territories further to the north (Kayahna Tribal Area Council, 1985). Additional information on traditional land and resource use and cultural continuity is presented in Section 19 of the EAR/IS.

The community has a land use planning program, which oversees the land use initiatives and ensures preservation of the traditional lands. The program is in change of acting as liaison between the community, Ministry Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and governmental agencies on land related matters, liaising with companies on mining developments, forestry and renewable energy projects, negotiating on behalf of the community in relation to agreements and memorandums, and works with other Band departments for land use planning (211 Ontario North, 2024). The community also has a housing authority which is responsible for housing related matters, resolving problems, addressing requests, and planning for future requirements (211 Ontario North, 2024a).

In 2008, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) invested $50,000 for the Kasabonika Community Development Corporation to undertake a community consultation project on mineral resource development, which would provide community members with information regarding the benefits, impacts and issues surrounding mineral development projects (Government of Ontario, 2008). An additional $132,140 has also been planned by NOHFC to build a warehouse to accommodate mineral exploration companies working in the area and enable the community to benefit from resource development.

To partake in the growing mining sector in the region, Becker (Nimkie Mining Services) has struck a number of agreements with business partners including Asabanaka Drill Services, a majority First Nation-owned company out of Kasabonika Lake First Nation, to assist with the start-up of a 10-week diamond driller training course (Northern Ontario Business, 2017). This training offers in diamond drilling services, exploration and geophysics, infrastructure project management, and common core training in drilling, surface mining and heavy equipment (Northern Ontario Business, 2017).

ThawiKayhiGan Group (TKG Group) was established in 2018 and is owned equally by Kingfisher Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), Wapekeka, Wawakapewin and Wunnumin Lake First Nations. The group, based in Thunder Bay, works to generate new economic opportunities for its communities. “This is our first business acquisition that will directly service our First Nations,” said Jonathon Mamakwa, President of the TKG Group. “This is key in our overall plan in contributing to the development of healthy First Nation communities with vibrant economies that support future generations,” he adds (Dryden Now, 2023).

Limited information is publicly available about Kasbonika Lake First Nation’s documented plans for land use. As information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS.

Neskantaga First Nation

Neskantaga First Nation shares traditional territory with Webequie First Nation, has close ties to the land and seeks to balance development and conservation that is based in consent.

CBLUP documentation for Neskantaga First Nation was not available for review when the EAR/IS was prepared, including information as part of a CBLUP or similar process. Although a formal land use plan for the Neskantaga community was not available for review, information has been gathered about the Neskantaga community for the purposes of the EAR/IS.

Neskantaga First Nation is an Anishininiimowin (Oji-Cree) Nation in Treaty No. 9 territory located in northwestern Ontario, approximately 435 km north of Thunder Bay. The community is situated on the north shore of Attawapiskat Lake. It is one of the closest Indigenous communities to Webequie First Nation, which is located less than 100 km to the north.

Following has been mentioned within the draft Webequie First Nation CBLUP (Webequie First Nation, 2019b):

“Dialogue has been ongoing between Webequie and Neskantaga regarding shared uses and planning interests between the two communities. Community members of Webequie and Neskantaga share close family connections and common history of movement and traditional use in the area between the two communities. Neskantaga First Nation has an ongoing traditional use connection to the southern portion of the proposed Webequie planning area; in the Chipai, Fishbasket and Wapitodem River areas, south and east of Winisk Lake, the upper Winiskisis Channel, and the upper portions of the Ekwan and Attawapiskat River drainage areas that fall within the proposed planning area. Webequie First Nation honors and respects Neskantaga First Nation Indigenous use connections in the proposed planning area.

At the Draft Plan stage, in order to respect the ongoing Three-Nation discussions between Webequie, Marten Falls and Neskantaga, Webequie First Nation has chosen not to advance planning direction for a portion of the proposed planning area. Dialogue regarding the area will be ongoing between the Draft and Final Plan.”

Neskantaga First Nation is closely tied to the land and the community strives to balance conservation and resource development along with economic development (Neskantaga First Nation, 2023).

A letter to the Environment Ministry dated October 13, 2020, states: “Neskantaga’s land use options will be permanently altered by the project as the WSR will bisect Neskantaga’s lands and change forever the options for ensuring the continued practice of Neskantaga’s way of life on Neskantaga territory (Porter, 2020). In 2021, Neskantaga First Nation signed a moratorium on new developments in the Ring of Fire (Schlote, 2023).

In correspondence from Neskantaga First Nation (Neskantaga First Nation, 2021), the community indicated:

“Neskantaga’s land use options will be permanently altered by the Project as the Webequie Supply Road will bisect Neskantaga’s lands and change forever the options for ensuring the continued practice of Neskantaga’s way of life on Neskantaga territory.”

And,

“Neskantaga has strong family ties to the project area since time out of mind. The project directly impacts Neskantaga traplines and falls within Neskantaga’s Area of Interest. Neskantaga has a sacred, legal obligation to protect, defend and steward the water, land, air, and resources of our territory. From Neskantaga’s perspective, we are uniquely vulnerable to the impact of the Supply Road and induced development of the entire Ring of Fire region, and will bear the burden of significant risks arising from the roads and mines.”

Neskantaga First Nation is one of 10 northern First Nations who have launched a lawsuit against the Ontario and federal government in April 2023 (McIntosh, 2023). They have requested that the provincial and federal governments be barred from making any decisions about how land could be used without Indigenous consent. The lawsuit centres on Treaty No. 9 and the contrast between the verbal and written promises of Treaty No. 9 as recorded (McIntosh, 2023). The Nations are arguing that they did not cede or surrender their territories, and that Treaty No. 9 did not give the Ontario government the right to allow resource extraction (McIntosh, 2023).

Many First Nation communities have developed CBLUPs, which outlines land ownership, land access, and traditional uses on the land. Limited information is publicly available about Neskantaga First Nation’s documented plans for land use. As information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS.

Nibinamik First Nation

CBLUP documentation for Nibinamik First Nation was not available for review when the EAR/IS was prepared, including information as part of a CBLUP or similar process. Although a formal land use plan for the Nibinamik community was not available for review, information has been gathered about the Nibinamik community for the purposes of the EAR/IS.

Nibinamik First Nation (Summer Beaver Settlement) is an Anishininiimowin (Oji-Cree) Nation in Treaty No. 9 territory in Northwestern Ontario. Nibinamik First Nation is located 480 km north of Thunder Bay. It is located on the Summer Beaver settlement along the eastern shores of Nibinamik Lake on the Winisk River system.

The community is situated on land surrounded on three sides by Nibinamik Lake. To the south, a road leads out of the community to the airport and other ancillary infrastructure. The community is small and compact with a mix of residential, commercial and community buildings. Education, health, Band administration and other community services and infrastructure are provided in the community.

Protection of the land is very important to Nibinamik community members for both economic and spiritual reasons (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014). A 2014 study showed that approximately half of community members in Nibinamik First Nation still hunt, trap and fish to provide for their families with a small number engaging in these activities for a source of income (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014). The Nibinamik people consider land to be somewhere to heal and where they feel at home. The land is tied to their culture and traditions (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014). There is an overall lack of trust with the mining companies due to concerns that they will destroy the environment and the land to which the community is so closely tied (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014).

A letter from Nibinamik First Nation’s Chief to MECP in February 2021, outlined their preliminary comments on the supply roads to Webequie and Marten Falls and the Northern Road link (Nibinamik First Nation, 2021). While Nibinamik is generally supportive of First Nation groups working to connect to the provincial road system, they have flagged major concerns with the structure of the assessment process and the siloed approach to consultation (Oskineegish, 2021).

Many First Nation communities have developed CBLUPs, which outlines land ownership, land access, and traditional uses on the land. Limited information is publicly available about Nibinamik First Nation’s documented plans for land use. Where information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS.

Weenusk First Nation

Weenusk First Nation is a Muskkegowuk (Cree) Nation in Treaty No. 9 territory located in Northwestern Ontario, approximately 770 km north of Thunder Bay. The community settlement, known as Peawanuck, is located on the western shore of the Winisk River, at the mouth of the Asheweig River, approximately 35 km upriver of the Winisk River confluence with Hudson’s Bay.

Weenusk First Nation has a registered population of 607 with 280 members living on-reserve (CIRNAC, 2023h). As per the 2021 Census of Population, 247 people live on-reserve (identified as Peawanuck, Indian settlement) (Statistics Canada, 2023b). It is a fly-in community that is currently serviced by the all-season VFR Peawanuck Airport, and a winter road which links them to the winter road network via the Fort Severn First Nation (Government of Ontario, 2023). Peawanuck is a community with newer infrastructure and housing, much of it proudly built by the community members themselves after moving from the old settlement. The community hosts a suite of education, health and administrative and other community services and infrastructure to support remote community operations.

The Hudson Bay-James Bay coastline in Northern Ontario has always served as a home to Weenusk First Nation (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF, 2017). The mouth of the Winisk River was always a gathering place in the spring and summer for Weenusk First Nation people (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF, 2017). Weenusk first made contact with European settlers in the 1600s, which led to the colonization of many traditional areas. The colonization by European settlers resulted in establishing a trading post for the Hudson Bay company in 1670, which later became a permanent post in 1924. A trading post was established on the Winisk River in the 1800’s with a permanent Roman Catholic Mission in the early 20th century (Lemelin et al., 2010). Members would travel to the nearby towns with the HBC Post and Catholic mission as a base and then travel from the mouth of the bay to their hunting grounds (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF, 2017).

“In 1953, the Army set up a radar base and donated housing to community members” (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF, 2017). Members of the Weenusk community worked at this radar base and were provided housing by the Royal Canadian Air Force. This would become the Weenusk community site. From 1940-1960’s, the community saw an increase in infrastructure a wage economy with permanent dwellings (Lemelin et al., 2010). In the 1970’s the village of Weenusk was more of a meeting place for families, rather than a permanent settlement. Although the area was suitable for a radar station, the area was susceptible to seasonal flooding (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF 2017). Seasonal flooding became a major issue for Weenusk with a flood disaster occurring in 1986 (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF, 2017). After this, the community moved inland to its current location, known as Peawanuck, which is located approximately 35 km from the Weenusk River’s confluence with Hudson Bay (Lemelin et al., 2010).

Protection of their traditional way of life and protection of water is of primary interest to the Weenusk First Nation people (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF, 2017). The goal of the community is “To ensure the health of future generations, our land and water by maintaining traditional lifestyle, guided by the knowledge of our Elders, harvesters and hunters. By protecting what the ancestors preserved, our future generations may live in a healthy environment” (Weenusk First Nation & MNRF, 2017). Members of the Weenusk First Nation identify the traditional lands and waters as an important aspect of their identity and a key component that distinguishes Weenusk from other communities, as it is described by members as “clean” and “natural and untouched [by development]” (MNP LLP, 2023b).

“[Weenusk traditional area] is very diverse and very lovely land” – WFN02 via translator

“Well, I would say [the land is] unique because we still have this untouched, remote land, natural [land]. Everything is just perfect. There’s no contaminations, no (…) major consequences yet of development. Sure we might start seeing changes in migrations with the caribou that do migrate in these areas. But besides that, everything’s natural and untouched, and it’s preserved. Everything’s safe. We can go down to the bank, drink the water, and do all that and, you know, have no issues.” – WFN06. (MNP LLP, 2023b)

Stewardship of the environment is critical to the identity and well-being of Weenusk First Nation as it ensures that culturally significant resources are available for future generations (MNP LLP, 2023b). Part of the stewardship is passing cultural knowledge and traditions to future generations to preserve the Weenusk First Nation identity. Stewardship of the environment is also closely associated with Weenusk governance, Weenusk’s harvesting rights, and the exercise of harvesting activities. As such, changes to stewardship can have potential impacts on Weenusk governance and traditional practices (MNP LLP, 2023b).

Stewardship of the lands is critical to the identity and well-being of Weenusk First Nation to pass on cultural knowledge and traditions to future generations.

Weenusk First Nation’s Cultural Landscapes and Connection to the Land is an important intrinsic value to the Weenusk way of life and being, where traditional knowledge and practices are held and transmitted (MNP LLP, 2023b).

“It’s our way of life too (…) and we try and (…) to teach our children that too (…) It’s like a passed-on thing, (…) living off the land (…) and respecting the animals (…)” – WFN17

“The land is so important and, in my family, (…) my grandparents taught us to respect the land, (…) and especially with the animals, respecting them (…) after you’ve killed [them] and you put tobacco down.” – WFN27

The remote nature of Peawanuck and small community size is seen as a positive aspect of Weenusk First Nation as it also ties to the Weenusk identity, reinforcing the connection to community, Weenusk traditional areas, and traditional ways of living.

“We’re so remote, nobody (…) really pays attention to us, in a good way (…) so we’ve learned to be self-sufficient (…) very self-sufficient (…) very community oriented, and (…) still practice traditions that [are] discontinued in some communities.” – WFN03

“Everybody knows each other here, it is a small community.” – WFN05

“We’re so rich, because we have so much land (…) our traditions are so strong around here.” – WFN27

Another aspect of Weenusk identity is the feeling of pride and personal and familial connections to the lands and waters in Weenusk’s traditional areas.

“Families in town can be traced back to before they were forced onto [reserve].” – WFN06

“[I’m] proud to be a (…) Weenusk First Nation, Peawanuck. I grew up in the Weenusk area, from 1953, that’s when I came home. Even though I lost my culture, I regained everything. My mom did most of the work, [she] gave me back the language, and the people in the community helped me a lot too, about the hunting, and how to fish, how to survive on the land, they gave me the survival skills that I lost.” – WFN16

“What it means to him as a Peawanuck [is] that he is able to travel, [be] free, and there’s no property signs whatsoever, so it’s for him to harvest and it’s also a (…) peace of mind.” – WFN02 via translator

“Just how isolated we are (…) we’re really far, far north. Just how (…) clean it is, how fresh the air is. And that’s something (…) a lot of people don’t experience.” – WFN08

“Weenusk is very unique. We’re very isolated. People have moved on from here, because life is hard. But there are people that stayed back, because no matter how difficult it is (…) this is home, it’s freedom (…) It has so much to offer, like freedom, health. If you go through stress (…) you just go out to the land and go camping, regenerate.” – WFN10

In an interview (MNP LLP, 2023b), one member indicated that the ability to live off the land and exercise harvesting practices without interference is considered more important than development and money.

“We’re rich the way we live. We’re still living like we used to do a long time [ago] (…) people who go out every day almost every day on the weekends, especially people with family.” – WFN32

In 2017, Weenusk First Nation’s ToR was approved for a CBLUP (Weenusk First Nation, 2017). The ToR for Weenusk First Nation outlines its area of interest in planning (AIP), which is based on an understanding of historical and traditional use. The Weenusk First Nation area of interest is 5,302,486.87 ha in size as shown on Figure 16.11 (Weenusk First Nation, 2017). The CBLUP indicated that it will not alter traditional understandings and relationships to the land with adjacent communities. The CBLUP will inform decisions on proposal for land and resource use. The ToR outlined that the CBLUP will address the following land uses (Weenusk First Nation, 2017):

Indigenous traditional knowledge;
Protected areas;
Waterways;
Fish, wildlife and plants;
Mineral resources;
Oil and natural gas;
Forestry;
Non timber forest products;
Tourism and recreation;
All season roads and infrastructure;
Renewable Energy; and
Climate change.

Figure 16.111612: Weenusk First Nation Area of Interest for Planning

Source: Weenusk First Nation and Ministry of Natural Resources, 2017.

Kingfisher Lake First Nation

Kingfisher Lake First Nation is located approximately 520 km north of the City of Thunder Bay and 165 km west of Webequie First Nation in northern Ontario. The community is situated on the western shore of Kingfisher Lake.

The community is formally affiliated with Shibogama First Nations Council, a registered not-for-profit Tribal Council, and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation provincial territorial organization. In 1808, HBC created an outpost at Big Beaver House, which is 12 km southwest of the present Kingfisher Lake reserve. From 1929-1930, leaders of Kingfisher Lake First Nation participated in the signing of Treaty No. 9 and as a result of this signing, they were considered part of Big Trout Lake Band (Kingfisher Lake, N.D). In 1964, the leaders of Kingfisher Lake first Nation decided to move and establish a permanent community at the current community location. Kingfisher Lake First Nation gained Band status in 1975 (Kingfisher Lake, N.D).

The collective vision statement of Shibogama First Nations Council, which Kingfisher Lake is part of, is a collective vision of “Payahtakenemowin” (peace of mind) for the Shibogama communities. “We are strong, healthy people who respect and support all creation according to the teachings of our Elders.” (Shibogama First Nations Council, 2023).

Thawikayhigan LP (TKG Group), was established in 2018 and is owned equally by Kingfisher Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin and Wunnumin Lake First Nations. The Group, based in Thunder Bay, works to generate new economic opportunities for its communities. “This is our first business acquisition that will directly service our First Nations,” said Jonathon Mamakwa, President of the TKG Group. “This is key in our overall plan in contributing to the development of healthy First Nation communities with vibrant economies that support future generations” (Dryden Now, 2023).

Wataynikaneyap Power announced that Kingfisher Lake First Nation was energized by the Wataynikaneyap Power Project transmission line from Pickle Lake on November 8, 2022. Chief of Kingfisher Lake First Nation at that time stated that “Access to reliable energy will lead to many improvements for our people and the community. Schools, households, and businesses have been negatively impacted by frequent power outages. Improvements in healthcare, education, food security, and technology will no longer be constrained by the limited capacity of the diesel generators” (Wataynikaneyap Power, 2022).

Many First Nation communities have developed CBLUPs, which outlines land ownership, land access, and traditional uses on the land. Limited information is publicly available about Kingfisher First Nation’s documented plans for land use. As information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS.

Wunnumin Lake First Nation

Wunnumin Lake First Nation is located 500 km north of Thunder Bay, 166 km from Pickle Lake and 125 km west of Webequie First Nation in northern Ontario. The community is closest geographically to Kingfisher Lake First Nation and Nibinamik First Nation. Wunnumin Lake is situated where the Pipestone River meets the Winisk River. Today the community is situated on a peninsula of Wunnumin Lake.

The community is formally affiliated with Shibogama First Nations Management, a registered not-for-profit Tribal Council (Shibogama First Nations Council, 2024), and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation provincial territorial organization.

Wunnumin Lake First Nation is located in the census District of Kenora.

Wunnumin First Nation and Kingfisher First Nation were historically connected with Big Beaver House as a meeting place and for trade. The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) trading post was established at Big Beaver House in 1808 (Wunnumin First Nation, 2010a). As a result of a forest fire that destroyed the buildings at Big Beaver House, the location was abandoned and communities relocated to two areas – Kingfisher Lake – 12 km north, and Wunnumin Lake – 40 km east of Big Beaver House (Wunnumin First Nation, 2010a).

Wunnumin Lake and the Pipestone River took their names from a historical legend of the Broken Beaver Dam made by the Big Beaver that lived on the Pipestone River (Wunnumin First Nation, 2010a). In Oji-Cree, Wun-num-mun means red earth or red clay found in this area, which is explained by a historical legend (Wunnumin First Nation, 2010b).

During 1929-1930, the leaders of Wunnumin Lake First Nation were summoned to Big Trout Lake to participate in the signing of the adhesion to Treaty No. 9. Wunnumin Lake was established in the early 1960’s and obtained reserve status on March 2, 1976 (Wunnumin First Nation, 2010a).

Wunnumin Lake First Nation is part of a formal agreement with Newmont Musselwhite Mine that outlines revenue sharing, employment, training and business development opportunities (Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, N.D).

Wapekeka First Nation is a partner in the Thawikayhigan Limited Partnership (TKG Group), established in 2018, and which is owned equally by Kingfisher Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin and Wunnumin Lake First Nations. The Group, based in Thunder Bay, works to generate new economic opportunities for its communities. “This is our first business acquisition that will directly service our First Nations,” said Jonathon Mamakwa, President of the TKG Group. “This is key in our overall plan in contributing to the development of healthy First Nation communities with vibrant economies that support future generations” (Dryden Now, 2023).

Wunnumin First Nation is in a joint equal partnership, First Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP), with 24 First Nations in Northern Ontario that have a 51% interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. The company is leading the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Line Project to connect 17 First Nation communities that have relied to date on diesel generation for electricity needs. In May 2023, Wunnumin was connected to the provincial electricity system for the first time, via the newly constructed transmission line (Wataynikaneyap Power, 2023).

Many First Nation communities have developed CBLUPs, which outlines land ownership, land access, and traditional uses on the land. Limited information is publicly available about Wunnumin First Nation’s documented plans for land use. As information becomes available through dialogue with the community, it will be integrated as part of the EAR/IS.

16.1.1.3 Commercial and Industrial Land Use

Commercial and industrial land uses, including established businesses and other income generating endeavors, are included in this section.

Commercial activities provide essential goods and services to members of the community not only for economic, but also social, cultural and environmental benefits, as well as goods and services for external commercial/industry enterprises. In general, local business is limited in fly-in communities due to limited demand in communities and the remoteness from wider markets. Business development is encouraged through community planning, as well as territorial organizations such as Matawa First Nations Management, Mushkegowuk Council, Shibogama First Nations Council and Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and provincial and federal government programs. Industry also provides employment and economic opportunities and converges with community, cultural, social, environmental spanning the micro and macro scales.

Historically, land use in fly-in First Nations communities has been centered around community life, traditional practices, mobility and residential purposes. However, with economic development and the evolving needs of the community, there have been efforts to grow and benefit from commercial and industrial activities, such as through the proposed Project. There are several successful alliances that have created mutually beneficial opportunities in the mining and aggregates, forestry, energy sectors, joint ventures, partnerships, agreements. In addition, other formalized mechanisms are utilized to bring together interests with other Indigenous communities, government and/or third parties to develop education, employment, skills, training, goods and service provisions, and procurement in various economic strategies. Examples of these mechanisms include Impact Benefit Agreements, Resource Revenue Sharing, procurement strategies, and memorandums of understanding. In many cases, the intent to use the economic benefits gained by Indigenous communities is to circulate them back into the community to create, sustain or reinvest in Indigenous community development initiatives and/or new business activity.

The natural environment is and has been a significant resource and driver of the industrial economy in northern Ontario with a focus on resource extraction in mining, aggregate, and forestry sectors. Minerals include barite, chromite, graphite, lithium magnesium, uranium, gold, copper, nickel, zinc, diamonds, as well as the more recent discovery of critical minerals in the Ring of Fire including chromite, copper, zinc, gold, diamond, nickel and platinum (Mining Association of Canada, 2024; Ministry of Mines, 2024). Critical minerals have been identified as critical components to transition economies based on fossil fuels into renewables. Aggregates include sand, gravel and bedrock that are typically used in construction. In 2022, Ontario’s mining sector contributed $8.0 billion to Ontario’s GDP, provided 31,000 direct jobs, 47,000 indirect jobs and paid $373 million in taxes to all three levels of government (Ontario Mining Association, n.d.). The Ring of Fire was estimated to generate up to $9.4 billion in GDP, provide 5,500 jobs, generate $2 billion in government revenue in the first 10 years of operations (Ontario Chamber of Commerce, 2014). This report also estimated its effects in other sectors in Ontario and would contribute $2.7 billion in the financial sector, $1.2 billion in wholesale and retail, $600 million in manufacturing, and $500 million in utilities (Ontario Chamber of Commerce, 2014).

Forestry also contributes to the north Ontario economy. The Managed Forest Zone and Northern Boreal cover 84% of Ontario with the Northern Boreal area covering 44 million ha, of which 16.3 million ha is unmanaged Crown Forest, 12.3 million ha as tree wetland, and 8.9 million ha wetland amongst others (MNR, 2020). In 2020 Ontario’s forestry provided $4.3 billion to Ontario’s GDP and shared $93 million “to date” with 35 participating First Nations through Resource Revenue Sharing agreements (MNRF, 2022). Forestry management zones are not located in the Project’s LSA or RSA.

Commercial fishing also has a longstanding history in Ontario. As of 2022, it employed 1,000 people and contributed $230 million a year to the economy (MNR, 2022). The Project is located with Fisheries Management Zones 2 and 3 which does not have monitoring reports, management plans or advisory council at this time (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2023). Federal and provincial legislation oversee the licensing provisions and details involved in commercial fishing and several programs across Canada develop and fund Indigenous fisheries although the geographic focus of these programs on provinces with ocean coastlines (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2023). Indigenous commercial fishing has been a sensitive issue for First Nations as the right to sell fish has been raised in court cases (Slattery & Slattery Aboriginal Law Practitioners, 2020).

In addition, commercial tourism is a major economic driver in Ontario, contributing significantly to employment and regional development. As of 2024, the tourism sector supported thousands of jobs and generated billions in economic activity, with the province investing $19.3 million into 11 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) to promote unique experiences and natural landscapes (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, 2025). These RTOs help coordinate tourism development, but not all regions have comprehensive monitoring frameworks or advisory councils in place, particularly in more remote or underdeveloped areas. The Project area falls within Ontario’s northern tourism zones, which are rich in natural and cultural assets but often lack the same level of infrastructure and strategic planning as southern regions. While the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport oversees tourism development, regional disparities in planning and oversight remain a challenge (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, 2025). At the federal level, the Indigenous Tourism Fund and its Micro and Small Business Stream have provided nearly $8.1 million in funding to over 330 Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada (Government of Canada, 2025b). These investments support infrastructure upgrades, product development, and marketing initiatives, with a strong focus on Indigenous self-determination and cultural preservation. However, much of the funding and programming has historically focused on provinces with more established tourism markets, leaving gaps in support for northern and remote communities.

Resources and resource-based industrial activities including mineral development, potential aggregate sources, forestry, fisheries and energy resources and transmission, are described within the extents of the LSA and RSA in following sections.

16.1.1.3.1 Local Study Area

Commercial Land Use

Webequie First Nation

The Webequie Business Centre hosts the Northern store, post office, bank branch, and the Webequie motel, and Tikanigan services. Other commercial activities include a coffee shop, telecommunications, property management, heavy equipment service and radio station. Previous businesses included a sawmill in 1987, Simon Jacob store in 1940, Trapper Store, Kishebenaka Community Store, and Jackie’s Video store (Webequie First Nation, 2023). Commercial fishing also took place in the winters prior to establishing the Webequie reserve. The Northern store retail outlet employs about ten people and sells groceries, fuel and household items through a mail order service. A community member operates a confectionary and there are about four “mom and pop” coffee shops operating out of homes.

Additional plans (Webequie First Nation, 2019a, 2019b, 2023) consider several opportunities and pursuits to catalyze commercial local activity:

Catering services;
Ecotourism services;
Land based camps as education and training opportunities;
Sawmill;
Community gardens;
Community-owned grocery store;
Craft and arts cooperative;
Online training and sales;
Large equipment rentals such as boats and mining supplies;
Garage and engine repair;
Fuel/gas provider;
Hide and fur store;
Community business holding enterprise;
Warehouse/storage;
Office rental;
Laundry and cleaning services;
Resort and output camps; and
Bakery.

Previous efforts that produced economic development plans in 2009 and in the 1980s (AtkinsRéalis, 2022c, AtkinsRéalis, 2021). Over the decades, Webequie community members’ previous work experiences in mining was short term, required new skills development and training and also required moving and living off-reserve. This contrasted with the sentiment that members wanted to “stay here because this is home for them and they want to work full time here” (AtkinsRéalis, 2022). Another interview shared concerns about employment related to mental health and addictions that impede job security and affect interest in local jobs in a sustainable way (AtkinsRéalis, 2022b).

A July 2021 socio-economic survey (AtkinsRéalis, 2021b) shows the recent employment information of many Webequie community members:

73 people living in Webequie were employed full time, 13 people were employed part time, and 5 people were employed seasonally (including traditional harvesting). Thirty-two people were searching for work and 22 were not. Fifteen people indicated they work for or own a local, Indigenous-owned business but most (85) do not; and
First Nation programs are the largest employer with about 200 employees, the school employs 65 people, and the Band has just over 100 people employed. The retail store employs about 10 people.

Part of the economic development approach for the community is to develop infrastructure and other endeavors related to nearby mine that will introduce economic and social benefits into the community. Some believe that it will create jobs that focus on coordination, maintenance (not just construction), will be an opportunity for youth to gain new experiences, possible joint ventures for aggregate work, stimulate work in transportation, catering and accommodations. The Council and community has expressed their economic interests in terms of long-term employment for families and youth, understanding that the supply road could create more access to employment within and outside the community.

Members also indicated that to prepare their community for employment building the WSR, that a training facility and training programs will be needed (AtkinsRéalis, 2022c). With the recognition that a significant employment opportunity with the road is on the way, developing strategies for partnerships will help organize how the community can secure economic benefits by working with industry and government. One community member observed that the sales/trades of industrial owners in the Ring of Fire created economic benefits to both the seller and buyer but excluded financial benefit of First Nations communities who have inherent right to their lands (AtkinsRéalis, 2022g). In addition, consideration to “address current issues first before [we] start talking about what the government wants to do or industry” (AtkinsRéalis, 2022) was identified and reinforced by obtaining more information through this study so that “we [can] begin to understand what it is that we’re doing” and making sure “that when we develop the road, it addresses some of the impacts it may have in our territory.” (AtkinsRéalis, 2022h)

Webequie is also served by a community airport and that is served by eight airlines directly or through connections to 16 First Nations, and three municipalities. There is also chartered service which also provides air ambulance/medvac services.

The draft Webequie CBLUP considers commercial activities in the broader area of interest outside of the reserve on their territorial lands. It recognizes the historical development of commercial activities such as commercial fishing, trapping and tourism but seeks to align economic and industrial development opportunities in appropriate contexts that fit with the direction and vision for their community, community members and future generations.

Commercial trapping and fur trade was a source of income prior to the 1970s and today 13 Webequie community members hold traplines, 50 cabins and other infrastructure support trappers to support and educate youth on the community’s traditional trapping practices (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). Licenses were issued in the 1960s during the community’s active fishing operations but for multiple economic and administration reasons, have ceased.
Table 16‑8 indicates the CBLUP land use zones and designations (Dedicated Protected Areas and Enhanced Management Areas) that may allow future considerations for commercial fishing within a joint decision-making approach with the province that meets the cultural and ecological values.

Table 16‑8: Webequie First Nation Draft CBLUP – Commercial Enterprises

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Zone 3 Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Bait Fishing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Commercial Fishing – existing	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Commercial Fishing – new	Maybe	Maybe	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Commercial Fur Harvesting	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Commercial Non‑Timber Forest Products	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Motor Boat Use – Commercial	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

Webequie First Nation is interested in pursuing commercial tourism as there are areas with high potential for tourism. More information on tourism is in Section 16.2.2.5.

Commercial tourism in the planning area is not yet fully realized but it is positively viewed to support economic development and utilize existing infrastructure which includes eight community member-owned establishments. There is support for eco-tourism, adventure and resource-based tourism and community-owned operations to pursue tourism especially in the western part of the planning area. Tourism is included in the Enhanced Management Area (EMA) and Winisk Watershed General Community Livelihood and the Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak (Waterway) Dedicated Protected Areas (DPA) and new tourism operations will be considered in a process to develop partnerships with Webequie in a lead role within a joint decision-making process with the province. The EMA supports a range of development while providing protection for sensitive cultural, wildlife and tourism values, and the DPA protects areas of ecological and cultural significance that hosts quality wildlife habitat and water features for conservation and also potential recreational and tourism activities. Renewable energy is also identified to complement tourism operations at the appropriate scale. The General Use Area includes tourism and de-emphasizes tourism based on fishing. Table 16‑9 indicates the land use designations that support tourism which intersect with the WSR.

Table 16‑9: Webequie First Nation Draft CBLUP – New and Existing Commercial Tourism

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Commercial Tourism – New	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Commercial Tourism – Existing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.)

Industrial Land Use

Mineral Resources

Mineral resources in the LSA includes the Ring of Fire, a region with significant mineral opportunities has long term potential to contribute to the Ontario economy (Ministry of Mines, 2022). This has implications for land use through exploration, development, and potential mining operations. Indigenous communities in northern Ontario have been maximizing economic, legislative and judicial processes to be involved in resource-based decisions that ensure their inherent rights and responsibilities, and to enable and empower their communities’ environmental, economic and social wellbeing for todays and future generations.

Ontario created the Critical Minerals Strategy in 2021, a five-year plan to secure the province’s position as a reliable global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals (Ministry of Mines, 2022a). Critical minerals are those with industrial, technological or strategic applications to help transform fossil fuel-based economies to renewables. There are few viable substitutions for these minerals which are at a supply risk due to geopolitical considerations and market demand (Ontario Mines Association, 2022). The Strategy consisted of the following six components:

Enhancing geoscience information and supporting critical mining exploration;
Growing domestic processing and creating resilient local supply chains;
Improving Ontario’s regulatory framework;
Investing in innovation, research and development;
Building economic development opportunities with Indigenous partners; and
Growing labour supply and developing a skilled labour force.

Mining activity is a large driver of the regional economy. Mining is regulated under the provisions of the provincial Mining Act. The purpose of the Mining Act is to “encourage prospecting, online mining claim registration and exploration for the development of mineral resources, in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult, and to minimize the impact of these activities on public health and safety and the environment” (Ministry of Mines, 2023). The Mining Lands Administrative System (MLAS) is an online portal to register new mining claims or manage existing ones. Applicants are required to create a MLAS user account, which allows them to view active unpatented mining claims, register new mining claims, manage user mining claims, and buy or renew a prospector’s license. Non-registered users are only able to use the MLAS map viewer to view active unpatented mining claims.

Under Section 50 of the Mining Act, a mining claim provides exclusive rights for the claim holder to explore for minerals and rights to enter, use and occupy surface rights as necessary for exploration and development. A mining claim does not provide mining rights for the land to the holder of the claim. A prospector license is required to stake out a mining claim on land that is open for staking and prospect for minerals on Crown land, including land traditionally used by Indigenous Peoples and communities (Natural Resources Canada, 2013).

The Government of Ontario is working directly with First Nations through bilateral agreements that support each individual First Nation community’s needs and priorities (Ministry of Mines, 2022). Proposed all-season road projects in the Ring of Fire area are led by First Nation communities, which include project planning through EA/IAs, and maximizing benefits and opportunities for First Nations communities.

Building economic development opportunities with Indigenous partners is critical to the success of the strategy as collaboration on resource development projects can help in reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and communities and provide socio-economic benefits to Indigenous communities. To demonstrate Ontario’s commitment to reconciliation and support economic development opportunities to build healthy and prosperous communities across Ontario’s north, a resource revenue sharing agreement with Indigenous communities was developed (Ministry of Mines, 2022). This agreement allows Indigenous communities to share in the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations near their communities. This revenue can be used for economic development, education, health, community development, and cultural development. There are currently 35 Indigenous communities involved in the revenue resource sharing agreement with Ontario, including communities represented by Grand Council Treaty No. 3, Mushkegowuk Council, and Wabun Tribal Council. The Aboriginal Participation Fund provides $4.7M annually to support communities to participate in consultations, education and relationship building activities related to mineral exploration and development (Ontario Mining Association, 2022).

We are a community that believes in self-determination and pursuing collaborative alliances with the right government and business partners. This MoU [with Juno Corp.] brings us one step closer to securing new employment, training, business prospects -Chief Wabasse, Webequie First Nation (Cision Canada, 2021).

Table 16‑10 shows the land use areas in the CBLUP that overlap with the WSR and whether they permit or prohibit mining activities. Zone #7 Prime Lake EMA includes further Strategic Directions to guide mineral exploration and development process.

Table 16‑10: Webequie First Nation Draft CBLUP – Mineral Exploration and Development

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Zone 3 Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Mining Exploration and Development	No	No	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

The CBLUP indicated the significant findings for chromite, nickel, copper and zinc in the Ring of Fire and briefly summarized previous mining activities around copper, chromite, nickel, zinc, titanium and vanadium minerals which are identified in Ontario’s Critical Mineral Strategy 2022-2027 (Ministry of Mines, 2022a). Areas with kimberlite have the potential for diamond deposits. The eastern section of the planning area may host industrial deposits for aggregate use. Strategic direction for mineral exploration and development includes early and consistent dialogue, respect to Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, potential to develop community-led ventures and partnership for meaningful participation and utilizing an external consultation protocol (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Table 16‑11: Existing Mining Claims and Tenure in the LSA

Item	Number of Claims/Deposits	Area (ha)
Active Mining Claims in LSA	751	11,685
Active Mining Claims – with tenure in LSA	1	662

Note: The count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA.

Figure 16.12 show the locations of mining claims in the LSA and RSA.

Figure 16.12: Existing Mining Claims and Tenure in the LSA and RSA

Aggregate Resources

Aggregate resources, materials like sand, gravel, and crushed stone are another resource in northern Ontario and is valued for its use in construction and infrastructure projects.

Potential deposits of aggregate sites near the Project and LSA have been scoped and identified in Figure 16.13 and

Figure 16.14. Local access to these materials can reduce costs and logistical challenges associated with importing materials from distant sources. More information on the selection process for aggregate sites are included in Appendix D-2 of EAR/IS (Potential Aggregate Development Sites Report). There are 25 aggregate deposits within the LSA totalling 267.7 ha (Table 16‑12). Utilization of aggregates for construction and operations and maintenance phases are summarized in Section 4 (Project Description) and may be refined during the detailed design and construction stages of the Project.

Table 16‑12: Existing Aggregate Deposits within the LSA

	Number	Area (ha)
Existing Aggregate deposits	25	267.7

Note: The count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA.

Table 16‑13 shows the CBLUP land use zones and designations for aggregate extraction and mineral exploration and development within the Project LSA. Aggregate extraction in the DPA will only be considered for the WSR.

Table 16‑13: Webequie First Nation Draft CBLUP – Aggregate Extraction

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Aggregate Extraction	Maybe	Maybe	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

Figure 16.13: Existing Aggregate Deposits in the LSA and RSA

Figure 16.14: Existing Aggregate Deposits in the Project Footprint

Forestry Resources

Forestry is one of the primary industries and land uses within northern Ontario as the Hudson Bay Lowlands and Boreal forest cover about three quarters of Ontario (MNR, 2021a). The history of forestry in Webequie First Nation includes the Crown Timber Amendment Act which created opportunities in 1960s for “male members to travel to southern towns for tree planting employment” (Webequie First Nation, 2024). Also, around that time, lumber was cut to construct homes and the government provided support with some materials and a sawmill, but failed due to profitability and management issues (Webequie First Nation, 2024).

The Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994, enables the regulation of forest planning, operations, licensing, processing, and enforcement related to the forestry industry. The forests in Ontario’s Crown Lands are managed using Forest Management Units which are designated administrative areas that depict a forest management boundary. Each Forest Management Unit has a comprehensive plan that establishes direction, conditions, objectives, indicators, regeneration actions for a five-year cycle. Forest Management Units are located south of the Far North Boundary and so, the Project, the LSA and RSA do not fall within the Ontario’s Forest Management Units.

Table 16‑14 shows the CBLUP land use zones and designations for forestry operations led by Webequie First Nation within the Project LSA.

Table 16‑14: Webequie First Nation Draft CBLUP – Commercial Timber Harvest

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Commercial Timber Harvest	No	No	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

Small-scale firewood harvesting is practiced by First Nation communities in the LSA and RSA for consumption.

Fishery Resources

The history of commercial fishing in Webequie started in the 1930s and ended with the industry collapse in the 1990s. The introduction of provincial legislation which exempted Indigenous People from harvesting regulations on Crown land, was later revoked which led to hardships. Elders also noted that there was less sturgeon compared to the areas farther north. The industry peaked in the 1970s with subsidies from the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, operated as a federal program (Webequie First Nation, 2024). Community members used these earnings for recreational tools, vehicles and equipment. The program declined in the 1980s and with the increased inflation, which affected the cost of gas, and commercial fisheries along with tourism declined as it was no longer profitable.

Commercial fishing licenses were issued between the 1960s and 1970s within the community’s planning area and targeted whitefish, walleye and sturgeon (Webequie First Nation, 2019a, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2022f). Reference to recognition and affirmation of hunting and fishing by First Nations under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 was not included in related provincial legislation enacted in the 1990s.

Elders recalled active commercial fishing operations during this time within the Winisk, Chipai, Wapikopa and Kanchuan Lakes and Winisk River (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). There are no licensed commercial fishing operations in the Webequie community currently due to the high transportation costs, economic viability, reallocation of resources into other sectors and other barriers to commercial fishing in northern Ontario (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Species of traditional importance or a source of food include whitefish, sturgeon, trout, northern pike, pickerel, burbot, walleye, muskie, bass, suckers and cisco. Community members have also noted the impacts of low or lowering water levels affecting fish populations, as “whitefish and sturgeon… prefer deeper waters” (Webequie First Nation, 2024). When community members return with more fish than they can consume they share it with other community members. Fishing takes place through the year, and it is common to fish in the evening. The catches are different as fishers target certain areas for different species. Some members have observed decreasing quality of fish as they have noted signs of illness. Harvesting food in the community is important and fishing is one way to provide traditional diet which is especially important for women and/or single parents who may not have any other choice. Concerns about mercury accumulation and water quality for drinking water is also a top concern shared amongst community members. Currently there are no commercial fishing boats, only freight canoes with motors.

The WSR project is located within FMZ 2 and 3 (MNR, 2023). There are no monitoring reports for commercial fishing in these zones.

Trapping

The historical relationship to land was based in the freedom to move on the land and organize Indigenous communities within a dohdem or clan system, that reflected the family group system. This family system was large enough to sustain the people within the clan and maintain the ecosystem as well. Locations of harvesting changed from one season to the next and was also organized with other clans. Trapping is one of the harvesting activities that embodied this relationship to the land. Webequie First Nation has included trapping as a commercial enterprise for “a number of generations” although it “play[s] less of a role in the community’s economy” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Up to the 1970s, commercial trapping and the fur trade was a primary source of income. The Anishinaabe trapped for commercial sale “rather than hunting for subsistence” (Stantec, 2024). This shift contributed to a change in perception of the land, into one where trapping was for “profit and wanted to keep others away from their resources” (Stantec, 2024). Since then, high operating costs and market challenges have accounted for the decline of commercial trapping. Commercial trapping sales continued into the 1990s as pelts were sold to the Hudson’s Bay Company and some Webequie community members continue to sell their furs in Thunder Bay (Stantec, 2024). Commercial trapping had complemented “traditional livelihoods and supported a land-based economy” and the transition of traditional land-based economy into wage income for the means to provide for families (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Trapping continues as a traditional practice and commercial trapping is maintained as an interest for new opportunities that can be “harmonized” with existing land uses. Commercial Fur Harvesting is a permitted land use activities in all areas within the CBLUP and is unknown in Zone #3 Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations and takes place on community’s member-held traplines in the area. The Project’s effects on trapping are identified in Section 19 Indigenous Peoples.

Energy Resources and Transmission

Webequie relies on a diesel generating system to serve community power demands. It is not connected to Ontario’s electricity system. Across the northwest region, demands for electricity during the winter have grown by 1.1% per year with much of the demand “driven by the mining sector” (IESO, 2023). Studies and subsequent updates to supply power to the Ring of Fire have been taking place since 2015 as the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) closely monitors potential future mining activities for forecasting, noting that “future mining projects changes frequently” (IESO, 2023). Webequie and other nearby First Nations communities can benefit alongside the supply of electricity to the Ring of Fire as two options for connections have been identified from Pickle Lake and from Greenstone-Marathon. A scenario between diesel and connection to the grid showed an exception amount of cost savings. The five nearby First Nations communities were estimated to have a 4% growth in demand per year as the 2021 demand forecast of 4 MW to 7 MW in 2033 and 10 MW by 2046.

The diesel generating station in Webequie was originally built in 1987 and was upgraded in 1996. It operated a “650 kW rated DGS plant” which consisted of three generators rated at under 600 kW (Webequie First Nation, 2019). In 2011 it was upgrade to 1 MW as the “community load began to exceed 85% of the capacity of the 650 kW… [which is] the standard point where HORCI [Hydro One Remote Communities Inc.] would impose a load connection restriction to guard the system until an upgrade was completed” (AECOM, 2014). Currently, the three generators range between 400-1000 kW (HORCI, 2025). Any further upgrades past “1.6 MW may require further expansion of existing facilities” (AECOM, 2014). Development of new community housing at Site D in the WFN On-Reserve Land Use Plan “would require an extension of the existing electrical distribution network from the DGS.”

IESO also notes that local generation of electricity across the northwest Ontario region is mostly hydroelectric and biomass-fueled. The Webequie Draft CBLUP includes energy transmission and communications corridors throughout their AIP (Table 16‑15).

Table 16‑15: Webequie First Nation Draft CBLUP – Energy Transmissions and Communications Corridors

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Energy Transmission and Communications Corridors	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

16.1.1.3.2 Regional Study Area

Commercial Land Use

Marten Falls First Nation

Marten Falls First nation has several commercial establishments. The community recently opened the Adawegamik community store (NOB, 2024c). The community also has 51% ownership stake in the Thunder Bay based Bay Meats foodservice business (Marten Falls First Nation, N.D). Other businesses currently in the community include a gas station and retail outlet, private businesses, lodging business, and postal services (211 Ontario, 2024).

Attawapiskat First Nation

Several businesses located on-reserve were identified through online mapping sources and indicated 12 local businesses, including five retail, two hospitality, two food services, one transport, one health, one professional. Attawapiskat Enterprises is a for-profit organization that is owned by members of Attawapiskat First Nation but operates separate from Council. It contributes to the Attawapiskat First Nation Community Trust and creates employment and identifies, negotiates and develops business and investment opportunities. It owns corporations in security, catering, cellular services, rentals, along with several joint ventures in industry, transportation, and professional services. In 2017, it received the Indigenous Business Award of Excellence from Northern Ontario Business Awards (Northern Ontario Business Awards, 2020).

Eabametoong First Nation

There are a few commercial businesses within the community which includes two grocery stores, an inn, video stores, White Clay North coffee shop, convenience stores, and postal services (211 Ontario North, 2024a).

Kasabonika Lake First Nation

A hotel and retail store are located on-reserve for members of the Kasabonika First Nation.

Kasabonika Lake Community Development Corporation is an establishment managing and planning the local economic and development initiatives and opportunities, which has carried out several initiatives such as overseeing Northern store and Kasabonika Small Business Center, partnership on Wasaya Group Inc, joint ownership of Wataynikaneyap Power, infrastructure upgrades and assistance and training for employment and new businesses (211 Ontario North, 2024b).

Neskantaga First Nation

Neskantaga First Nation sized a partnership with North Star Air Ltd cargo in 2014 and is a member of the Rapid Lynx Corporation with five other First Nations to provide internet services (211 Ontario, 2024c).

Nibinamik First Nation

The commercial activities that operate in Nibinamik First Nation include a Northern store, Summer Beaver Airport, Summer Beaver Gas Service, laundromat, taxi service, Timmins Wabasse Convenience Store, Anik’s Store, Nibinamik Fur Trading Co, and a hotel (211 Ontario North, 2024c).

Weenusk First Nation

A variety store and a retail store are located on-reserve for members of the Weenusk (Peawanuck) First Nation.

Kingfisher Lake First Nation

Commercial activities include a hotel, local store, garage, corner/video store and a laundromat that provides services and essential goods to the communities in Kingfisher Lake First Nation.

Wunnumin Lake First Nation

There are a few businesses that operate in Wunnumin Lake First Nation and includes the Wunnumin Lake Community Store, a coffee shop, and a laundromat, Chee-Kee-Sis Petro, an accommodation building and a community general store which are operated by Council (Wunnumin Lake First Nation, 2010). Wunnumin Lake First Nation also has established joint ventures to partner with other businesses including,

an airline that serves remote communities with larger municipalities in north-west Ontario;
hotel in Thunder Bay;
owning and leasing property in Sioux Lookout;
partnering with a nearby First Nation for passenger service to mining activities;
property maintenance at a mine;
one of 135 First Nations that own Casino Rama;
an agreement with a nearby mine (Wunnumin Lake First Nation, 2010b); and
the labour force in Wunnumin Lake totals about 124 people (Wunnumin Lake First Nation, 2010).

Industrial Land Use

Mineral Resources

Mining has a long and extensive history in northern Ontario and continues to be a sector that impacts northern Ontario First Nations communities and the natural environment. It plays a significant role in the infrastructure, energy transition/decarbonization initiatives, communications and building supply chains. In 2022, it produced $10 billion in revenue in Ontario, contributed $8.0 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employed 78,000 persons in direct and indirect jobs (Ontario Mining Association, n.d.). Governments and third parties continue to provide investments to “unlock” the potential wealth of natural resources in the wider northern Ontario region through partnerships and agreements, capacity building, infrastructure, planning and other economic incentives with Indigenous communities in the region. These investments aim to support and prepare community members to participate in the mining sector, derive benefits, mitigate negative impacts on communities and the environment, and to enhance the required infrastructure and supportive networks. Mining has impacted and is expected to continue to impact First Nations communities in the LSA and across the RSA, in relation to the Ring of Fire area and other mining and exploration activities.

Based on the information available on the “Interactive Map of Indigenous Mining Agreements”, Marten Falls First Nation has signed a Letter of Intent with ‘Pele Mountain Resources Inc.’ (2004) to conduct ‘Marten Falls Area’ Project for exploration of Uranium (Project status is closed/in reclamation). Also, Marten Falls First Nation has signed another agreement with ‘Golden Share Resources Corporation’ (2019) for ‘Ogoki & Kagiami Projects’ for exploration of Diamonds. The Ogoki Project, is situated in the James Bay Lowlands of Ontario, about 200km southwest of the De Beers’ Victor diamond mine. The project features ten magnetic targets forming a cluster along a 20 km northwest axis, similar to the Attawapiskat kimberlite field near the Victor mine. The Kagiami Project, is located about 150km south of the “Ring of Fire” and the exploration target commodities are copper and nickel. The project is in exploration status and the agreement status is active.

North Caribou Lake First Nation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ‘Romios Gold Resources Inc.’ (2015) for ‘Lundmark Project’ for the purpose of gold exploration. The project is located 500 kilometers north of Thunder Bay and 146 kilometers north of Pickle Lake in Northwestern Ontario. North Caribou Lake First Nation has also signed a Letter of Intent with ‘Evolution Mining Limited’ (2008) for ‘PQ North Property Project’ for the purpose of gold exploration. The agreements for both projects are active and the projects are in exploration status. The North Caribou Lake First Nation (together with Cat Lake First Nation, Kingfisher First Nation, Wunnumin First Nation, Windigo First Nations Council, Shibogama First Nations Council) have signed an Impact and benefits agreement with ‘Evolution Mining Limited’ (2001) for ‘Musselwhite Project’ to explore gold. Agreement status is active, and project is in production phase.

Mishkeegogamang First Nation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ‘MetalCORP Ltd.’ (2009) for ‘Pickle Lake Project’ for the purpose of gold exploration. Agreement status is active, and project is in exploration phase.

Mishkeegogamang First Nation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ‘First Mining Finance Corp.’ (2009) for ‘Pickle Crow Project’ for gold exploration. Agreement status is active, and project is in exploration status. Mishkeegogamang First Nation (together with Windigo First Nations Council, Government of Canada, Government of Ontario) have signed a Socio-Economic Agreement with ‘Evolution Mining Limited.’ (1987) for ‘Pickle Crow Project’ to explore gold. Agreement is in active status, and the project is in closed/reclamation phase.

Attawapiskat First Nation has signed an exploration agreement (2006) with ‘Debut Diamonds Inc. and Cliffs Chromite Far North Inc.’ for the ‘MacFadyen’ Project for exploration of diamonds. The agreement status is active; however the project is on hold.

Based on the IKLRU information provided in Section 16.1.3, Weenusk and Marten Falls First Nations expressed that the proposed road projects are anticipated to lead to further development, such as mining, infrastructure projects, and possibly new towns. However, there are significant concerns that this development will limit their land use and traditional harvesting practices, which are crucial for sustenance, cultural identity, and ecological balance. The communities are particularly worried about the project’s connection to Ring of Fire mineral deposits and future mining activities, as well as the potential for other developments, like dams, to dry up or flood the land.

Based on the Socio-Economic survey conducted in 2023 for Weenusk First Nation, the community has significant concerns about the proposed supply road, particularly regarding its potential to pollute land, water, and wildlife, which could affect future generations. Participants stated that the project could harm fish, animals, birds, and the overall ecosystem. They are unhappy about the impact on water, fish, wood, and land animals, fearing that everything from birds (geese and ducks) to beavers, moose, and caribou will be affected by contaminated water and disrupted habitats. There are concerns about environmental contamination, particularly of the Winisk River, which is seen as the last freshwater reservoir. The same survey has been conducted for Marten Falls First Nation community (in 2023) and the participants were concerned about job opportunities for Matawa community members, the timeline for completion as well as ownership of the project, and the road’s future after the mine’s closure.

Past developments in First Nations traditional territories have had adverse and harmful effects on communities. The avoidance and minimization of potential adverse effects from development, upholding their legal rights and ability to give consent will protect their way of life.

In April 2023, leaders from ten First Nations from the Treaty No. 9 territory announced a lawsuit against the Ontario and Canadian governments (Brockman, 2023; Turner, 2023). The lawsuit arises in the context of Ontario and Canada’s efforts to advance critical minerals development in southern Ontario. The First Nations leading the lawsuit intend to assert that the treaty provided a co-jurisdiction approach which requires consent from Indigenous First Nations, as their way of life would be impacted by resource development. Neskantaga First Nation is particularly concerned about the environmental impact of mining on their traditional lands.

The draft statement of claim mentions the objectives of Indigenous Signatories to the Treaty intended “to preserve bimaadiziwin in Ojibwe or pimaatisiium in Cree – happiness, prosperity, and protection of their traditional way of life” (APTN News, 2023). Mino-Bimaadiziwin translates to “into living a complete, healthy, and good life” which represents an Indigenous philosophy for a way of living (Thomas, 2020). Some of the key principles of Mino-Bimaadiziwin are to maintain a sacred relationship with all elements of creation including, trees, fish, birds, animals, water, plants, people, and everything else provided by the Creator, and to live in harmony and coexistence. Mino-Bimaadiziwin and other Indigenous laws represent Indigenous identity, outlining the roles, duties, and obligations of being a member of an Indigenous Nation (Thomas, 2020).

Figure 16.12 shows the locations of mining claims and tenure in the LSA and RSA. Table 16‑16 summarizes the number and size of mining claims in the RSA.

Table 16‑16: Existing Mining, Land Tenure and Aggregate in the RSA

Item	Number of Claims/Deposits	Area (ha)
Active Mining Claims in RSA	15,753	305,801
Active Mining Claims – with tenure in RSA	3	5,375

Note: The count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA.

Currently proposed and planned developments and agreements with First Nations in the RSA is provided in
Table 16‑17.

Table 16‑17: Proposed and Planned Industrial Developments in the RSA

Community	Proposed and planned developments
Marten Falls First Nation	Exploration agreement with Juno Corp. for economic participation and advancement in exploration initiatives. Initiation of infrastructure development via the Marten Falls Community Access Road EA/IA as a key road in the region, which will provide access to the Ring of Fire in long-term.Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Ontario to ensure minimal environmental impacts from mining development in the Ring of Fire.Establishment of an exploration and project advancement agreement with Noront Resources Ltd.Letter of Intent with Pele Mountain Resources Inc. Exploration agreement with Golden Share Resources Corporation for the Ogoki & Kagiami Projects.
Attawapiskat First Nation	Establishment of a partnership for remediation contract of Victor Mine closure.Establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding with Bold Ventures Inc. for the Bold’s Ring of Fire project.Establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding with Strongbow Exploration Inc. for the Severn project.Exploration agreement with Debut Diamonds Inc. and Cliffs Chromite Far North Inc. for the MacFadyen project.
Eabametoong First Nation	Establishment of alliance and shared regulatory territory with Neskantaga First Nation for development initiatives.Exploration agreement with Xmet Inc. for the Blackflake project.Exploration agreement with Slam Exploration Ltd. For the Fort Hope Gold Properties project.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation	Exploration agreement with MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd.
Neskantaga First Nation	Establishment of alliance and shared regulatory territory with Eabametoong First Nation for development initiatives.Exploration agreement with Northern Superior Resources Inc. for the Ti pa haa kaa ning project.
Nibinamik First Nation	Exploration agreement with MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd for the Wellington project.
Wunnumin Lake First Nation	Impact and Benefits Agreement with Evolution Mining Limited for the Musslewhite project.

(Sources: Globe Newsire, 2024; 211 Ontario North, 2023; Ontario Mining Association, 2021; Natural Resources Canada, 2020; MFFNCAR, 2019; Mining Watch, 2018; CBC News, 2017).

Aggregate Resources

Aggregates include sand, gravel and bedrock that are typically used in construction projects. Aggregate resources are regulated under the Aggregate Resources Act. Aggregate extraction on Crown land requires an Aggregate Permit and on private land it requires an Aggregate License if it is within an Aggregate Designated Area (MNR, 2025).

Figure 16.13 and Figure 16.14 shows the locations of existing aggregate deposits in the RSA and LSA.

There are 39 aggregate deposits within the RSA totalling 1,620.4 ha in the RSA (Note: The count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA).

Forestry

The forests in Ontario’s Crown Lands are managed using Forest Management Units (FMU). Each FMU has a comprehensive plan that establishes direction, conditions, objectives, indicators, regeneration actions over a 5-year cycle. FMUs are located south of the Far North Boundary. There are no FMUs in the RSA.

Small-scale firewood harvesting is practiced by First Nation communities.

Marten Falls First Nation is involved in several commercial land use activities. The community is engaged in forestry through the Agoke Development Corporation, which includes the Ogoki Forest venture

Fisheries

The RSA is located within Fishery Management Zones 2 and 3. There are no monitoring reports for commercial fishing in these zones.

Trapping

Trapping is a way of life for First Nations in the RSA. The historical land use for trapping was based in traditional and cultural purposes to sustain community members and practice the cultural and spiritual connection with the land. First Nations communities in the RSA.

In the early 1800s, the natural resources in the region attracted many fur traders and with the establishment of Hudson’s Bay Company trade posts. This developed the historical period of the fur trade which “profoundly altered the economy… [and which] [t]rapping became an end in itself” (Proulx, 2015).

Trapping continues today and the results of 2021 Statistics Canada survey show that the following communities and community members have occupations in the natural resources, agriculture and related occupations, which include trappers and hunters:

Attawapiskat First Nation – 10 people from a population of 1586 (Statistics Canada, 2021).
Eabametoong First Nation – 10 people from a population of 977 (Statistics Canada, 2021a).
Kasabonika Lake First Nation – 10 people from a population of 1060 (Statistics Canada, 2021b).
Marten Falls, Nibinamik, Neskantaga, Weenusk and Webequie First Nations – 0 people (Statistics Canada, 2021c, 2021d, 2021e, 2021f, 2021g).

As an existing land use, commercial trapping by First Nations in the RSA is not available. The ToRs of CBLUPs that are in the RSA do not specify trapping as a commercial enterprise but may include it as a traditional land use activity for protection. The Marten Falls ToR seeks to identify areas used for trapping as a traditional activity to build dialogue and mutual respect with tourism operators (MFFN and MNR, 2013).

Energy Resources and Transmission

The energy sector has been developing in northern Ontario and has grown to be a focus of many First Nations to provide their communities with services, skills development, self-sufficiency, economic benefits and reduce their reliance on diesel powered generation systems. The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is expected to be completed in 2024 to connect 16-17 remote First Nations communities to the electricity grid. In early 2024, Ontario announced new partnerships with five First Nations communities to develop clean energy infrastructure, but no further details were provided (Ontario Newsroom, 2024). Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) also progressed with plans to study and determine infrastructure investments for northwestern Ontario based on proposed Ring of Fire developments, acknowledging the demand to provide power to mining industry and remote communities and reduce dependence on diesel (IESO, 2023).

In 2024, the Matawa First Nations Management received $300,000 to determine viability of for-profit management of infrastructure and develop a “demand and supply energy assessment to identify opportunities to supply power to member communities and sell excess supply to the Ontario regulated marked” (Northern Ontario Business, 2024b).

Figure 16.15 shows the areas of existing transmission corridors. No transmission lines are in the LSA or RSA. The Wataynikaneyap is represented in pink, other lines in yellow. The RSA is indicated in red.

Table 16‑18: Status of Energy Resources and Connections of First Nations Communities in the RSA

Community	Proposed and planned developments
Eabametoong First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.
Ginoogaming First Nation	Proposed connection to the Ontario power grid
Kasabonika Lake	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Transmission Power project. Development of the community’s Asset Management Plan with support of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation. NOB, 2023b.
Kashechewan First Nation	Proposed connection to the Ontario power grid
Kingfisher Lake First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.
Kitichenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.
Neskantaga First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.
Nibinamik First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.
North Caribou Lake First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.
Wawakapewin First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.
Wunnumin Lake First Nation	Connection to the Ontario power grid through Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission project.

Figure 16.15: Transmission and Power Lines in Northern Ontario

16.1.1.4 Recreation

Northern Ontario offers year-round sports, indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities for local community members. Various Ontario ministries oversee aspects related to recreational activities and provide funding and investments to develop recreation and related infrastructure. In northern Ontario, recreation takes place on Crown lands, First Nations reserves. CBLUPs also include recreation in their ToR or zones and land use designations as well.

A broad definition of recreation is used in this section. This includes indoor and organized sports such as volleyball and hockey are specifically named, which can be more readily used in reporting. Outdoor recreation may be defined adjacent to or included in the sense of “connection to the land”, an important element of First Nation identity, tradition and culture. However, the ability to discern outdoor activities that are for recreational purposes or traditional purposes was a challenge, as “being out on the land” could entail both, such as out-tripping. Therefore, the definition of recreation in this section takes an inclusive and generous understanding.

Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation included Calls to Action #87 to #91 for the inclusion of First Nations in the development of sport and recreation. Call to Action #89 seeks to affect policies that promote physical activity, reduce barriers to sport participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport and build capacity in the Canadian sport system (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 2024b). The National Strategy for Indigenous Sport, Recreation, Physical Activity and Traditional Practice strategy is currently in development and will be incorporated into this report once it is publicly available.

16.1.1.4.1 Local Study Area

Webequie First Nation

It is important to note that hunting, fishing, trapping and harvesting are not considered by Webequie First Nation to be recreational activities, as the “wildlife we harvest are not harvested for pleasure and are not described as game or sport entities as we view them as equal to human beings.” (Webequie First Nation, 2019a and 2019b). More information on the results and effects pathways for traditional practices are in Section 19 Indigenous Peoples. Trapping is included in Section 19.

In the non-traditional land use LSA, Webequie community members have access to programs, facilities and recreational opportunities both on and off-reserve. The following activities were identified:

Fishing;
Snowmobiling (Ski-doo);
Swimming;
Camping;
Nature walks / hiking;
Hockey;
Sports;
Broomball;
Volleyball;
Seasonal youth programs/camp (Choose Life); and
School gym.

The facilities used for recreation in Webequie include the hockey rink, playground, school gym, and band offices. A new arena is in development which is reported to cost $15.6 million (Matawa First Nations Management, 2023). Focus groups participants for women and youth shared their recreational activities in Table 16‑19.

Table 16‑19: Recreation Activities and The Needs and Barriers for Youth and Women in Webequie First Nation

Community Group	Recreational Activities, Needs and Barriers
Women	Participates in –sports.Barriers – trust issues, childcare, language and communications, transportation, lack of support.Needs – self-care centre, community gym, full time daycare and childcare, an Elders home, women’s support group.
Youth	Participates in – snowmobiling, .Barriers – cost, family/household financial ability to pay.
Community	Participates in snowmobiling (Ski-doo), swimming, camping, nature walks, hiking, hockey, sports, broomball, volleyball.

Recreational activities that were shared in the Elders focus group were wood carving, camping, fish/moose flakes, summer festival, sewing and trail/hikes. Elders’ barriers to lands, services, resources, and infrastructure were being confined to reservation lands, restriction to Crown land use, restrictions to youth due to expensive equipment, challenges to passing down knowledge to youth, affordability of going places and losing knowledge of the land. Their suggestions that were related to recreation access included indoor gym, healthcare, elders home, recreational and educational programs.

The land users focus group noted that they ski-doo in the winter, and picnic and relax in summer (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2023). Some of the highlights from the Webequie IKLRU include:

One of the many devastating impacts of Residential Schools on First Nations communities was the family connection to get out onto the land: “the requirement for school attendance changed the amount of time their family could be on the land together. As a result, the effects were more disproportionately felt by women and children” (Webequie First Nation, 2024);
Even after the residential schools were shut, “the education system continued to impact the amount of time youth could spend on the land and in the community” (Webequie First Nation, 2024);
Some youth had to leave their home in Webequie for further education in Thunder Bay, as the narrative around education was for jobs (Webequie First Nation, 2024);
Community members get out onto the land in large family groups, with varying frequencies from a two to three-week trip twice a year to shorter overnight trips frequently through the year, or trips every two to three weeks (Webequie First Nation, 2024); and
Social trauma from substance abuse “removed the ability and desire to go out onto the land” (Webequie First Nation, 2024).

Webequie members have also identified in the CBLUP and Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP) several changes to improve recreation in the community such as an indoor fitness gym, equipment to access/enjoy the land, better recreational programs, a new arena, a cultural recreation/multi-use centre, youth gardening program or greenhouse, playgrounds, swimming pool, more camps for youth groups, family camping and canoe trips. The community also participate in the Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator (CARA) program to hire an activator to create recreation plans (Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport, 2022).

The CCP also highlights recreation within its organizational chart and includes a program leader, youth activities coordinator, a Neebinodaminowin/special events coordinator, and CARA support. Recreation is also uniquely included in the fourth direction goal to address environmental quality and relationship with the land, as encouraging recreation, especially young people to spend more time on the land for recreation and education is part of the concept for healing in the community. This is reinforced in the four quadrants of wellness illustrated in the Land-Based Medicine Wheel includes physical, spiritual, mental (intellectual) and emotional aspects of life. It grounds and promotes the First Nations connection to the land. The physical quadrant names the body, lifestyle, supporting others, understanding the land’s resources and relationships therein as well as recreation. The fifth direction for community health and wellness, family and social conditions seeks and supports programs for all ages and special needs for the community.

“Encouraging our members, particularly our young people, to spend more time on the land through recreational activities and school programs will be healing to our community.” (Webequie First Nation, 2023).

The CCP goal for cultural vibrancy to increase cultural and recreational activities includes year-round recreation, exercise for all ages with a focus on youth, drop-ins, clubs, gym activities like yoga, broomball and weights. The following needs were noted in the CCP:

More fishing opportunities;
Permanent land-based camps;
New arena (on site of old hockey rink);
Multi-use centre;
Community and youth gardening and greenhouse;
Community recreational centre with gym;
More playgrounds;
A swimming pool;
Camping and canoe trips for families and youth; and
General comment on the need for space for programs and recreation.

The CCP (Webequie First Nation, 2023) also includes additional notes that relate to recreation:

The connection to land and land-based healing camps for detox and healthcare;
The demands of employment leave less time to be out on the land;
Many community members do not feel connect to their lands; and
Programs for youth and families to go out onto the land is a strength.

The Webequie On-Reserve Land Use Plan also shows three possible new camp locations in Figure 16.5 which would be in the first-tier of the Three-Tier Model (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). One camp location may be accessible by the road leading to the south end of Eastwood Island and the two other locations would be accessible by plane or boat and indicated in Figure 16.5.

In the Three-Tier Model, the second and third tiers of two-days walk from the community may have recreational interests in these areas. There may be an emphasis on the second tier being one-day’s walk from the community as the CBLUP notes that “Webequie First Nation people intensively use the area within a 40-50 km radius around the community for traditional and recreational activities” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). The Draft CBLUP identifies recreation as one of the activities that is permitted in the following land use designations/zones in Table 16‑20. Some areas are noted as requiring management direction and collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Table 16‑20: Webequie First Nation draft CBLUP – Recreational Activities

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Crown Land Recreation	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Hunting	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Sport Fishing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Motor Boat Use – Private	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

Being on the land is an essential quality to life, culture, identity and continuity to Webequie community as “[e]ncouraging our members, particularly our young people, to spend more time on the land through recreational activities and school programs will be healing to our community” (Webequie First Nation, 2023).

Webequie members have also identified in the CBLUP and CCP several changes to improve recreation in the community such as an indoor fitness gym, equipment to access/enjoy the land, better recreational programs, a new arena, a cultural recreation/multi-use centre, youth gardening program or greenhouse, playgrounds, swimming pool, more camps for youth groups, family camping and canoe trips. The community also participate in the Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator (CARA) program to hire an activator to create recreation plans (Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport, 2022). Services to support recreation include a program leader, youth activities coordinator, CARA support and a neebinodaminowin/special events coordinator (Webequie First Nation, 2023).

The CCP weaves recreation through its strengths, challenges and opportunities described in Environmental Quality and Relationship with the Land, and Community Health and Wellness, Family and Social Conditions. Youth participation in recreation and healing pathways with the land are especially emphasized. Webequie First Nation’s Land Based Medicine Wheel ties together the mental, emotional, spiritual and intellectual which can be supported by recreational opportunities out on the land. One of Webequie First Nation’s strengths is providing recreation for all ages.

Spruce Shores Lodge is located on-reserve and located a short distance from the community on Winisk Lake. The three-bedroom log cabin is a new facility that can service up to 6 people. Another retreat location is on Coomb Lake about 95 km from the community. Other outposts, camps, and cabins may also be in the LSA but have not been identified. Eight other community member owned and operated “resource based tourism establishments and supporting infrastructure within the proposed Webequie CBLUP area and several others immediately adjacent to the west and south boundaries” (Webequie First Nation, 2024).

Potential new camp locations within the Webequie First Nation Reserve are identified in Figure 16.5, andFigure 16.16 shows additional locations of existing camps/lodges.

Webequie also participated in the Indigenous Knowledge Land and Resource Use (IKLRU) program which included locations of cabins, campgrounds, camp sites, historical camps/cabins, settlement sites, ice houses, tent frames, camping areas and tourist camps (Stantec, 2024).

Figure 16.16: Outposts in the RSA

Some of the obstacles to participating in recreational activities include inconsistent or seasonal service/programs, facility maintenance, high costs for families, and safety related to climate change:

“[N]owadays, when I send my kid out I worry… when I was 13 or 14, I would go out and nobody worried about you. Because of the teachings that were pass on to me, I was more prepared to be out there than today… If somebody is missing maybe an hour or two hours, we worry, maybe people’s mentality has changed. Maybe we don’t trust them anymore, because of what is happening currently, with the drugs, alcohol and the method of travel.” (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022d);
“[W]hen you’re in a ski-doo, you zoom and you don’t have time to see the risk and what’s out there, especially as the environmental changes are happening. Until a couple days ago, we had snow. It didn’t take a day or two for the snow to be gone. When I was younger I used to go out on the Muskeg … and I’d be ordered off the muskeg because I know it is going to melt and there’s no way to get out fast… you’d be very vulnerable getting wet. What happens now when they are out and there is a difference in terms of climate change” (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022d);
“[W]e need to have a service that is operating at least six to 12 months a year, out on the land… We need something consistent, that won’t be the bulk of it has to be culture based on all the teachings and we can use the Elders and invite some people that have particular knowledge. We can take them out on the land, sightseeing, and special sites that are significant places… They will be more prepared to live out there.” (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022d);
“We also need to meet the needs of our youth and build infrastructure for them, place to hang out and do some programming.” (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022i); and
“The cost of living in one of the major concerns… Even to go out on the land, you have to spend money… I support my son and daughter if they want to go out into the Bush… It costs several hundred dollars to a thousand dollars to send out kids for experience… Even if a person wants to go out and fish on a boat people need money… they need to buy more things” (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022d).

The Webequie IKLRU mentioned the following:

The frequency of going out onto the land ranges from once a week to every two weeks and frequently throughout the year. Youth learn about the land on these friends and family trips.
The means of travel prior to the 1970 and 1980s were dog teams/sleds, canoe, on foot, until skidoos became popular as they were light, enabled families to travel to more locations, reduced the time to travel and did so when gas was cheaper. Though one member said the cost for dog teams was more affordable.

Costs include, but are not limited to, fees associated with permits on Crown Land and provisions in addition to the wider context of higher costs of living and those living on-reserve generally earning less that off-reserve (Raphael et al., 2020). Youth indicated that they like to go out onto the land occasionally, ski doo in the winter, eat traditional food, fish in the summer, go out with friends, paint, bead and bake at the youth centre when asked what they like to do (AtkinsRéalis, 2022f).

A women’s focus group shared that what they did for fun included dancing, fishing, sports, and summer festival. The barriers they provided were related to trust issues, childcare, language related barriers, nepotism, transportation, lack of support from families and lack of communication. They indicated the recreational needs for women in the community were a self-care centre, community gym, full time childcare and daycare, an Elders home, and women’s support group (AtkinsRéalis, 2022f). The broader community’s needs included better rink maintenance, better sauna, greenhouse/community garden, support for two-spirit people/awareness, better communications and planning for existing infrastructure (AtkinsRéalis, 2022f).

A study found the following barriers that were perceived by youth in northwestern Ontario are included in Table 16‑21 (Button et al., 2020).

Table 16‑21: Barriers to Recreation Perceived by Youth

Perceived Barrier	Example
Distance	Children rely on parents to drive them to facilities due to large distances such as 30 minutes to school or 100 km for competitive hockey.
Condition of community infrastructure	Lack of or poorly maintained sidewalks prohibit access to recreation and/or lowered active transportation like walking.
Rules, Adult interventions	Management of negative or unsafe behaviours closed opportunities for play and recreation such as “We can’t play football now because people were fighting” and “there are poor sports, umm, but there are poor sports in life” (page 7).
Adults’ perception of safety and fear	Concerns around sightings of wildlife, dogs, bears nearby, in backyards or in the bush.
Outgrowing recreational amenities	Older children did not see certain amenities as opportunities for themselves and would describe them as “kiddy”.

Source: Button et al., 2020.

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Gaming and Ministry of Sport have developed programs in partnership with First Nations communities and organizations to deliver recreational activities. The Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness (Government of Ontario, 2024f) works in partnership with Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario to support regional opportunities for recreational and advanced sport/high performance competition for First Nations communities through youth camps, athlete programs, coaching and training, wellness, tournaments, and youth leadership programming. The Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator (CARA) program provides First Nations with funding to hire an activator to organize and deliver recreational activities and programming.

Some recreational activities may also need collaboration with Ministry of Natural Resources to determine further management directions, and new roads for public use may have restrictions to “preserve remoteness, protect culturally and ecologically sensitive areas and tourism values” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

“We, the Anishinawbek see water as a gift from Keyshay-Maniido (Creator). Healthy rivers and lakes are a cultural and spiritual necessity for the people as well for all beings. Niibee (Water) gives life to the people and the beings upon which Anishinawbek depend for our way of life.” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Travel routes were provided in the Webequie IKLRU (Stantec, 2024).

16.1.1.4.2 Regional Study Area

Recreation in First Nations communities in the RSA is similar to those in Webequie for outdoor and community based recreation organized by the band office. Table 16‑22 outlines a summary of recreation in the First Nations communities near the RSA. Information on the locations of recreational facilities such as camps and cabins are not available.

Table 16‑22: Recreation in First Nations Communities in RSA

Community	Recreation
Attawapiskat First Nation	Reg Louttit Sportsplex (gym, ice rink, field, weight room) (211 Ontario North, 2021).
Eabametoong First Nation	Joseph Jacob Late Memorial Arena;Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator program (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, 2022); and Ozhiski Outpost (Steel, 2013).
Marten Falls First Nation	Arena.
Nibinamik First Nation	Arena and community centre in need of upgrading (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014c); Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator program (Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Sport, 2022);Playground;Climbing gym; and school gym.
Weenusk (Peawanuck) First Nation	Recreation facilities for sports and community events (211 Ontario North, 2020).
Wunnumin First Nation	Arena and gym for sports and community events. (Northwest Health Line, 2023a).
Kingfisher Lake First Nation	Received funds to renovate the arena (Ontario Newsroom, 2021).
Kasabonika	Community centre; and Arena.
Neskantaga	Arena and community centre (recently received funding for upgrades).
Aroland	Community hall; Outdoor hockey rink;Sports field; andPlayground.
Constance Lake	Community activator / CARA.
Kashechewan	Community hall;Gym; andArena.
Kitchenuhmaykoosib	Community centre.
Long Lake #58	Community hall; andCommunity Activator / CARA.
Métis Nation of Ontario, Region 2	Encompasses a large area that includes recreational activities.
Kingfisher Lake	Community Activator / CARA; and Arena (Government of Ontario, 2021).

Outposts from desktop research located in the RSA include Spruce Shores Lodge (located in Webequie), Chipai Outpost Camp (for 10 people and accessible by plane), Wapikopa Outpost Camp (for 6 people and accessible by plane), Asheweig River Cabin (for 6 people and accessible by plane), Kanuchuan Lake and Ozhiski Lake (Webequie First Nation, n.d.-a; Canadian Lodges, n.d.; and Canadian Lodges, n.d.-a).

The Nibinamik First Nation also collected the following information about sports and recreation in the community in 2014 (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014). Two youth workers organized activities such as sports tournaments and excursions onto the land. One also worked as a Community Activator, as part of the Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator (CARA) program by the province. Health staff also organized Diabetes Wilderness Walk. An annual youth wilderness retreat to O-ma-day-na-moh-win-nik (the Breathing Grounds) and twice-yearly culture weeks were also organized for the community. However, the organizers who ran recreational programs for hockey, broomball and volleyball were volunteers. Nibinamik First Nations hockey program was popular having eight teams and coaches. Other summer outdoor recreation included camping, hunting, fishing and trapping. Sport and recreation are understood as benefitting more than physical health but also other effects on emotional and spiritual wellbeing, anxiety and depression reduction and the community’s ability to bring people together. The results of their 2012 community survey indicated the need for more activities, activities for all ages, a youth/fitness centre and repairing safety issues were the largest concerns for the community. Additional challenges included inconsistent funding for operational staff, cost or lack of affordable fees to participate, shortages of equipment, and the need to repair or replace recreational infrastructure.

The youth in Nibinamik First Nation identified that a youth centre as their first priority to create a place where they could leave boredom, drugs and alcohol and truly be themselves (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014). The youth centre would include spaces for indoor games and sports like ping pong and foosball, an exercise room, gym and a stage. Other suggestions in addition to the youth centre included a pool hall, library and new arena. Programming and activities that are oriented to youth, especially older youth, were also identified as there seemed to be enough programming that targeted younger kids. About 38% of the 89 community members who participated in the “Searching Together Survey” from 2012 supported the need for more activities. Fitness is important for both physical and mental health (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014b).

In 2021, Neskantaga First Nation received funding to upgrade their arena, add insulation, change rooms, an accessible gym and other safety improvements to their arenas to make it an all-ages space (Government of Canada, 2021).

The results of socio-economic community surveys issued in 2022 and 2023 provided the following information on recreation of two communities in the RSA (Table 16‑23). Two thirds of respondents were physically active at least a few times a week and participated in many outdoor activities. Compared to the number of choices for outdoor activities, the indoor activities were limited.

Table 16‑23: Socio-Economic Survey Responses for Recreation by Weenusk and Marten Falls First Nations

Survey Questions	Weenusk First Nation	Marten Falls First Nation
How often do you exercise or get physical activity?	63% everyday 18% a few times a week 18% less than once a week	33% everyday 33% a few times a week 33% once a week
What outdoor activities do you do? (Check all that apply)	72% boating/canoeing 72% snowmobiling 45% walking 45% snowshoeing 9% gardening 9% sports 9% jogging 9% skating 9% swimming	92% walking 46% swimming 38% snowshoeing 38% snowmobiling 38% boating/canoeing 30% gardening 30% skating 23% harvesting 15% sports 7% jogging
If you don’t participate in outdoor recreational activities, why not?	75% physically unable 25% no interest	44% lack of general equipment or infrastructure 44% lack of community interest (people to play with, coaches etc.) 33% no interest
Are there indoor recreational activities that you take part in? Check all that apply	100% fitness 33% indoor sports 33% dance 33% swimming	75% swimming 25% fitness 25% indoor sports
The number of community members who participated in this survey	11	13

Snowmobiling and ATVing may also be popular activities, although no formal trail networks were available through desktop research in the RSA. In 2011, the average cost of diesel fuel in northern Ontario communities was $1.24/litre which was 24% higher than the average in 2010 (Arriaga, M. et al., 2012).

IKLRU studies were conducted with Marten Falls and Weenusk First Nations. While there is no specific reference to recreational activities, study participants highlighted the importance of community members’ connection to the land as a VC which includes all other VCs and is an “integral component to Weenuski Inniowuk identity” (Weenusk First Nation, 2024). The connection to land is best expressed as knowledge of their land that must be experienced to obtain an understanding of traditional knowledge and perspectives. Weenusk identity also includes stewardship and the transmission of stewardship practices and principles to younger generations. The theme of community wellbeing reinforced the First Nations model for health based on holistic concepts of physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects that was described in the Cancer Care Ontario presentation (Rand, M et al, n.d.). Both perceptions and physical circumstances influence well-being and community sharing of plant and animal harvesting is both a cultural practice but also one with economic benefits as costs and barriers such as high fuel prices can be obstacles to accessing the land. One participant stated this clearly: “Hunting is expensive, it’s not cheap and you have to buy to fuel up… and [pay for] materials to go out. It’s expensive and time consuming.” (Weenusk First Nation, 2024).

Additional research into children’s perceived barriers to physical activity include feeling confined by distance, lack of poorly maintained sidewalks or opportunities for active transportation such as walking and cycling, having a place to go to after school, rules that prevent play and recreation, lack of access to friends after school, narratives of fear about wildlife, outgrowing “kiddy” amenities, weather and seasonal changes (Button et al, 2020).

Government programming and funding to facilitate recreational activities in First Nations include The Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness, Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator Program (CARA), Youth Cultural Camps (YCC) (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, 2024). The Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario administers The Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness, the Power to Play Equipment and Leadership Program, and the Northern & Remote Community Recreation fund (Indigenous Sport and Wellness, n.d.) amongst other programs. The CARA program funds a community activator role to organize recreational activities to meet the community’s needs. YCC enable young people to participate in a community based cultural program to develop skills through land-based activities and learn about their culture in a healing and reconciliation setting. The province also has a Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to construct new or replacement facilities or expansions (Government of Ontario, 2024e).

Research into sport and recreation in remote and/or First Nations communities are linked with other themes such as:

Sense of feeling forgotten, not belonging or hopelessness as lack of access or impoverished conditions around food insecurity, clean drinking water, health and mental health resources, youth engagement, recreational activities and unemployment (Finlay, J.et al., 2020);
Mental and physical health (reduce risk of obesity, decreased risk of heart disease and diabetes), addiction, domestic violence, reprieve from education and parental pressure, connect with peers, develop community, positive identity, advance cultural values and knowledge (learn to live on land, hunt, fish, trap), promote use of First Nations languages, develop social and interpersonal skills, build confidence, cope with external pressure, mentor other children and young people (Provincial Advocate for Youth & Children., n.d.); and
Institutionalized racism and sexism-based barriers in mainstream sport, intersectional barriers for women, financial barriers for disadvantaged women and youth, lack of parental encouragement, and when participating in organized sports, experiences of discrimination and bullying, and lack of culturally relevant programming (Sutherland, J., 2021).

An online presentation from 2021 by Cancer Care Ontario (Rand, M. et al., n.d.) showed that First Nations women were more likely to be inactive than their counterparts living off-reserve and compared to non-Aboriginal women as well. This was also similar for First Nations men who lived on-reserved compared to their counterparts who lived off-reserve and non-Aboriginal men. Recommendations to support recreational participation included working with First Nations to develop safe spaces for physical activity, infrastructure for recreation, addressing the socio-economic barriers to participation. It also suggested and promoted a First Nations model for health and wellness based on holistic concepts including physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects across the entire lifespan. Addressing the roots causes of inequity was also emphasized before interventions to health behaviours could be effective.

Hunting and Fishing

Hunting is permitted on Crown Lands in accordance with regulations from other Acts such as the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997; Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994; Migratory Birds Regulations; Endangered Species Act, 2007; Species at Risk Act; Invasive Species Act, 2 015; Trespass to Property Act, and the Firearms Act (MNR, 2024). Hunting regulations include identification and licensing costs to issue tags for residents and non-Ontario residents, accredited hunting education course, firearms licensing, and reporting. Reporting is mandatory and provides information to manage wildlife to monitor populations, determine quotas to issue tags, adjust bag limits and inform policies.

First Nations communities in Treaty No. 9 includes the right to hunt and fish without a license for community, ceremony, personal purposes (Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services, n.d.).

Wildlife Management Unit 1D falls within the project footprint, LSA and RSA.

IKLRU programs with Weenusk First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation showed that the Winisk River and watershed was important to the Weenusk First Nation community for the traditional activities that are essential to their identity. They also emphasized the downstream potential effects of the Project (MNP, n.d.). The Marten Falls First Nation IKLRU revealed one member’s travel route to WabamikoZakaihgan or White Beaver Lake, located south and upstream of the WSR on the Attawapiskat River, though the member hadn’t used it in 10 years. The rights of First Nations to navigate waterways are supported and affirmed by the Canadian Navigable Waters Act.

The WSR waterbody crossings that overlap with the Weenusk First Nation area for fishing includes WB-1, WC-1A, and WC-1B. WB-1 is the largest bridge waterbody crossings (Winisk Lake) for the WSR, with 253.5 m total width. WC-1A and WC-1B will each be a corrugated steel pipe with each having a total width of 1.3 m. WB-1 will also have a vertical clearance of 3 m to accommodate small vessels.

Table 16‑24 summarizes resources that support recreational hunting and fishing from other EAR/IS sections, including highlights from community concerns on those resources.

Table 16‑24: Summary of Indigenous Comments on Resources that Support Recreation

EAR/IS Section	Comments
Section 10: Fish and Fish Habitat	Water is most sacred element; Concerns about water quality and contamination (mercury) and other pollution like noise, dust, litter, changing environment affecting breeding habitats;Key species harvested for food include fish, caribou, geese and moose; fish is commonly shared in the community; all family members of all ages participate in fishing; Ice fishing is common in the winter and net fishing is common in the summer;Changes in weather patterns affect ice fishing;Fish species that are important include Brook Trout, Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Sturgeon amongst others; Concerns about access for outsiders that may lead to overfishing and overhunting;Fisheries have a crucial role to play to uphold traditional practices and sustainability; fish have a cultural role including spiritual practices;Data collection results indicate that Lake Sturgeon spawning habitat may be in decline and there is an even distribution of benthic invertebrate communities; and Winisk Lake provides year round fish habitat.
Section 7 – Surface Water	Surface water quality showed exceedances of major guidelines were not common in Winisk, Upper Ekwan and Attawapiskat watersheds; and Some exceedances were observed in the field for pH, aluminum and iron which may be due to weathering of rocks or distant upstream source.
Section 12 – Terrestrial Habitat and Wildlife	Concerns about wildlife mortality due to increased access and potential WSR traffic, disruption to migratory animals; Noticeable decline in geese and ducks;41 mammals may potentially live in the RSA including moose, grey wolf, furbearers, beaver, bats, birds; 23 mammals were confirmed during field surveys; and Larger waterbodies in the LSA had more staging waterfowl; shorebird occurrence was low; 29 Bald Eagle and Osprey nests were recorded.
Section 13 – Species-At-Risk	Concern with potential increase in public access will impact wildlife survival due to traffic incidents and outsiders’ harvesting practices on First Nation members who harvest; changes to migratory routes; caribou numbers are decreasing, and caribou, geese and moose being most commonly harvested; Caribou presence increased from 2018 to 2019 though the reasons were unclear; Wolverine tracks were recorded at 20 locations south of Webequie, but no observations were made; wolverine density in the LSA is high;Lake Sturgeon is assumed present in Winisk Lake, Winisk River, Ekwan River, Muketei River, Winiskisis Channel in the LSA and RSA; andLake Sturgeon is considered a delicacy in Webequie and is occasionally consumed.

16.1.1.5 Tourism

Indigenous tourism are businesses that own, operate, or are controlled by First Nations and infuse authentic, appropriate and respectful cultural qualities into the experience. Indigenous Tourism Ontario is the sole organization in Ontario that is dedicated to Indigenous tourism (ITO, 2024). Kasabonika Lake First Nation is a member of ITO (ITO, 2024a). Indigenous tourism has recovered and surpassed the pre-COVID data (Campbell, 2024). In a 2022 report, northern Ontario tourism markets were hard-hit from the COVID pandemic and are continuing to recover with 4 in 10 businesses expected to be profitable in 2024 (TIAO & OCC, 2022). There are multi-faceted and ongoing barriers to tourism and strategic directions to address those barriers to realize the potential of existing and new sectors of growth in the tourism and Indigenous tourism industry in Ontario.

Both the provincial and federal governments are interested in supporting and boosting tourism with programs and policies that focus on different tourism sectors, from resource-based tourism to developing the infrastructure and funding that are essential for tourism operators.

The following federal government resources for Indigenous-led tourism in northern Ontario include:

Northern Ontario Development Program invests in community economic development projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that create jobs and support self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario (Federal Economic Development Agency of Northern Ontario (FedNor), 2024); and
Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario provided $108 million over 3 years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities’ development of local tourism products and experiences (Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, 2024a).

The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund also provides financial programs and supports to enable Indigenous businesses and access to financing including tourism. The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy recognizes the benefits and contributions of tourism to the overall economy, identifying the pre-COVID revenue of $105 billion, a GDP of $43.5 billion and supporting 2.07 million jobs across the country in 2019. Specifically, Ontario provides the most tourism-supported jobs over all provinces with 715,800 compared to Québec with 392,100 jobs (Government of Canada, 2023). The Tourism Growth Program provides access to funds aimed at Indigenous applicants that are small to medium sized and/or non-for-profit and located in Northern Ontario (Government of Canada, 2024).

Other recent notable developments to support Indigenous tourism in northern Ontario include:

Funding provided to Indigenous Tourism Ontario for strategic training within the Indigenous tourism industry (Government of Ontario, 2023b);
Funding to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation ($4.9 million in 2022) for existing infrastructure and programs attractive to tourism (NOHFC, 2022); and
Seed money grants for ideas to generate tourism through the Northeastern Ontario ‘Spark’ Mentorship and Grants Program, a collaboration of multiple agencies (Northern Ontario Business, 2024, and Tourism Innovation Lab, 2024).

The market potential for Indigenous tourism was recognized in 2010 as the number of tourists from European countries who expressed interest in visiting Canada with an interest in “Aboriginal tourism products” ranged from 2.5 million (Germany) to 3.1 million (Italy) (Graci, 2010). The same report also indicated insufficient funding, education and training for First Nations to develop their own tourism operations, the changing seasonal demands, remote locations, poor product development or marketing, resistance to sharing culture, and bureaucracy as barriers (Graci, 2010). One of the considerations in developing Indigenous tourism is how it can foster meaningful relationships with non-Indigenous peoples and become an exemplary opportunity of reconciliation (Daniels, 2020).

Ontario’s resource-based tourism utilizes Crown lands and waters for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, paddling, hiking, snowmobiling, visiting parks and wildlife viewing in northern Ontario. It seeks to enable these tourism activities with sustaining the ecological base and quality of natural resources and uses an allocation model to administer the program. The model is based on a graduating scale or level of use of these resources, such as whether the operator includes fishing or has land-based lodging (Government of Ontario, 2024b).

There are fishing regulations for visitors, whether they are residents of Ontario, Canada or are from international locations and correspond to fishing licenses and fees. Fish Management Zones 2 and 3 are located in the LSA and RSA and outline the provisions and restrictions for recreational fishing, which include seasonal limits for specific fish species and possess limits (Government of Ontario, 2024c). Hunting also requires licenses and fees, which excludes requirements to possess firearms, for non-Indigenous persons. Wildlife Management Unit 1D covers the LSA and RSA. Hunting requires a license specific to the animal such as moose, black bear, wolf, and coyote (Government of Ontario, 2024d).

16.1.1.5.1 Local Study Area

Webequie First Nation is interested in pursuing commercial tourism (adventure, resource-based, eco-cultural) and taking a lead role or developing partnerships with neighbouring First Nations. There are areas with high potential for tourism and underutilized facilities, which can offer high quality tourism experiences that integrate traditional culture with contemporary economies. (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Fishing and lodging in Webequie First Nation and the surrounding lands have always been part of the community’s history. In the 1960s tourists would visit the former Winisk River Provincial Park area to fish and establish camps or cabins. Webequie First Nation reserve was recognized in 1985 (formally established in 2001 with order in council) and Winisk River provincial park shifted to its current location to the north, west and east of the reserve and stopped allowing new outposts to be built (Webequie First Nation, 2023). Fishing and hunting outposts continue to operate in the territories (see 16.2.2.5.2 Regional Study Area) and two camps that are promoted on the Webequie First Nation webpage are Kanuchuan Outpost Camp and Spruce Shores Lodge (Webequie First Nation, n.d.). Full-service packages are offered along with cultural tourism opportunities to share experiences to learn and engage with community members and cultural traditions (Webequie First Nations, n.d.).

Tourism is captured in the draft CBLUP and identified in land use zones and designations. The CBLUP identifies existing tourism in Zone 1 Western Upland EMA, and Zones 2A and 2B (Winisk Watershed DPA and Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA) (Table 16‑20). New commercial tourism is identified in all 7 zones and land use designations with caveats for Webequie to have a lead role in commercial tourism, partnering with other First Nations and following management decisions of the resources with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). Eco‑tourism is a prime example of future use as the community envisions “community and cultural prosperity [that] is built through integrated economic and cultural revitalization” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Table 16‑25: Webequie First Nation Draft CBLUP – Tourism

Land Use	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak DPA	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Shared Area with Neskantaga and Marten Falls First Nations
Commercial Tourism – Existing	Yes	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Commercial Tourism – New	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown

Source: Webequie First Nation, 2019b.

The existing commercial tourism for Webequie First Nation is mostly based on fishing, with eight community member owned and operated resource based establishing which are focused on the western portion of the CBLUP planning area. While commercial tourism is “largely underutilized” there is a “strong interest” in developing Indigenous led tourism operations (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). The Draft CBLUP also seeks small scale power infrastructure to support new tourism establishments as well.

Cultural tourism is another potential tourism product that Webequie community are interested in developing. “We welcome visitors interested in learning about our practices of many years. When walking through the community, you will always see someone busy doing something. Stop and say hello, and you will likely learn something th[a]t you never knew before. Feel free to ask questions” (Webequie First Nation, n.d.).

Community members from Webequie First Nation Land User Focus Group shared that tourism may be one of the benefits of the WSR (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2023). In the 2023 socio-economic community survey, 38% of respondents who live in the community year-round and 58% who live off-reserve believe that tourism will be one kind of job opportunity with the WSR (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2023b).

Figure 16.16 shows the locations of commercial tourism establishments in the LSA and RSA, which is based off desktop studies and may not include the eight community member owned and operated establishments in the Draft CBLUP mentioned above. The following tourism establishments are owned by First Nations including Webequie First Nation, and may be located within the Project Footprint or LSA:

Primary lodge in Webequie;
Coomb Lake retreat;
Winisk Lake; and
Spruce Shores Lodge.

Locations outside of the LSA are also promoted for tourism in Webequie and include Chipai Outpost, Kanuchuan Outpost, Ozhiski Outpost and Wapikopa Outpost.

Webequie also participated in the IKLRU program which included locations of tourist camps as well as other recreational facilities such as cabins, campgrounds, camp sites, historical camps/cabins, settlement sites, ice houses, tent frames, camping areas (Stantec, 2024).

In 2019, just over $400,000 was awarded to Webequie First Nation to increase accommodations for tourists and workers to supply 49 rooms for “much-needed temporary lodging” (Government of Canada, 2019). Webequie also received over $500,00 for a Community Readiness and Wellness Centre (Government of Canada, 2020). A 20-year Regional Tourism Strategic Plan was the focus of a several workshops in Matawa First Nations (Matawa, 2018). It sought to develop products for mainstream tourism experiences “with an Indigenous cultural element”, “promoting ease of access for target markets in highway access and remote communities; and… financing requirements to establish and sustain a tourism industry” (Matawa, 2018).

16.1.1.5.2 Regional Study Area

The province has delineated Ontario into 13 tourism regions, which are led by a Regional Tourism Organization (RTO). The RSA falls within RTO 13c for Northwest Ontario which covers an area from the border of Manitoba to Hudson Bay, to the Far North Boundary to Longlac, Nipigon and Thunder Bay. Each RTO operates independently, as a not-for-profit organization. Destination Northern Ontario covers RTO areas 13a, 13b and 13c and has developed several initiatives to support tourism in northern Ontario and strategies on angling, trails, cycling, wayfinding, boating, Indigenous food tourism. No Indigenous or First Nations communities located in the RSA were identified in organizational materials or resources. In 2016, RTO 13a, 13b and 13c had approximately 7.7 million visitors, who spent $1.12 billion within the market that included 9,910 tourism-related businesses mostly comprised of small and medium size (Davison & RTO9, 2018). The RTO 13c regional profile (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport, 2024) included the following highlights in 2022:

1.1 million visits with 61% coming from Ontario and 38% from the rest of Canada;
Most visits taking place between April to September;
36% of visits were 0 nights, 24% were two nights, 14% were one night;
75% of the visits were in activities that included visiting friends/family, doing outdoor sports, shopping, camping, going to restaurants and bars, boating, sightseeing, hiking and fishing;
Indigenous activities were the last ranked of the 33 tourism activities in terms of number of visits; and
The average age of a tourist in 13c was 50.

The 2022-2023 Annual Report for Destination Northern Ontario highlighted successes in training, investment attraction, partnerships with 83 industry partners, gaps and areas of growth, and several training opportunities primarily through online means (Destination Northern Ontario, 2023). The 2023-2024 annual report include efforts to develop Indigenous engagement strategy with the industry, and to prioritize enriched tourism experience. Indigenous tourism is a priority, and the organization seeks to strength partnerships with Indigenous Tourism Ontario. It also collaborated on supporting cultural events, expand Indigenous led tourism experience, partner with northern Ontario Tourism Summit and promote authentic indigenous tourism products across the region (Destination Northern Ontario, 2024). It’s 2024-2025 business plan (Destination Northern Ontario, 2024b) noted the following:

Key Market trends include “frictionless” travel, domestic travel, “responsible” travel, “ascendance of communities”, Indigenous connection, wild for wilderness, health and wellbeing, affluent travel “boom”, great resignation and retirement, remote work and residential tourism;
Industry trends include lack of access and reduced transport connectivity, labour and skills shortage, higher costs, reduced business travel and events, product degradation, reduced access to capital and limited liquidity, shift in capacity and role in of destination marketing organization (DMO);
Insights from northernontario.travel showed that domestic travel to that website is up 13% year over year with the largest contributor coming from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), American travel dropping 7% year over year, increase in paddling content (22%) and Indigenous content (84%) which continue to be emerging products over all markets;
Participation rates highlighted the following:
- Youth ages 15 to 24 form 31% of the tourism employment in RTO13, which is higher than the province;
- Five tourism occupations where youth make up a third (ore more) of the employees include food service supervisors, cooks, hosts, food and beverage services and food counter attendants; and
- Indigenous population accounted for 15% of the employed labour force in RTO13 in 2021, which is four times the proportion for the province (4%).

Indigenous Tourism Ontario “is the province’s first and only dedicated Indigenous tourism organization that focuses on uniting communities, Indigenous organizations and industry leaders to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario” (ITO, n.d.). There are four pillars to develop tourism: cultural authenticity, product development, workforce development and marking and branding. They collaborate with tourism providers, Indigenous leaders, provincial partners and allies, and national partners and allies. They have several resources on strategic plans, best practices, research, and Indigenous food. Highlights from one of their position papers on Indigenous food in northern Ontario include:

Indigenous tourism businesses are small (under four staff), self employed, operated by individuals or community based enterprises, which “align extremely well with what makes for meaningful food tourism experiences; that is, personal and intimate experiences that are connected to the community in which they are enjoyed”;
Food tourism products are also associated with accommodations, guided cultural tours, workshops or experiences, guided outdoor activities and experiences, which can also be enhanced by food tourism experiences;
Efforts to re-establish and preserve traditional food products include the national Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative, the Agricultural Society for Indigenous Foods Products, and wild rice cultivation around Curve Lake First Nation;
Offering food experiences and products also aligns with the rich history and practices associated with cultivation connection to the land and “presents and important cultural sharing opportunity for any Indigenous tourism operator”;
One in three international visitors to Canada are seeking Indigenous experiences;
Food tourism has a role in the industry, it can “facilitate a tourism environment of communication and connection through cultural, social, and environmental dialogues that create transformational experiences for visitors”;
Challenges such as:
- Accessing funding and financial support to develop and enhance experiences;
- Attract visitors to remote and isolated locations;
- Celebrate indigenous food in the face of ongoing food insecurity issues;
- Managing pre-established notions and visitor perceptions of an “Indigenous” experience;
- Educate visitors on cultural sensitivities; and
- Getting marketable number of market-ready products and experiences.

Tourism led by Indigenous communities in northern Ontario is taking place. The Neeeganii Iishhawnin 2025 gathering in Thunder Bay (NOB, 2025) focused on economic development in northern Ontario including tourism, (as well as natural resources, youth opportunities, land-based business, technology, innovation and energy) was hosted by Windigo Community Development Corporation, Shibogama First Nations Council, Matawa First Nations, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, ThawiKayhiGan Group and Independent First Nations Alliance, representing more than 30 northwestern Ontario communities. Further engagement with First Nation communities in the RSA, especially with territories or AIPs that overlap with the Project Footprint, LSA or RSA is recommended to identify benefits and potential options to the concerns associated with outsider access.

Tourism Innovation include a northern Ontario Lab to award mentorships and grants for tourism (Tourism Innovation Lab, 2024). One of their “spark” programs included Indigenous Tourism in Ontario. FedNor supported an inclusive tourism initiative in Northern Ontario for the “2SLGBTQI+ travel market and boost tourism-related revenue across the region… to help Northern Ontario businesses develop market-read experiences” (Briggs, 2025). A Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) of the Indigenous Tourism Fund for selected projects as “key tourism experiences… will anchor other tourism-related businesses and offerings, fostering the development of tourism destinations” (Government of Canada, 2025a). This program is intended to attract “high-yield international tourists who are interested in cultural experiences,” includes $30 M since 2022, and is administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association with support to select projects from the Indigenous Tourism Fund. A report by Northern Policy Institute identified partnerships for norther Ontario’s Indigenous tourism industry to “deepen … relationships with various organization… [which would] strengthen the northern economy and create stronger connections with Indigenous businesses” (Beals, 2017).

The First Nations communities of Kashechewan, Constance Lake and Wawakapewin have included tourism in their ToR for their respective CBLUP.

The Native Camp Operators Alliance/Moccasin Trail Adventures owns and operates four camps for fly-in fishing and hunting. “Most camps are remote and accessible only by float plane. Vacationers fly into the Thunder Bay International Airport and flying on to Pickle Lake, Ontario where the float plane base is located” (Matawa, n.d.). The following outposts are located west and southwest of the Webequie First Nation Reserve in the RSA:

Chipai Outpost;
Kanuchuan Outpost;
Wapikopa Outpost; and
Ozhiski Outpost.

Marten Falls First Nation

The Marten Falls First Nation includes tourism in the CBLUP Terms of Reference. Some community members believe that providing or inviting more access to the lands (via the WSR) could lead to overhunting and overfishing, and others are hopeful that the positive will outweigh the negative aspects.

Weenusk First Nation

The Weenusk First Nation ToR for the CBLUP includes tourism as one subject for current and future opportunities with an interest to address tourism operations that respect their culture and lands. Eco-tourism activities such as canoe, fishing and polar bear watching was shared during the Aboriginal Treaty Rights and/or Interest forum (ATRI).

Nibinamik First Nation

In 2014, the Nibinamik First Nation provide a youth course for tourism and have expressed their interest in pursuing training in tourism (Nibinamik First Nation, 2014).

Attawapiskat First Nation

In 2015, the ToR for the CBLUP was signed and includes tourism as a planning principle within the AIP.

16.1.1.6 Provincial and Federal Parks, Ontario Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and Other Protected Areas

There are several ways to protect large areas of land in Ontario from development or enable restrictions on activities that are permitted or prohibited. Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves are regulated under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act and play an important role in creating and managing a system of parks or conservation reserves, including water systems. Their key priorities are to maintain or restore the ecological integrity, biodiversity or cultural heritage of those ecosystems and ecoregions. Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves also serve as areas for scientific research, education, environmental monitoring, and compatible outdoor recreation.

Wilderness areas are regulated under the Wilderness Areas Act, to preserve lands in their natural state while also allowing access for research and education related to historical, aesthetic, scientific or recreational values. Wilderness areas also provide protection for fish, wildlife and invertebrates.

Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) are areas of lands and water that have features valued by life science and/or earth science that require protection for scientific study or education purposes. Life science ANSI include specific types of forests, valleys, prairies and wetlands, their native plants and animals and their supportive environments. They contain relatively undisturbed vegetation and landforms, and their associated species and communities. Earth Science ANSIs are geological and consist of bedrock, fossil and landforms and geological processes. The Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks reviews candidate ANSI areas for qualities of representation, condition, diversity, other ecological considerations and special features and then may be identified in provincial, regional or local significance categories. A multi step process is involved before ANSI are confirmed and distributed to other regulatory authorities or private landowners.

16.1.1.6.1 Local Study Area

No provincial parks, protected areas, wilderness areas or ANSI are located within Webequie First Nation or non‑traditional land use are in the LSA (which is a 1 km buffer from the centreline of the WSR).

There are no federal National Parks, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries or National Wildlife Areas located in the LSA.

16.1.1.6.2 Regional Study Area

One provincial park, Winisk Provincial Park, is located within the RSA. It receives permanent protection and maintains ecological integrity of natural regions, elements of natural and cultural heritage, biodiversity within 141,100 ha that hugs Webequie First Nation reserve to the north, east and west. The administration of provincial parks is led by Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006.

Background information on Winisk Provincial Park drafted in 1991 and updated in 2021 includes life and earth science representation features, land uses and permits, tourism, recreation, commercial, mining and harvesting activities. In the 1960s, Webequie community members began to negotiate for their lands and issued requests to the province to stop building tourist camps operated by non-Indigenous businesses on Winisk River. In 1968-1969, Winisk Provincial Park was created. In the 1970s, Webequie residents requested the cessation of issuing permits for commercial tourism, outfitting and guide services to non-residents. Commercial fishing could take place adhering to provisions in the management plan. No mineral or exploration activities are permitted in park. The park also contains gravel pits which supported the airport/airstrip and the community of Webequie. Harvesting trees for firewood and materials is permitted although the trees have little commercial value.

In a 2022 interview, a community member recalled an economic development initiative to build a power generator for the community was ultimately obstructed due to parks policies (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022g).

Approximately 72,654.9 ha of Winisk Provincial Park is located within the Regional Study Area (Figure 16.17).

Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI)

ANSI represent the natural features and landscapes that have importance or features relevant to natural heritage, protection, appreciation, scientific study or education. ANSI in Ontario are categorized into Life Science, as examples of Ontario’s biodiversity and natural landscapes, or Earth Science for geological features. ANSI are evaluated by five criteria (Natural Heritage, Lands and Protected Spaces, 2011):

Representation – of geological or landform-vegetation features;
Condition – the level of human induced disturbances;
Diversity – the number of features existing within a site;
Other ecological considerations – such as function, connectivity, size, shape, proximity to other areas; and
Special features – such as populations of species-at-risk, habitats, unusual features or educational and scientific values.

The province protects ANSI in Ontario by providing information and advice as natural heritage values in land and resource use decisions and management. ANSI are protected in the Planning Act, natural heritage policies under the PPS, and other land use legislation. Three ANSI features are located within the RSA: Gneiss Rapids, Upper Ekwan River and Mistassin Lake, as presented in Table 16‑26.

Table 16‑26: ANSI in the RSA

ANSI Name	Existing Area of each ANSI (ha)	Area of ANSI within RSA (ha)	General Comments
Gneiss Rapids, Candidate Earth Science	19,869.1	222.4	Area of provincial interest for protection
Mitassin Lake, Candidate Earth Science	70,810.1	770.4	Area of provincial interest for protection
Upper Ekwan River, Candidate Earth Science	33,098.8	32,329.7	Area of provincial interest for protection

Gneiss Rapids are located on Winisk River. It is described as 5% grasses and 95% sphagnum mosses in a swamp and peatland environment (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). The Upper Ekwan River has been studied by geologists and biologists and was identified in a 1948 report “Foodways in a Muskeg Community” (Honigmann, 1948). The CBLUP describes this area as mostly till with organic deposits with small sections of burn which represents the Cochrane Advance landscape unit (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). Mitassin Lake is mostly till with some soil, sand, silt and stone deposits from glaciers and several drumlins and an esker (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

In the Webequie IKLRU, participants at the Thunder Bay sessions indicated that eskers provide important wildlife habitat for small animals and migrating birds, hold important medicines that cannot be found in the muskeg, and that there are eskers located along the WSR (Webequie First Nation, 2024).

Limited research is available on the policy or protection program for these ANSI.

The Winisk River Provincial Park Management Statement has named the following life and earth science representations within Winisk Provincial Park – Portions of Hudson Bay Lowlands; Winisk Drumlin Field; Cochrane Advance/Readvance; Island Arcs and Basin themes; Timiskaming Interstadial; Driftwood Stadial; Sachigo Subprovince; Big Beaverhouse Moraine; Winisk Drumlin Field; and Cochraine (Cochrane) Advance/Readvance (Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2021). However, further detailed information is limited or not publicly available.

ANSI are shown in Figure 16.17.

There are no federal National Parks, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries or National Wildlife Areas located in the RSA.

Figure 16.17 also includes an approximate location of the land-based proposal in the Draft Omushkego Wahkohtowin Conservation Plan. It will be developed with the support of seven First Nations located near the RSA in the next ten years to achieve their vision of protecting the ecological integrity of Na-Taski-Nano (“Mother Earth”). More information is provided in Section 16.2.2.2.2 (Land Use Planning and Stewardship) as an effort that represents First Nations stewardship in the northern Ontario region.

Figure 16.17: Provincial Parks, Ontario ANSI in the RSA

16.1.1.7 Transportation

Transportation and access to goods and services outside of communities is a key consideration for communities in Ontario’s Far North. The only paved road in the Far North is Highway 599 (IBI Group & Hemson Consulting Ltd, 2016). For communities without all-season road access, remote airports operate year-round to connect communities to regional hubs to the south and other communities for services, and for the delivery of goods.

In addition, during the coldest weeks of winter with deep freeze conditions, communities use winter roads which connect to all-season road and rail networks. The winter road season tends to be from mid-January to Spring thaw (Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, 2023). Hauling heavy bulk supplies is more cost effective and critical for the communities to maintain supplies of fuel, water, housing materials, food and other goods (IBI Group & Hemson Consulting Ltd, 2016). Living in First Nation communities with no all-season roads has many implications including limited access to goods and services and high costs associated with travelling and shipping. The shortening of the winter road season has been a matter of concern for Indigenous communities in northern Ontario. More snow than usual and warm spells in the winter months disrupt winter roads and the ability to transport goods and services. Higher than average temperatures expected from climate change have been observed to impact the viability of winter roads and shorten the winter road season (CBC, 2023a, 2023b). With climate change, the duration of safe lake ice is also projected to decrease. A study has shown that a 1.5ºC increase in average temperatures due to climate change can lead to 90 % of current ice roads no longer being sustainable (Woolway et al, 2022).

For generations, Indigenous communities have relied on waterways in various ways such as travel to support community life. Today, waterways are recognized to be vital to the sustainability of communities.

This section describes the transportation options available within the socio-economic LSA and RSA (refer to Section 14) using the following indicators:

Road transportation;
Air transportation; and
Waterways navigation.

In this section, road transportation examines details on the existing road network (all weather and winter roads) and traffic patterns, including any projections of future traffic patterns, by describing the change in traffic volume (autos, trucks) on existing road connection (winter) to provincial road network, and change in opportunities for travel and road use. Air transportation will describe information on the nearest airports and demands for air and shipping services. These indicators were selected to examine the effects on navigation by the public and Indigenous groups, including activities that obstruct or restrict access to navigable waterways (e.g., portage routes and access roads), and the effects on safety of navigation routes. Information presented in this section will enable the assessment of Project impacts on existing navigation routes.

Figure 16.18: Webequie Winter Road Routes

Source: Winter Roads. Draft Technical Backgrounder, IBI Group & Hemson Consulting Ltd., 2016.

16.1.1.7.1 Local Study Area

The Socio-Economic Baseline includes a description of the following transportation information within the socio-economic LSA where information is available.

Community roads;
Winter road corridors;
Winter road traffic volumes;
Air travel; and
Waterways navigation.

Communities in the socio-economic LSA do not currently have all-season road access to the provincial highway system to the south and are currently fly-in or winter road access and the existing local road network is limited. The communities in the LSA use airports and winter roads for travel and shipping. Limited information is available on winter roads daily traffic counts within the LSA. Webequie First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation have identified the need for all-season roads and are working towards approval for an all-season road. The absence of all-season roads limits access to people living in these communities and results in a high cost of living due to the high costs associated with travelling and shipping goods.

Waterways for transportation is an integral part of community life. Waterways have been and continue to be an important socio-cultural and economic part of daily life of the LSA Indigenous communities. The waterways connect families and friends along traditional lines and provide an important part of the transportation network for the LSA communities.

Community Roads

In Webequie, there are 14 km of roads in the community. These are either gravel or earth-type roads. Roads also provide access to the landfill and band storage facilities (Webequie First Nation, 2019b). All roads are in fair condition, but require some granular materials, maintenance, and shaping of roads and shoulders. Installation of culverts would address erosion and drainage issues.

Winter Road Corridors in the Local Study Area

The LSA communities are First Nations that are connected via winter roads from several points. These connection points and winter road corridors are described in Table 16‑27.

Table 16‑27: Ontario Winter Road Systems and Connected Communities in the Local Study Area

Connected Local Study Area Communities	Connection Point to Provincial Highway / Winter Road Corridor	Winter Road System
Webequie First Nation Nibinamik First Nation Neskantaga First Nation Eabametoong First Nation (Refer to Figure 16.18)	Pickle Lake/ Webequie Winter Road Corridor	The Northern Ontario Resource Trail (NORT)/ Highway 808 is an all-season road that runs north from Pickle Lake. The Webequie Winter Road Corridor is one of three winter road systems connecting communities from the NORT. The Webequie Winter Road Corridor connects four First Nation communities.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation	Pickle Lake/ Kingfisher Winter Road Corridor	The NORT/ Highway 808 is an all-season road that runs north from Pickle Lake. The Kingfisher Winter Road Corridor is one of three winter road systems connecting communities from the NORT. The Kingfisher Winter Road Corridor connects six First Nation communities.
Marten Falls First Nation	Nakina/ Marten Falls corridor	Highway 643 runs through the Nakina and Aroland First Nation, connecting to the MNRF Access Road an all-season road that heads north. The Marten Falls winter road corridor begins at the MNRF Access Road and runs north to the Marten Falls First Nation community.
Attawapiskat First Nation	Moosonee/ James Bay corridor	The James Bay Winter Road Corridor running north from Moose Factory along the James Bay coast to four First Nation communities, connects to a gravel road in Otter Rapids and to the south via the Wetum winter road.
Weenusk First Nation	Shamattawa/ Hudson Bay corridor	The Hudson Bay Winter Road Corridor running east from Shamattawa, Manitoba along the coast of Hudson Bay in Ontario, connecting with two First Nation communities.

Source: IBI Group & Hemson Consulting Ltd, 2016.

The winter road system in the socio-economic LSA, is constructed each year by First Nations communities. Issues associated with winter roads include surface grading (steep hills, depressions, water crossings and muskeg), environmental risks (fuel spills, oil spills), narrow right-of-way, lack of signage, narrow and winding road shoulders, and sharp curves (Neegan Burnside, 2009).

Winter Road Traffic Volumes in the Local Study Area

Limited information is available on winter roads daily traffic counts. An available study taken from the 2015-2016 winter road season saw the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines install vehicle induction counters on certain winter road corridors, which included the Webequie, Kingfisher and North Caribou Winter Road Corridors (IBI Group & Hemson, 2016). The Webequie corridor includes two winter roads, one which connects Eabametoong First Nation to Neskantaga First Nations and Webequie First Nation, and the second one which connects from NORT Road/Highway 808 to Nibinamik First Nation and Webequie First Nation as shown in Figure 16.18.

Data from the study showed the “average daily traffic ranged from approximately 30 to 70 vehicles per corridor with peak daily traffic as high as approximately 60 to 110 vehicles per corridor. A ramping-up period with the highest-volume of travel takes place approximately mid-February to near the end of the operating season, with approximately 300 to 500 vehicles per week per corridor” (IBI Group & Hemson, 2016). The Webequie corridor had a daily traffic range of 0 to 70 vehicles and a weekly count of approximately 80 to 350 vehicles. The mid-February ramp-up for the Webequie corridor included weekly traffic of over 200 to 350 vehicles (IBI Group & Hemson, 2016). Additional research by the National Research Council Canada identified that the Webequie Winter Road Corridor is “extremely vulnerable (2024)” to climate change. Wunnumin Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin winter roads were also identified as “vulnerable (2030-2040)”. Kingfisher Lake, Neskantaga, Eabametoong, Nibinamik, Weenusk, Kashechewan Cree, Attawapiskat winter roads were vulnerable. Kasabonika, Marten Falls, and North Caribou Lake were considered to be “resilient (2050+)” (Zhang et al., 2024).

Navigation of Waterways in the Local Study Area

The LSA has many waterbodies and waterways located in it, including streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The Project location is within the Southwestern Hudson Bay Primary Watershed, and waterbodies in the area generally flows towards Hudson Bay.

To the west, the Webequie First Nation has historical and current interest in waterways in the Winisk tertiary watershed (Upper and Middle) which includes Winisk Lake and is where the Webequie community is located. Winisk River flows north to Hudson Bay. The Winisk River has a series of complex maze-like channels that lead to and from other waterbodies (Webequie First Nation, 2019). To the east, Webequie has an interest in the Upper Ekwan and Lower Attawapiskat tertiary watersheds, which flow east to James Bay (Webequie First Nation, 2019).

Table 16‑28 presents secondary watersheds that may be considered as important to First Nations in the LSA based generally on community location within or near secondary watersheds.

Table 16‑28: Local Study Area Communities Within or Nearby Secondary Watersheds

Secondary Watershed	Local Study Area Communities
Lower Albany River Watershed	Attawapiskat First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation
Upper Albany River Watershed	Eabametoong First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation
Attawapiskat River	Attawapiskat First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation, Webequie First Nation
Ekwan River – Coast	Webequie First Nation, Attawapiskat First Nation, Weenusk First Nation
Winisk River – Coast	Webequie First Nation, Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Weenusk First Nation

Source: Government of Ontario, 2023.

Webequie Airport

As a remote community, the Webequie Airport provides an essential service for Webequie community as it is the only reliable and year-round transportation service to access goods and services.

In 2019, the airfield electrical system was replaced for safe airport operations, which “operates in limited daylight each day during the winter months” (Government of Canada, 2019a). Passengers that arrive at the airport (and by Winter Road) “undergo a luggage check for alcohol and/or illegal substances” (211 Ontario North, 2025). More information on airports in remote communities in the RSA and northern Ontario is included in Section 16.2.2.7.2.

There are plans to redevelop the airport which include extension of runway length; runway end safety area; automated weather observation systems; GPS-based RNAV approaches; separate apron for passengers, cargo and helicopters; and business opportunities (WSP, 2016). Next steps to redevelop the airport include:

Establish economic development corporation;
Investigate potential aggregate sources;
Seek industry and airline feedback on business opportunities;
Determine potential further environmental assessment needs;
Investigate funding agencies and options;
Establish needs with mining companies such as helicopter parking; and
Establish needs of the All-Season Road including cargo and passenger transport from area communities, road construction and maintenance, and working with local industry, tourism and provincial government.

16.1.1.7.2 Regional Study Area

The Socio-Economic Baseline includes a description of the following transportation information in the socio-economic RSA where information is available.

Road Transportation Network;
Road Traffic Volumes;
Vehicle Collisions;
Air Transportation; and
Waterways.

Communities described in the socio-economic RSA include both Indigenous communities that are fly-in and also those connected to the provincial highway system, as well as municipalities that have well connected transportation systems.

The fly-in First Nation communities in the RSA, experience similar transportation issues to the LSA fly-in communities. Transportation in the RSA has an array of multimodal transportation infrastructure including the rail network, the provincial highway system, other all-season roads, winter roads, and airports (municipal, remote and international) (IBI Group & Hemson Consulting Ltd, 2016).

The majority of First Nations communities in the RSA are reachable by remote airports and/or by winter roads. While other communities in the RSA includingAroland First Nation,Constance Lake First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation and Mishkeegogamang First Nation have on-reserve communities located with provincial highway network access.

Waterways for transportation is also an integral part of community life. Waterways have been and continue to be an important socio-cultural and economic part of daily life of the RSA Indigenous communities. The waterways connect families and friends along traditional lines and provide an important part of the transportation network for the RSA communities.

Establishment and operation of the James Bay Winter Road through Kimesskanemenow Corporation, also known as Kimesskanemenow Limited Partnership, which is owned by Fort Albany, Attawapiskat, Moose Cree and Kashechewan First Nations (Kimesskenemenow, 2025). The James Bay Winter Road also connects Attawapiskat First Nation and Moose Cree First Nation to Moosoonee through the annual construction and maintenance of the 312 km road travels along the western shore of James Bay. Their website provides up to date road status and conditions, while providing access to past newsletters, employment opportunities with Kimesskanewmenow LP, and contact information.

Road Transportation Network on the Regional Study Area

Table 16‑29 lists the remote communities that are serviced by the winter road network organized by where the road connects to the provincial highway network.

Table 16‑29: Ontario Winter Road Systems and Connected Communities in the Regional Study Area

Connected Local Study Area Communities	Connection Point to Provincial Highway / Winter Road Corridor	Winter Road System
Wunnumin First Nation Wawakapewin First Nation Kingfisher Lake First Nation Wapekeka First Nation	Pickle Lake/ Kingfisher Winter Road Corridor	The NORT Rd / Highway 808 is an all-season road that runs north from Pickle Lake. (Northern Ontario Resource Trail). The Kingfisher corridor is one of three winter road systems connecting communities from the NORT. The Kingfisher Winter Road Corridor connects six First Nation communities.
North Caribou Lake First Nation	Pickle Lake/ North Caribou Winter Road Corridor	The NORT/ Highway 808 is an all-season road that runs north from Pickle Lake. The North Caribou Winter Road Corridor is one of three winter road systems connecting communities from the NORT. The North Caribou Winter Road Corridor connects with five First Nation communities.
Kashechewan First Nation Fort Albany First Nation	Moosonee/ James Bay Winter Road Corridor	The James Bay Winter Road Corridor running north from Moose Factory along the James Bay coast, connects to a gravel road in Otter Rapids to the south via the Wetum winter road.

Source: (MNDM, 2020)

Note: Other communities in the RSA includingConstance Lake First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation and the citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario are situated along the provincial highway network.

Traffic Volumes and Collisions in the RSA

Data from the provincial traffic database was analysed from the late 1980s to 2019. Data from the Pandemic was not collected as it significantly altered traffic patterns. The Collision Rate is based on a section of highway for every million vehicle kilometres (MVKM) traveled during that same time period following “reportable collisions” which involved death, injury or property damage exceeding a specific amount. Averages (annual average daily traffic or AADT) were provided for each decade to summarize the context for the major highway in the RSA.

The collision rate (CR) is calculated as:

The MVKM is calculated as:

Table 16‑30 provides a summary of average data for the decade from the late 1980s to the 2010s.

Table 16‑30: Summary of Traffic Volume and Collisions in the RSA

Highway	AADT	Truck AADT	Total Collisions	Collision Rate	Truck Collisions	Truck Collision Rate
Highway 527: Hwy 11/17 to Hurkett
Late 1980s to 1990s	573	143	11	2.5	2.2	0.5
2000s	609	164	8	1.4	1.5	0.2
2010s	517	114	5	1.1	0.5	0.1
Highway 599: Hwy 11 to Pickle Lake Rd.
Late 1980s to 1990s	392	58	8	2.4	1.1	0.4
2000s	321	46	5	1.5	0.8	0.4
2010s	294	77	5	3.2	0.9	1.1
Highway 11: Hearst to Thunder Bay/Hwy 102
Late 1980s to 1990s	3791	705	11	1.3	4.1	0.4
2000s	4019	918	11	0.9	4.9	0.3
2010s	3929	1089	10	0.8	5.2	0.4
Highway 102: Hwy 11/17 to Thunder Bay
Late 1980s to 1990s	8422	922	8	0.6	1	0.1
2000s	8993	1280	7	0.5	2	0.1
2010s	1467	1467	10	0.7	4	0.2
Highway 17: Terrace Bay to Nipigon
Late 1980s to 1990s	2561	391	17	1.8	4	0.5
2000s	2373	562	11	1.2	3	0.2
2010s	2318	744	100	0.7	2	0.1
Highway 17: Nipigon to Thunder Bay
Late 1980s to 1990s	2996	677	22	0.6	10	0.3
2000s	2538	925	25	0.8	13	0.4
2010s	2205	1023	21	0.8	13	0.5
Highway 17/11: East Junction to West Junction
Late 1980s to 1990s	5879	811	9	1.0	2.0	0.2
2000s	6956	1060	11	0.9	2.5	0.2
2010s	8100	1435	11	1.0	2.2	0.2
Highway 17: Sheba to Highway 599
Late 1980s to 1990s	2838	600	20	1.1	8.8	0.4
2000s	2654	871	19	0.8	10.7	0.4
2010s	2362	1082	18	0.9	11.1	0.5

Source: Ministry of Transportation, n.d.

The AADT through these roads generally remained consistent with some increases, and a marked increase along Highway 17/11 between the east and west junction. However, truck traffic AADT steadily increased over the same time period along most of the routes. Overall, total collisions declined each decade, except for the portion of Highway 17 in the 2010s. The collision rate showed a general decline with an increase on Highway 599 in the 2010s, and the truck collisions rate for half the routes declined with the other half of the routes remaining similar to previous decade or increasing (Highway 17 Sheba to Highway 599, Highway 102, Highway 17 Nipigon to Thunder Bay). The overall truck collisions rate remained similar to previous decade or declined, except for the portion of Highway 17 from Nipigon to Thunder Bay.

Highway 599 is adjacent to other First Nations reserves, including Ojibway Nation of Saugeen Indian Reserve, Osnaburgh Indian Reserve No. 63A and No. 63B of the Mishkeegogamang First Nation

Air Transportation Network in the RSA

Table 16‑31 provides a list of airlines that offer services to communities in the RSA.

Table 16‑31: Ontario Airlines with Services to Remote Communities in the RSA

Airline	Base Locations in Ontario	Air Services To Destinations
Bamaji Air Inc. (Bamaji Air Inc., 2023)	Sioux Lookout Airport	Wawakapewin First Nation
Wasaya Airways Limited Partnership (LP) (Wasaya Airways Limited Partnership, 2023)	Pickle Lake AirportRed Lake AirportSioux Lookout AirportThunder Bay Airport (headquarters)	15 Indigenous communities including: Eabametoong First NationKasabonika Lake First NationKingfisher Lake First NationKitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First NationMarten Falls First NationNeskantaga First NationNibinamik First NationWapekeka First NationWebequie First NationWeenusk First Nation Wunnumin First Nation
North Star Air (North Star Air, 2023)	Sioux Lookout AirportThunder Bay Airport (headquarters)	Over 54 remote Northern communities. From Sioux Lookout to:Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First NationNorth Caribou First NationWapekeka First NationFrom Thunder Bay to:Webequie First NationNeskantaga First NationFort Hope First Nation Marten Falls First Nation
Nakina Air Service (Nakina Outpost Camp, 2023)	Nakina Airport	Various outposts
Leuenberger Air Service (Leuenberger Air Service, 2023)	Nakina Airport	Operates two aircraft rates to all areas surrounding and north of Nakina, specialized in assisting mining projects and aerial surveys.
Thunder Airlines (Thunder Airlines, 2023)	Timmins Airport	City of TimminsMoosonee First NationFort Albany First NationKashechewan First NationAttawapiskat First Nation
SkyCare (SkyCare, 2023)	Sioux Lookout AirportThunder Bay AirportKitchener Airport	Provides charter services and air ambulance services to the Province of Ontario through a Standing Offer Agreement with a fleet of three planes. Medevac service is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Air Creebec (AirCreebec, 2023)	Timmins Airport	Moosonee First NationFort Albany First NationKashechewan First NationAttawapiskat First NationMoosonee First NationPeawanuck First Nation

Remote airports provide an essential service for First Nations communities throughout northern Ontario including the RSA. The federal and provincial government work together to fund and operate remote airports through the Remote Air Services Program, which also allocate funding to specific air carriers. The Ministry of Transportation owns and operates 27 airports in First Nations communities (Timmins Today, 2021).

Runway length, unpaved runways, inadequate lighting and lack of weather reporting infrastructure are cited as infrastructure gaps between remote airports and air facilities in the south, which are a factor of flight reliability. Research has shown that there is a positive correlation between the length of the runway and flight arrival reliability (Dimayuga, 2020). Runway length limits cargo weight and the types of planes that can operate at those airports. Twenty-six remote airports in Ontario have unpaved gravel runways, which requires air service providers to retrofit their aircraft which is “rarely done due to cost and the regulatory process required to get one” (Dimayuga, 2020). So, older less efficient aircraft are used. Lighting and automated weather systems facilitate airplane landing in poor weather.

In 2016, airports that serve Attawapiskat, Eabametoong, Kasabonika Lake, Neskantaga, Nibinamik, Marten Falls, Weenusk and Webequie have gravel runways around 3,500 feet in length. Attawapiskat, Neskantaga, Marten Falls, and Weenusk airports have Automated Weather Observation Systems. Issues at remote airports include infrastructure needs and long-term planning, extended service/on-call staffing, passenger and carrier waiting facilities, aircraft and navigation limitations, lack of consolidated facilities as air carriers are responsible for fueling and de-icing, and contamination from fuel tanks and clean-up (IBI and Hemson, 2016a).

Waterways in the RSA

The RSA extends into Ekwan River – Coast, Winisk River – Coast, and Attawapiskat River – Coast watersheds, which further divides into the following tietiary watersheds; Upper Winisk Watershed, Middle Winisk Watershed, Upper Ekwan Watershed, and Lower Attawapiskat Watershed (Section 10.1.3.4). Table 16‑32 presents secondary watersheds that may be considered as important to Indigenous communities in the LSA based generally on community location within or near secondary watersheds.

Table 16‑32: First Nations Within or Near Secondary Watersheds in the RSA

Secondary Watershed	Regional Study Area Communities
Lower Albany River Watershed	Fort Albany First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation
Upper Albany River Watershed	Fort Albany First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Mishkeegogamang First Nation, Métis Nation of Ontario Region 2
Osnaburgh – Upper Albany River	Mishkeegogamang First Nation, Municipality of Sioux Lookout
Attawapiskat River	Kashechewan First Nation, Mishkeegogamang First Nation, Township of Pickle Lake
Kenogami River watershed	Aroland First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation, Métis Nation of Ontario Region 2
Northeastern Lake Superior	Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 First Nation, Métis Nation of Ontario Region 2, Métis Nation of Ontario Region 2
Northwestern Lake Superior	City of Thunder Bay, Métis Nation of Ontario Region 2, Municipality of Greenstone
Severn River watershed	Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, North Caribou Lake First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation, Wawakapewin First Nation
Winisk River – Coast	Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation, Wawakapewin First Nation, Wunnumin Lake First Nation

Source: Government of Ontario, 2023.

The people of Constance Lake First Nation have made use of the Kenogami River watershed as part of their territory for many years (Constance Lake First Nation, 2023). The watershed holds several waterbodies (lakes, rivers, creeks) which members of the Constance Lake First Nation use in their daily lives as a historical connection to their traditional land. The watershed also features several sensitive areas identified through Indigenous Traditional Knowledge research and archaeological records, including (but not limited to) burial sites, historical camps, hunting sites, settlement locations, and culturally modified trees (Constance Lake First Nation, 2023).

The Severn River Conservation Reserve is located within the Severn River watershed and contains several important core natural heritage areas that are inventoried and protected by the Ministry of Natural Resources as Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, 2023b). The Severn River watershed also holds cultural importance for First Nation communities, such as the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation who use the historic canoe routes within the watershed and the lakes and rivers for fishing (Wildlands League, 2013).

16.1 Identification of Potential Effects, Pathways and Indicators

Some Project activities may interact with and impose potential effects on the Non-traditional Land and Resource Use VC. This section describes the potential effects of the Project, the pathways that link the Project activities and the effects, and how the effects were assessed.

First Nations in the LSA and RSA are participating in the CBLUP process. As the CBLUPs are developed, and if shared with the Project Team, their information will be incorporated into the final EAR/IS.

Non-traditional land uses include the current and historical settler/colonization framework of land use policies that manage land use impacts, from specific directions or permissions about how to use the land for settlement, enjoyment, economic prosperity, and protection from undesirable activities.

The underlying context of land and how First Nations communities understand it is from a holistic perspective, as the connection to land fosters identity, culture, community values for todays and the following generations. and improvements to support the quality of life for future generations. The relationships of First Nations communities with the land informs the changes necessary to create the desired vision. This perspective does not preclude economic development but seeks to integrate appropriate activities that do not harm the way of life and relationships with the land.

This section strives to demonstrate the non-traditional land use effect pathways with a First Nations understanding of land from a relationship-oriented perspective that is holistic and based in stewardship.

The description of potential effects, pathways and indicators in this section are structured to cover in the LSA and RSA: land use compatibility and stewardship; commercial/industrial land use; recreation and tourism; parks and protected areas; and transportation. Table 16‑33 summarizes the potential effect pathways and effect indicators for the Non‑Traditional Land and Resource Use VC.

Each effect pathway is described and includes an assessment for the potential of occurrence of that effect. Pathways with no or negligible potential for occurrence that are described in this Section 16.3 and will not be carried forward for further assessment. Pathways that are assessed to have low to high potential for occurrence of adverse and beneficial effects will be carried forward for mitigation and characterization of net effects.

The following effect pathways were determined to have no or negligible effects from the Project’s construction and operations phases, and are not discussed in Section 16.3:

Forestry resources; Fishery resources; Commercial trapping; Energy resources and transmission (in the Commercial/Industrial Land Use Activities subcomponent); and
Provincial and federal parks, Ontario ANSI and other protected areas.

There are no Forestry Management Units to manage forestry operations north of the Far North Boundary to determine the location, number or type of forestry operations. Commercial fishing operations is an economic sector that Webequie First Nation is interested in pursuing as several commercial fishing licenses were held in the community in the 1960s and 1970s. Currently, “there are no active commercial fishing operations” (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). Fishery Management Zones 2 and 3 which are located within the LSA and RSA regulate the fish numbers, species and size, and season do not report on the location, number or type of commercial fishing operations.

Trapping was another commercial land use activity that was active up to the 1970s though has significantly declined since then due to several factors including “high operating costs and market challenges” (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). Trapping is continued today as a cultural practice. The location, number or types of commercial trapping is unknown for the purposes of non-traditional land and resource use, and the potential effects of the Project on traplines are included in Section 19 Indigenous Peoples.

No existing or proposed energy resources and transmission networks are in the RSA and are not anticipated to be affected by the Project. Construction activities will not disturb areas of provincial parks and Ontario ANSI in the RSA. There are no federal parks or other protected areas (such as Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, National Wildlife Areas) in the RSA.

In addition, the indicator for recreation and tourism “access for land and waterway use” is similar to the indicator for transportation “change in opportunities for travel and road use.” The interactions of the Project with this indicator will be captured in the Recreation and Tourism subsection to reduce redundancy. Project effects on the access to land and water is also identified in Section 19 Indigenous Peoples.

Table 16‑33: Potential Effects, Pathways and Indicators for Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use Valued Component

Potential Effect	Project Phase	Effect Pathway	Effect Indicators	Nature of Interaction and Effect (Direct or Indirect)	Linked Other VCs
Change to Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship	Construction	Road construction will change and carry out new activities on-reserve lands, Crown lands, affect federal jurisdiction and responsibilities Supportive infrastructure will introduce new activities within reserve lands Road construction introduces new activities and affect proposed territory plans and stewardship efforts	Compatibility with land use plan, policies, legislation	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship	Operations	Operation, maintenance and repair of road will carry out new activities on reserve lands, Crown lands and affect federal jurisdiction and responsibilities Road use may facilitate trespassers / public access into reserves and affect federal jurisdiction, and introduce new activities that affect proposed territory plans and stewardship abilities	Compatibility with land use plan	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Commercial and Industrial	Construction	Road construction overlaps with areas of mining claim and tenureSupportive infrastructure will decrease the number of aggregate sources	Location, number, type of commercial and industrial activities	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Commercial and Industrial	Operations	Road use may increase access into lands and potentially increase mining claims Operations of pits and quarries may potentially decrease the number or area of aggregate sources	Location, number, type of commercial and industrial activities	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Recreation and Tourism	Construction	Road construction will decrease the number of recreational activities Project construction will require employment and expenditures which may increase employment income to afford recreational activities or users	location, number, type of recreation and tourism activities or users	Direct and Indirect	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)Economic (S. 15)
Change to Recreation and Tourism	Construction	Road construction will change lands and affect land-based travel routes	Access to land and waterway use	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Recreation and Tourism	Construction	Waterbody crossings will change water levels and potentially reduce waterway access or navigation	Access to land and waterway use	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)Surface Water (S. 7)
Change to Recreation and Tourism	Construction	Waterbody crossings will change water levels and potentially decrease the availability of aquatic resources	resource availability of select species (fish, wildlife) or their habitat	Direct and Indirect	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)Surface Water (S. 7)Fish and Fish Habitat (S. 10)Species at Risk (S. 13)
Change to Recreation and Tourism	Operations	Road use will provide access to employment opportunities at the Ring of Fire to afford recreational activities or usersProject employment and expenditures to operate, maintain, and repair road may increase employment income to afford recreational activities or users	location, number, type of recreation and tourism activities or users	Direct and Indirect	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)Economic (S. 15)
Change to Recreation and Tourism	Operations	Road use may increase access to traditional territory, which may increase the number of recreational or tourism activities or users who may decrease availability of wildlife resources	Resource availability of select species (fish, wildlife) or their habitat	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)Fish and Fish Habitat (S. 10)Terrestrial Habitat (S. 12)Species at Risk (S. 13)
Change to Recreation and Tourism	Operations	Road use may increase access to traditional territory which may increase tourism activities	Location, number, type of recreation and tourism activities or users	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Transportation	Construction	Transport and mobilization of equipment and supplies to construct the WSR will use vehicles for deliveries via existing roads, winter roads and provincial highways	Road Transportation: Change in traffic volume (autos, trucks) on existing road connection (winter) to provincial road network	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Transportation	Operations	Road use will improve access to transportation and increase traffic volumes on existing roads, winter roads and provincial highways	Road Transportation: Change in traffic volume (autos, trucks) on existing road connection (winter) to provincial road network	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Transportation	Construction	Transport and mobilization of equipment and supplies to construct the WSR will use air transport and shipping services	Air Transportation: Change in demand for air and shipping services.	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Transportation	Operations	Operations, maintenance and repair of road may receive deliveries of supplies via air transport and shipping services	Air transportation: Change in demand for air and shipping services	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)
Change to Transportation	Construction	Waterbody crossing construction may include de-watering activities which may reduce travel opportunities on waterways	Road Transportation: Change in opportunities for travel and road use	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)Surface Water (S. 7)
Change to Transportation	Operations	Operations, maintenance and repair of road may include bridges and culverts which reduce travel opportunities on waterways	Road Transportation: Change in opportunities for travel and road use	Direct	Indigenous Peoples (S. 19)Surface Water (S. 7)

16.1.1 Change to Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship

This section describes the potential effects of the Project on Land Use Compatibility and Stewardship in consideration of the following indicators:

Compatibility with existing and proposed non-traditional land uses and stewardship.

16.1.1.1 Local Study Area

16.1.1.1.1 Construction of road à Change to Webequie First Nation Reserve Lands à Compatible with Webequie’s On-Reserve Land Use Plan

Construction of the WSR will take place inside of the Webequie First Nation reserve and on Crown Land. Approximately 17 km of the WSR will be in the reserve and will cover a footprint of 164 ha (Table 16‑34). Webequie First Nation reserve is 34,279 ha (Government of Canada, 2025). The construction of the WSR, a non-traditional activity, will reduce the area of the reserve for traditional activities by approximately 164 ha or 0.5% (Table 16‑34).

Table 16‑34: WSR Length and Area on Lands

	Road Length (km)	Project Footprint (ha)
Within the Webequie reserve	17	164
Outside the Webequie reserve (Crown land)	90	384
Total	107	548

In 2019, Webequie First Nation completed their On-Reserve Land Use Plan (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). This plan guides and gives authority to First Nations communities to manage the lands, resources and environment. Environmental Protection Guidelines, Cultural Protection Guidelines, and Development Review and Approval Guidelines are included in this plan.

Environmental Protection Guidelines seek to protect Environmental Sensitive Areas and include measures for “careful pre-development considerations and specific precautions regarding the method and location of any construction” (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). Protection of important or sensitive areas include areas for traditional activities, water, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and sensitive ecosystems. Waterways or waterbodies, habitat for important species and wildlife movement, steep lands and areas of flooding may also be affected by development within 30 m. Surrounding the development, areas may contribute to the functions of the landscape and consider soil erosion and drainage, potential contaminants that require mitigation, and design considerations for green building that are “durable [and] energy efficient” (Webequie First Nation, 2019a).

We accept our role as stewards of our lands and waters and take the challenge very seriously. (Webequie First Nation, 2019a).

Culturally Sensitive Areas are protected under the On-Reserve Land Use Plan’s Cultural Protection Guidelines, and include areas of traditional use and activities, archaeological sites, and any sites uncovered during site investigations or construction. No net effects were identified for built heritage, cultural heritage landscapes, and archaeological resources (Section 20.5 Characterization of Net Effects). Cultural Protection Guidelines also include mitigations such as setbacks that are appropriate, based on “nature and use of each cultural area” while also recognizing exceptions may be required as well (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). Approximately 4.8 ha of the cultural areas from the Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan overlaps with the Project Footprint (and 479.9 ha is in the LSA).

Development Review and Approval Guidelines related to the Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan include mapping, setbacks, preservation of natural landscapes, runoff and protection of waterways. Setbacks include protecting trees from removal, construction or related activities within 30 m of waterways at top of bank. These considerations can be reviewed and appropriately addressed during detail design and/or integrated into construction drawings. The Development Review and Approval Guidelines provide a checklist for development proposals that can be used for the Chief and Council approval, or to deny the proposal, request a revision or request additional reviews prior to approval. Table 16‑35 summarizes how the project planning for the WSR and information in this EAR/IS align with the Development Review and Approval Guidelines.

The WSR is compatible with Webequie First Nation’s On-Reserve Land Use Plan and has no adverse effects. This effect will not be carried forward for further assessment.

Table 16‑3536: Summary of Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan – Development Review and Approval Guidelines

Development Review and Approval Guidelines	Compatibility to WSR
Alignment with Land Use Plan	The WSR use and location fits with the Land Use Plan and can meet environmental and cultural protection guidelines. It is identified in the Future Roads map as the All-Season Mine Road.
Alignment with Current Plans	The WSR Community Readiness Plan (CRP) has integrated the recommended beneficial and mitigation measures following the Comprehensive Community Plan’s seven directions (Appendix N). The Capital Plan identified Site D as the Preferred Community Development Plan and the On-Reserve Land Use Plan identified Site D and A as priority housing. Site C (which is located closest to the WSR) was also identified in the On-Reserve Land Use Plan and acknowledges that “[t]he all-season mine road will bring the road network closer to this site” (Webequie First Nation, 2019a).
Community Support	The WSR supports the vision, objectives and some of the priority needs in the CCP. Support and concern for the effects of the Project have been shared by community members through engagement and consultation.
Use of Land	Criteria to select the use and location of land for the WSR is included in (Section 3 Evaluation of Project Alternatives) to determine the recommended preferred route. The Community Readiness Plan has integrated the required improvements to serve community needs along the goals and objectives in the CCP.
Utilities and Services	The Community Readiness Plan identifies requirements, plans, programs, so the community can best receive the benefits of the WSR and have resilience and capacity for the challenges that it may bring.

16.1.1.1.2 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repairs of WSR à Change to Reserve Lands à Compatible with Webequie’s On-Reserve Land Use Plan

The WSR will require maintenance and repair work throughout the operations phase. This may change the lands, for example, by filling in potholes, extracting materials from pits/quarries and trimming back vegetation. The On-Reserve Land Use Plan includes considerations for environmental, cultural and protections, such as setbacks, the preservation of natural landscapes beyond the setbacks, and protection of waterways from runoff.
The operation phase activities for the Project have been determined to have a negligible effect on loss or alteration of vegetation communities, wetland functions, and vegetation species and communities of traditional importance to Indigenous peoples (refer to Section 11.9.2 Results). Operations activities are predicted to have no significant effects that would result in the harmful destruction or alteration of fish habitat, or injury/death of fish (refer to Section 10.6.2 Results). In addition, the proponent will prepare site-specific management plans and protocols for road use during the operations phase, which are outlined in the Operational Environment Management Plan (OEMP).
There is no incompatibility of the WSR’s road use during the operations phase with the Webequie First Nation On-Reserve Land Use Plan. This effect will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.1.3 Construction of Road à Change to Crown Lands à Compatible with Provincial Land Use Policies

The Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS) comprehensively describes the principles and approaches to guide land use planning in the local, regional and rural areas of the province. The definition of land use compatibility sets to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate adverse effects that can affect public health and safety and the long-term economic viability of major facilities. It sets out that if avoidance of land uses is not possible, that effects be minimized and mitigated.

The WSR is not adjacent to any existing sensitive land uses or users such as residences, daycare, health or education facilities. The WSR will connect from the existing main road near the airport and head north-east through natural vegetated conditions off Eastwood Island. However, potential future development adjacent to the WSR includes the Webequie airport and two new sites for housing, both located on the Webequie First Nation reserve.

Both the proposed housing sites “C” and “D” and capital improvements to the Webequie airport are compatible with the WSR and support long term economic purposes, which includes use of the road to transport development supplies, link Webequie First Nation community members to employment and provide youth skills and training development opportunities (Webequie First Nation, n.d.).

Capital improvements to Webequie airport are in the planning stages, which has one site as a long-term option for WSR access and second as a priority area for the community’s use (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). Both sites acknowledge that the WSR “will bring the road network closer to this site” (Webequie First Nation, 2019a). Sewer and water capital improvements are required prior to the development of these housing sites. The Webequie airport and housing sites may need to be coordinated with the WSR, regarding setbacks and timing, which may take place during detail design.

Several sites and kinds of recreational dwellings are located throughout the RSA, however, only one camp site is located with the Project Footprint and LSA. Further engagement with Webequie First Nation to identify specific concerns of potential adverse effects from the Project is recommended. Potential adverse effects from odour, noise and other contaminants to public health and safety are identified in Section 17 Human Health and were determined to have low to medium significance for intermediate/Level 2 Determinants of Health (Section 17.5.3 Summary).

Adverse effects to the natural environmental (“plant, animal, human health, human safety and discomfort, including loss of enjoyment or normal use, interference with normal business conduct”) have proposed mitigation measures to minimize effects that could not be avoided.

The WSR also meets the transportation policies in the PPS as it addresses the needs of Webequie First Nation community members and potential industrial developments or interests in the Ring of Fire. The design of the road will accommodate heavy and light industrial traffic and includes appropriate roadside safety measures (e.g., guiderails), drainage and stormwater management elements (i.e., bridges, culverts, ditches) and rest area and turnaround areas for maintenance vehicles and equipment in accordance with the Ministry of Transportation Roadside Design Manual (Section 4.3 Project Components). No illumination (e.g. light poles) is proposed for the road due to traffic volumes and practicality of “a stable power source and connection. Intersections are also not proposed at this time will be addressed and considered in the detail design phase of the Project at the eastern and western terminus based on other planned roads. There are no other linear infrastructure or multi-modal connections and services currently proposed for integration into the WSR ROW.

The WSR also supports the intent of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, as it seeks to improve long-term transportation infrastructure to improve connections to remove fly-in communities such as Webequie First Nation. Webequie will serve as the main transportation link for community members to access economic and employment opportunities related to the development of the Ring of Fire. The WSR may also potentially connect with other planned transportation connections south of the Ring of Fire. The WSR, as an Indigenous-led IA/EA also identifies economic benefit and opportunities for Indigenous community members, including youth skill development and training in Sections 14 Social Environment, Section 15 Economic Environment and the Community Readiness Plan (Appendix N).

The proponent of the WSR in subsequent development stages of the Project will secure and comply with all applicable permits and approvals under provincial and federal legislation for the proposed work on Ontario Crown land and Webequie First Nation reserve land under federal jurisdiction.

The WSR is compatible with provincial plans and policies and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.1.4 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change to Crown Lands à Compatible with Provincial Land Use Policies

The WSR represent a change in land use and a third of socio-economic survey respondents indicated safety concern for women, youth, Elders. Respondents’ areas of concern included r pedestrian safety, road/street maintenance, lack of stop signs, insufficient lighting/streetlights, speed limit enforcement and wildlife collisions. Fifty per cent (50%) indicated concern for drinking and driving.

Female responses were similar with the overall group and had slightly more support (around 40%) for youth safety, road safety, pedestrian safety, speed limit enforcement, and 57% for drinking and driving concerns. Youth ages 15 to 30 showed similar responses with the overall group of respondents. Additional comments from open-ended questions on the survey added the following concerns:

Domestic/family violence;
Childcare;
Land lines for emergencies;
Human trafficking;
Pollution;
Security block;
Youth access to substances;
Summer cottages;
Youth safety training and education;
Illegal firearms; and
Bootlegging.

The ability to rent or buy Crown land is possible and may require a permit under the Public Lands Act. However, “[t]he ministry will not consider applications to buy or rent Crown land for the following purposes: individual homes, dwellings, cottages, hunt camps, floating accommodations or other private recreational purposes, or expansions of these uses or private properties” (MNR, 2024).

Ontario’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation and Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry and the Pathways to Safety in the document is relevant to the WSR’s road use. This document aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the MMIWG Calls for Justice, and is structured around six key overarching pathways, each which include several priorities to address the root causes of violence and promote healing, safety, and justice (Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, 2023). An Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council was also created to help define priorities and develop the framework. The six pathways include: Pathway to safety and security – prevention and healing; Pathway to culture – education and language; Pathway to health and well-being – community-led renewal and restoration; Pathway to justice – systems transformation and structural change; and Pathway to identifying and addressing anti-Indigenous racism and Indigenous gender-based analysis. Priorities in each pathway support the safety concerns with the WSR as identified in the socio-economic survey results.

There are no issues of incompatibility of the Project during the operations phase when First Nations community members and workers will use the road to access potential employment opportunities in the Ring of Fire area. There is a need to implement measures to protect the safety of all community member in Webequie First Nation, including vulnerable groups, and other communities in the RSA. This effect pathway will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.1.5 Construction of Road à Change to Webequie First Nation Reserve Lands à Compatible with Federal Land Use Policies

Approximately 164.3 ha of vegetation is proposed for removal within the Webequie First Nation reserve to allow for construction of the Project. Section 93 of the Indian Act covers removals of natural resources, such as vegetation, from a reserve. About a quarter of removed trees for the Project are proposed to be hauled to Webequie for community ember use and the remaining is expected to be burned under controlled conditions or chipped and reused during site restoration and rehabilitation. Written permission for removal of vegetation is required Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and will be secured in future stages of the Project. The proponent for the WSR will comply with all applicable conditions of approval. This effect is assessed to be negligible and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.1.6 Construction and Use of Supportive Infrastructure à Change to Webequie First Nation Reserve Lands à Incompatible with Federal Land Use Policies

Aggregate to construct the WSR will use two locations of deposits, one of which includes the ARA-4 site. Approximately 96 ha of ARA-4 is located within Webequie First Nation reserve. The selection and use of ARA-4 (and ARA-2) met several criteria with respect to quantity and quality of aggregate material, including the close proximity of the road to optimize hauling to the work sites. The aggregate from ARA-4 will be used to construct and operate the WSR, which conflicts with Section 93 of the Indian Act, as the aggregate will be leaving the reserve. Consequently, to comply with Section 93 of the Indian Act, the proponent in future development phases of the Project will seek permission from Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) for the removal of rock and gravel from the Webequie First Nation reserve.

The Guidelines for Unconsolidated Non-Metallic Substances on Reserve Land (Sand and Gravel) may also apply regarding the use and/or removal of aggregate from the Webequie First Nation reserve. The volume of aggregate at ARA-4 that is estimated to be used for the WSR is 3,782,884 m³ to 5,404,120 m³ over an area of 84 ha, which would place it as a major commercial development. A permit or a lease would be required under The Guidelines for Unconsolidated Non-Metallic Substances on Reserve Land (Sand and Gravel) which requires “the consent of the First Nation” (Government of Canada, 2014), and in the case of the WSR, Webequie First Nation. A lease may be required for “situations where the operations are taking place over longer periods of time; where there are large deposits and quantities to be extracted; and the proponent is seeking exclusive access to the land” (Government of Canada, 2014).

Webequie First Nation community members have indicated their concern over the use of these deposits for the WSR. Some prefer to use them for community improvements and have provided alternative locations to source aggregate for consideration. The proponent will work with and seek permission from CIRNAC to comply with Section 93 of the Indian Act, which is assessed to be a negligible effect of the Project. The inclusion of consent from Webequie First Nation is crucial component of the federal Guidelines for Unconsolidated Non-Metallic Substances on Reserve Land (Sand and Gravel) as it supports First Nation sovereignty, legal obligations, environmental stewardship and minimizes loss of trust, and potential economic inequities. The potential to receive consent from all Webequie First Nation community members is assessed to have a low potential for occurrence following the Guidelines for Unconsolidated Non-Metallic Substances on Reserve Land (Sand and Gravel) and will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.1.7 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Improved Access to Reserve Lands à Potential Access by Non-Indigenous Persons into Reserve Lands à Incompatible with Federal Land Use Policies

The controls regarding public access to the road during the operations phase of the Project is not yet confirmed. The use of the WSR may result in improved or increased public or non-Indigenous access into the reserve lands, if no controls are in place. Public or non-Indigenous access into reserves conflicts with Section 30 of the Indian Act, which covers trespass on reserves should consent not be granted.

Maintaining the integrity of Section 30 of the Indian Act supports First Nation’s safety, wellbeing, protection of lands and way of life, and provides a legal course of action to uphold Canada’s legal obligations and, more broadly, nation-to-nation relationship.

As a conservative assumption, there may not be access restrictions to use the road during the operations and maintenance phase. Section 31 of the Indian Act outlines procedures to seek relief or remedy for the trespass.This effect is assessed to have low potential for occurrence and is carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.1.8 Construction of Road à Change to Traditional Territory à Incompatible with Indigenous Land Use Stewardship

The creation of CBLUP is provided under the Far North Act, 2010. Webequie First Nation has completed a draft CBLUP in 2019, which covers 856,000 ha of territory outside of their reserve. The WSR will overlap with land use Zones 2A, 2B, 3, 6 and 7. Each land use zone follows DPA or EMA approaches to balancing protection of lands and provision of development activities. The WSR is supported and considered through these land use Zones, except for Zone 3 shared Area with Neskantaga First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation, which is unknown (Webequie First Nation 2019a).

[T]here are Webequie First Nation community members with specific connections and stewardship responsibilities in that area [of proposed development] with critical knowledge of how development can proceed sustainably. … Webequie Anishininniwuk hold the wisdom regarding the life on the land in specific areas and provide the cross-cultural expertise for how to approach and develop these resources responsibly, with respect for the creation that exists …. Indigenous knowledge of the land holds the ability to steer development in order to protect sensitive areas, minimize disturbance, maintain a functioning ecosystem and thus preserve the ability for Webequie Anishininniwuk to continue pursuing their customary livelihoods. Webequie customary stewardship responsibilities form the foundation of how agreement is reached with the community regarding resource development activities. (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

Stewardship of the lands is a key important role for Webequie First Nation community as it is a common theme that threads through all their land use and community planning documents. Leading the development of the CBLUP is “consistent with our customary stewardship responsibilities and our goals for cultural, social and economic sustainability” (Webequie First Nation 2019b). Two of the five goals of the draft CBLUP involve stewardship. Other examples to describe and capture stewardship include:

“We value the land and all the teachings that it gives us. We feel connected to our land and believe that it is fundamental to our spirit and health. As stewards of our land, we commit to keeping it healthy, as our ancestors would, for ourselves and for generations to come” (Webequie First Nation, 2023);
“Webequie First Nation people have a long history of customary stewardship of the land and water within our traditional territory. Our existence, identity and culture are fundamentally connected to the land” (Webequie First Nation, 2023);
“Webequie members recognize that we were given the land by the Creator and that as the Indigenous stewards of the land we have special relationship with it. This relationship includes the inherent right to pursue our traditional livelihood on the land and our responsibility as stewards to protect it” (Webequie First Nation, 2023);
“Webequie First Nation people have a long history of customary stewardship of the land and water within our traditional territory. Our existence, identity and culture are fundamentally connected to the land” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b);
“The Three-Tier inherited model ensures Webequie stewardship responsibilities, as part of the Creator’s natural laws, are carried forward in planning and decision-making processes. As part of the Three-Tier model, Webequie shows respect for neighboring communities with whom they share a deep connection to the land. Webequie wishes to continue to share the land and honor historical relationships in planning and decision-making processes. Positive customary land-based relationships between First Nation communities have always been built on sharing, respect and agreement. Webequie First Nation recognizes the importance of agreement between communities in contemporary processes for the mutual benefit of all First Nations” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b); and
“Each man and woman has their own stewardship responsibilities from child to Elder. This enables spiritual and customary traditional practices to be transmitted from one generation to the next in practical circumstances.” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

The Webequie Draft CBLUP summarizes the permissions, conditions or prohibitions of different land use activities in each land use zone, which includes land use guidelines. Table 16‑36 provides a summary of the WSR, as a “new road development and maintenance” in Zones 2A, 2B, 6 and 7, with respect to conditions and considerations in the guidelines of the CBLUP.

Table 16‑36: Summary of Conditions for New Road Development and Maintenance, Webequie First Nation draft CBLUP

Land Use Plan Guidelines	How the EA/IA has Considered the Guidelines
Minimal water crossings.	Selection of the Preferred Corridor identified Alternative Corridor Concept 2C minimized the number of waterbody crossings as one of the reasons for its selection (Section 3.2.2 Alternate Corridors – Screening Level Assessment).
Protection of water systems, fish and wildlife habitats and cultural values.	“To the extent practical, the Project design incorporated the following design considerations, while also considering technical and cost factors: [including] avoid or minimize effects to identified sensitive land and resource use areas of value or interest to Indigenous communities; avoid interactions with designated environmentally sensitive areas or critical habitats for wildlife, where practical; and avoid and/or minimize effects to areas and sites of known archaeological and/or cultural heritage importance” (refer to Section 4.2.2 Environmental Planning).
Connects with neighbouring communities, the provincial road network and resource development projects.	The WSR connects to resource development projects and can be accessed by neighbouring communities through other transportation modes. Other transportation plans may connect with the WSR in the future.
Preserves Remoteness:
Number of road developments are minimized.	One supportive access road of approximately 5 km has been identified from the WSR to the proposed aggregate source area (ARA-4) to access materials needed need for construction and operations of the Project. (Section 4 Project Description.)
Roads are at minimum possible standard.	The road consists of one lane in each direction and meets or exceeds the design standards of MTO for roads classified as a Rural Collector Undivided Road, which are applicable to the WSR.
Development minimized and away from road.	N/A
Avoidance of culturally and ecologically sensitive areas.	The WSR overlaps with 4.8 ha of culturally sensitive areas, and 29.3 ha of the ecologically sensitive areas in the On-Reserve Land Use Plan.
Restriction of access and timing on some resource access roads.	The ownership and/or operations of the WSR is not yet confirmed.
Access planning to protect remote tourism values.	No draft or final plan for tourism is available to assess potential effects or consideration in design of the WSR.

A 135 ha portion of the Project is in Zone #3 that is a Shared Area with Marten Falls and Neskantaga First Nations. “At the Webequie Draft Plan endorsement stage, dialogue regarding an arrangement for who will lead planning in this area remains ongoing. Webequie First Nation has chosen not to advance planning direction for the area at this stage pending further discussion between the three communities. Time is required to continue to build and understanding of each community’s planning processes, a common understanding of land use direction for the shared area and how all communities’ values and interests will be respected” (Webequie First Nation, 2019b).

The changes to the lands that result from the Project will physically change the existing conditions of the lands across Webequie’s Areas of Interest in Planning (AIP). The WSR generally supports the stewardship approach and conditions for new road development in the Zones 2A, 2B, 6 and 7. Zone #3 Shared Area with Marten Falls and Neskantaga First Nations may require other considerations. The preparation of land use plans for a large territory by a First Nation is important to include the participation of and endorsement from adjacent First Nations communities. Land use plans permit and prohibit development (such as the WSR), which can affect the ecosystems, resources, cultural wellbeing, and traditional practices of adjacent First Nations communities and erode their stewardship ability. Endorsement of land use plans by adjacent First Nations communities can strengthen their tribal council relationships and collaborations, and minimize potential future conflicts. This effect has a high potential for occurrence and is carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.1.9 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change to Traditional Territory Lands à Incompatible with Indigenous Land Use Stewardship

In the CBLUP road development and maintenance for new roads is identified as permitted in Zones 2A, 2B, 6 and 7 with conditions. Road use as a permitted use in Zone 3 Shared Area with Marten Falls and Neskantaga First Nations is unknown at this time.

The area of the WSR Project Footprint in each of the CBLUP land use zones is summarized in Table 16‑37.

Table 16‑37: WSR Project Footprint in Draft CBLUP Land Use Zones

	Zone 2A Winisk Watershed Community Livelihood Use DPA	Zone 2B Kaa-shi-ti-kwayak (Waterway) DPA	Zone 3 Shared Area with Marten Falls and Neskantaga	Zone 6 Corridor EMA	Zone 7 Prime Lake EMA	Area removed from Staking
WSR Footprint (ha)	108.4	8.3	135.2	30.2	69.9	42.7

The Area Removed from Staking is a land use zone without DPA or EMA management and directions, as it was the former location of Winisk Lake Provincial Park. The policy intent for this zone is to “support Webequie First Nation community and regional infrastructure and socio-economic development interests, including all-season road and aggregate development” (Webequie First Nation 2019a).

Further engagement with Webequie First Nation community members to identify stewardship directions for road use during the operations a phase of the Project may be beneficial to validate community goal and objectives. The area shared with Marten Falls and Neskantaga First Nations (Zone 3) may require further other considerations. As a conservative approach, there is a high potential for incompatibility issues to be raised as the stewardship goals and objectives of all three First Nations in Zone 3 is unknown. Land use plans that have received the endorsement of adjacent First Nations communities enable their ability to steward their lands when development is proposed or in operation (such as the WSR operations phase) and manage ecosystems, resources from potential adverse effects to protect their cultural wellbeing and way of life. Endorsement from adjacent First Nations also foster tribal council relationships and land use decision-making framework and minimizes potential future land use conflicts (Section 16.3.1.1.8). This effect is carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.2 Regional Study Area

16.1.1.2.1 Construction of Road à Change to Crown Lands à Compatible with Provincial Land Use Policies

Construction of the road on Crown land in the context to the RSA is compatible with PPS 2024. Potential adverse effects on the natural, social, human, and economic environment have been identified and associated mitigation measures have been developed as documented in this EAR/IS (Appendix E – Mitigation Measures). A CEMP and OEMP will be developed and implemented for the construction and operation phases of the Project with protocols for protection of Crown land.

As a major facility, the WSR does not have predicted adverse effects to sensitive land uses, following Land Use Compatibility in PPS 2024. Sensitive land uses include areas or buildings for routine or normal activities that take place at reasonable time such as residences, day cares, education and health facilities. Recreational dwellings such as cabins and camps are included in Section 16.3.3 and in Section 19 Indigenous Peoples.

The Project Footprint is contained within the LSA and will not have negative effects on the transportation policies in the PPS in the RSA. The WSR supports the transportation policies in the PPS as other community members from First Nations in and outside of the RSA can access potential employment opportunities from the Project during the construction phase (Section 15.3.1.2 Local Study Area: Other Communities and Section 15.3.1.3 Regional Study Area).

Project effects and benefits are not anticipated to affect the long-term transportation goals in the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Applicable provincial permits and approvals will be secured by the proponent in subsequent development stages of the Project. These may include for example Environmental Compliance Approvals, Environmental Activity and Sector Registration and a work permit to comply with the Public Lands Act. A preliminary list of relevant provincial permits and approvals for the Project is presented in Section 1 (Introduction) the EAR/IS.

This effect is assessed to be negligible and is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.2.2 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repairs of WSR à Change to Webequie Reserve Lands à Compatible with Federal Land Use Policies

Road use over the assumed 75-year operations phase will require on-going repairs and maintenance activities, as described in Section 4 of the EAR/IS. Section 34 of the Indian Act covers roads and bridge maintenance in a reserve. The Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), or a delegate, can carry out the maintenance of the road or bridges at the expense of a First Nation, if maintenance is not in accordance with the instructions or programing of CIRNAC. This may be a consideration for federal programming and operations of the WSR within the Webequie First Nation reserve. This effect is assessed to have a negligible potential for occurrence and is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.2.3 Construction of Road à Change to Traditional Territory à Incompatible with Indigenous Land Use Stewardship

Areas of Interest in Planning was identified in the CBLUP Terms of Reference for several First Nations communities who completed the first step to prepare a CBLUP. Table 16‑38 shows the First Nation’s that have completed first step in the CBLUP process, the size of their AIP, and the portion that overlaps with the WSR.

Table 16‑38: First Nations Areas of Interest in Planning within Project Footprint, Local Study and Regional Study Area

	Marten Falls First Nation	Weenusk First Nation	Attawapiskat First Nation
Area of Interest in Planning AIP (ha)	4,275,663	5,469,009	9,922,850
Portion overlapped with WSR Project Footprint (ha)	135	0	130
Portion overlapped with WSR LSA (ha)	7,434	0	7,161
Portion overlapped with WSR RSA (ha)	323,872	338	293,890

Note: The count(s) in the Project Footprint are also included in the LSA and RSA, and the count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA.

Table 16‑39 includes information from First Nations CBLUP Terms of Reference on the permission or prohibition of transportation infrastructure.

Table 16‑39: Highlights from First Nations CBLUP Terms of Reference for Transportation Infrastructure

First Nation	Highlights
Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang	Mapping of existing access and infrastructure (e.g. transmission corridors).
Marten Falls	Identify interests and needs for infrastructure developments such as roads or corridors for both the community and the broader region in which it is located.Provide guiding direction to support future design and assessment of infrastructure location/corridors in land use zones.
Kashechewan	Identify existing and potential infrastructure corridors and water crossings to support future access needs for resource development, and community infrastructure such as power transmission, communications, all season roads etc.Consider infrastructure corridors in adjacent planning areas as part of the planning process.Consider the compatibility of linear corridors, including electrical transmission lines, roads, pipelines and other linear developments, with other land features.
Weenusk	The plan will consider existing and future infrastructure needs and opportunities for the community, including: all-season roads, winter road upgrades, and transmission lines.
Constance Lake	Identify potential infrastructure corridors, including water crossings, to support future access needs for the community and for resource development and related infrastructure such as power transmission, communications etc.Consider linear corridors, such as electrical transmission corridors, roads and pipelines, in the context of land use designations and their compatibility with other land features.Identify areas where access restrictions may be required to preserve remoteness while enabling economic activities.
Wawakapewin	Infrastructure considerations in the planning area generally (excluding the reserve area) and to support anticipated community needs (on-reserve).

Table 16‑40 provides brief highlights of First Nations and Tribal Councils in the RSA that capture stewardship of their lands.

Table 16‑40: Stewardship Highlights of First Nations and Tribal Councils in the RSA

First Nation	Highlights
Marten Falls	The Anishnabek relationship to the land should be seen as a cultured landscape; also an area that is continuously being used by the anishnabek as a habitation and as a resource.The Creator put Anishnabek on these lands as stewards of the land to take care of the lands and use the lands and its resources indefinitely.
Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang	Taashikaywin “our places on the Earth and in nature’s realm, and/or our environment” (Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang, 2013). The process will seek to provide Cultural/Social, Environmental, and Economic balance and sustainability as determined via direct input from the communities, stakeholders and the broader public.”
Kashechewan	Our ancestors – We have been and continue to be custodians and stewards of the lands and waters and all their resources.Our Elders passed on oral and pictographic knowledge of the traditional values and teachings to guide our responsibilities in the safe keeping of our homeland to sustain our resources of life for future generations.
Weenusk	Weenusk is bringing forward knowledge of land use planning that dates back many generations. Today, this knowledge is the foundation for the community’s vision for planning and will ensure that future generations carry on being Stewards of the Land. Protection of the traditional area of Weenuski Inninowuk for future generations. (Weenusk First Nation and Ministry of Natural Resources, 2017).Planning may be used to support community initiatives that are created to help future generations understand what the Stewardship of the land means, so that they can be stewards of the land.” (OWIOWFNTOR, 2017).
Neskantaga	“We will respect our role as caretakers of our traditional territory” (Neskantaga First Nation, n.d.).
Nibinamik	Nibinamik First Nation is and has been committed to maintaining environmental stewardship and protection of its traditional lands with input from its members as being necessary to the creation of any future infrastructure planning or projects.” (Webequie First Nation, 2017).
Constance Lake	To provide stewardship for our lands and resources through the knowledge and guidance of our Elders and heritage.”
Mushkegowuk Council	“The Omushkego Wahkohtowin is a step that we can take to confront the challenges that our communities and our lands face, leading to a harmonious balance between economic development and protecting our natural environment” (McIntosh, 2024).“‘Let’s work together…Protect our lands, protect our waters.’” (McIntosh, 2024).
Shibogama Council	We exhort the chiefs and Councils and citizens of our territories to establish sound environmental practices and measures. Through these practices and measures, our grandchildren and future generations will have the opportunities to enjoy the same gifts our Creator has provided for us today.” (Shibogama, 1999).“We encourage and support the development of natural resources by our people, and then, by others. The development must be orderly, environmentally sound; thus ensuring sustainability.” (Shibogama, 1999).

Future efforts into the preparation of draft CBLUPs may consider the overlap of the WSR into the AIPs of adjacent First Nations communities. The AIPs of Weenusk, Marten Falls and Attawapiskat First Nations communities overlap with the Project Footprint with Marten Falls and Weenusk both indicating support or consideration of all-season roads such as the WSR. As a member of the Mushkegowuk Council, Attawapiskat First Nation’s participation in the development of the Omushkego Wahkohtowin may be considered as an emerging plan that encompasses their efforts for stewardship.

The Draft Omushkego Wahkohtowin Conservation Plan outlined the purpose, model, funding and partnerships to develop two plans, which included a land-based plan which extends across the Hudson Bay-James Bay Lowlands. Part of the land-based plan is shown on Figure 16.17 and covers a portion of the RSA, approximately 43,527 ha. The intent of the plan is to identify areas for protection, such as peatlands from disturbance, and areas for potential development to realize economic benefits. Construction activities of the WSR have been identified as not significant for surface water quality and quantity and no net effects have been characterized in the RSA for vegetation and wetlands (Sections 7 and 11). Further development of this plan is anticipated to take place over the next ten years. No potential incompatibility issues are identified for the TORs within the AIPs of Marten Falls and Weenusk First Nation, or with the Draft Omushkego Wahkohtowin Conservation Plan to date. This effect is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.1.2.4 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change to Traditional Territory Lands à Incompatible with Indigenous Land Use Stewardship

Table 16‑39 summarized the First Nations CBLUP Terms of Reference on transportation infrastructure. The AIPs of Marten Falls, Weenusk and Attawapiskat First Nation overlap with the WSR Project Footprint. Marten Falls and Weenusk First Nation Terms of References include the review of infrastructure such as roads for community and/or regional benefit. Future development to prepare the draft or final CBLUPs of these three First Nations may consider the overlap of the WSR into their AIPs and would benefit from further engagement activities. As summarized in
Section 16.3.1.2.3, the Attawapiskat First Nation’s membership in the Mushkegowuk Council and their participation in the development of the Draft Omushkego Wahkohtowin Conservation Plan, includes an upcoming land-based plan shown on Figure 16.17. This land-based plan covers a portion of the RSA and will not overlap with the Project Footprint of the WSR where road use will take place. No potential incompatibility issues are anticipated from the development of the CBLUPs or the land-based conservation plan. This effect is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.2 Change to Commercial/Industrial Land Use

This section describes the potential effects of the Project on Commercial/Industrial Land Use in consideration of the following indicators:

location, number, type of commercial and industrial activities.

16.1.2.1 Local Study Area

16.1.2.1.1 Construction of Road à Changes to Lands à Decrease in Number and Area of Mining Claims and Tenure

Construction of the WSR will require the delineation of a construction zone with temporary fencing to maintain a safe work zone and to protect members of the public and others from construction activities. The construction activities and protected work zones may physically impede access to lands that have been identified for mining claims, tenure or potentially for exploration.

Exploration and mining activities may include mapping, sampling, ground survey work, vegetation clearing and exploratory drilling on mining claim areas in the Project Footprint or the LSA during the construction phase. The proponent’s contractor will determine whether to provide or coordinate non-personnel access into the construction zone during the construction phase. Advanced notification and engagement between the contractor and mining claim holders may also be undertaken to avoid conflicts with access.

Construction is anticipated to stay within the Project Footprint. The existing number and area of mining claims and land tenure in the Project Footprint and LSA is provided in Table 16‑41.

Table 16‑41: Existing Mining Claims and Land Tenure in the Project Footprint and LSA

Mining Claim and Tenure	Project Footprint	Non-traditional land use LSA
Number of existing mining claims	172	751
Area of existing mining claims (ha)	214	11,685
Number of existing mining land tenure	1	1
Area of existing mining land tenure (ha)	19	662

Note: The count(s) in the Project Footprint are also included in the LSA and RSA, and the count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA.

During the construction phase:

Approximately 172 mining claims, which cover 214 ha, will be physically impeded by construction activities to build the WSR;
The number of existing mining claims in the LSA will reduce from 751 to 579:
- 579 mining claims in the LSA will remain unaffected by construction activities; and
- 11,471 ha of mining claims will remain unaffected by construction activities.
One land tenure in the Project Footprint will be affected by construction activities to build the road; and
- 643 ha of land tenure will remain unaffected by construction activities.
There is high potential for occurrence that the Project will restrict access to mining claims and tenure that are located within the Project Footprint even with the provision of access by the proponent’s contractor. This reduced number and area of mining claims due to WSR construction will affect provincial regulators and mining prospectors to follow the requirements towards development. However, the reduction of the number and area of mining claims may be viewed differently by Webequie community members and include a reduction in potential conflicts that would affect their ability for stewardship, reduced opportunities to seek economic benefits from mining developments, and reduced volume of consultations with mining prospectors. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.2.1.2 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Improved Access to Lands à Potential Increase in Mining Claims

The operations phase of the Project is anticipated to be 75 years based on the expected timeline for when major refurbishment of road components (e.g., bridges) is deemed necessary. During this period, the WSR provide a transportation connection for Webequie First Nation to the proposed Ring of Fire mineral developments in the McFaulds Lake area. The WSR will provide convenient and potentially more affordable year-round access by vehicle to previously challenging or inaccessible lands that required costlier transportation modes by air.

The operations phase will enable improved physical access to lands surrounding the WSR by both community members from Webequie First Nation and adjacent First Nations communities and by outsiders, unfamiliar third parties, development companies, non-Indigenous people or people from the “south”. This improved physical access to lands surrounding the WSR may be used by people and companies interested in mineral prospecting and development pursuits, which may result in the increase in mining claims and/or land tenure. It is unknown whether road use access will include non-Indigenous or people from the “south” as this is a concern of Webequie community members.

An increase in mining claims in recent years was reported by news outlets in late 2023 where mining claims were compared to the year prior. Mining claims in the Ring of Fire area increased by 28% from 2022 to 2023. The mining sequence process requires engagement and consultation with affected First Nations, who have shared their concerns capacity to participate in the consultation claims process and with their own community members for each claim. The increase in mining claims has an overwhelming effect on First Nations communities (Hessey, 2023).

This contrasts with the ease or convenience for individuals and companies to begin and register mining claims, which can be done virtually through Ontario’s Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS). The relative ease to initiate a mining claim within a system categorized as free or open entry to lands, “offends” the Aboriginal rights that are constitutionally protected (Ezeudu, 2021).

Mining claims may increase through the 75-year operations phase of the Project if other proposed roads south of the Ring of Fire are constructed and connect the WSR to provincial highway network. WSR traffic volumes are currently anticipated at less than 500 vehicles (average annual daily traffic) with 25% heavy vehicles and most of the traffic being light vehicles (Section 4.3.1.3 Road Foundation and Driving Surface).

Webequie community members may have divergent understandings of a potential increase in mining claims during the operations phase of the WSR which could include an increase of potential conflicts that would diminish their ability to steward their lands, increased opportunities for economic benefits from mining developments, and increased volume of consultations with mining prospectors. A potential increase in mining claims may not specifically be meaningful to provincial regulators but may contribute to broader legal concerns around current lawsuits, in which Webequie First Nation has not participated.

This effect is assessed to have low potential for occurrence as the ease to initiate mining claims can be done virtually, and exploratory work that requires access to lands can be done through air services that do not use the road. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.2.1.3 Construction and Use of Supportive Infrastructure à Changes to Lands à Decrease in Number and Area of Aggregate Sites

The construction of supportive infrastructure will include establishing pits or quarries near the Project to conveniently haul aggregate materials to form aggregate sources area to the road for placement. The design of the WSR is to be built “as close as possible to the natural terrain contours to limit the movement and volume of earthworks and aggregate material” (Section 4.3.3.1 Aggregate/Rock Source Areas Pits and Quarries). A review of 11 potential aggregate locations were examined based on technical, quantity, distance (from the WSR), and accessibility criteria (Section 3.4.1.2 Screening of Alternate Aggregate Sites).

From the valuation of alternative aggregate sites, ARA-2 and ARA-4 are proposed to provide materials for construction and operations of the road. The surface area for ARA-2 is 45.4 ha and ARA-4 is 84.2 ha (refer to

Figure 16.14 and Figure 16.1) based on assumptions of potential spoil, groundwater levels, volume of aggregate and bedrock aggregate expected to be feasible to extract (Section 4.3.3.1 Aggregate/Rock Source Areas (Pits and Quarries)). These two sites will provide a combined total of 4,676,347 to 6,680,495 m³ of aggregate/rock material to construct and operate and maintain the WSR(Section 4.3.3.1.1 Aggregate Source Area ARA-2 and Section 4.3.3.1.2 Aggregate Source Area ARA-4).

Webequie community members shared their concern for these aggregate sources, that deposits closest to Webequie should be preserved for the community’s future uses. In addition, Webequie community members shared their concerns about the effects on the eskers (Webequie First Nation, 2024) from the proposed aggregate sources areas. Project effects on eskers are identified as a predicted net effect with approximately 0.05 km²or 5 ha of glaciofluvial ice-contact deposits directly affected (Section 6.2.2.6 Terrain). After mitigation, the changes to geology and geochemistry were determined to be not significant (Section 6.6 Determination of Significance).

Table 16‑42 shows the number and area of existing aggregate deposits in the Project Footprint, LSA and RSA. During the construction phase, ARA-2 and ARA-4 will decrease the number of existing aggregate deposits in the Project Footprint by two and the area by a combined total area of 137 ha. The use of and reduction in aggregate is important to Webequie because it could require the community to find other sources of aggregate for future community needs that may have environmental and economic consequences or challenges. It may also reduce future opportunities to receive economic benefits from development in the natural resource sector that need to use aggregate and may also conflict with the ability to co-manage resources that are in shared territories with adjacent First Nations.

This effect has a high potential for occurrence and will be carried forward for further assessment.

Table 16‑42: Number and Area of Existing Aggregate Sources in Project Footprint, LSA and RSA

	Project Footprint	LSA	RSA
Number of Existing Aggregate Deposit Sites	9	25	39
Area of Existing Aggregate Deposits (ha)	139	191	1,620

Note: The count(s) in the Project Footprint are also included in the LSA and RSA, and the count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA.

16.1.2.1.4 Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Operations of Pits/Quarries à Changes to Lands à Potential Decrease in Area of Aggregate Sites

ARA-4 will be used during the construction and operations phases to provide aggregate road and structure repairs and for resurfacing of the road. Approximately 2,000,000 m³ of aggregate and 5,000 m³ of rock are estimated as required for the 75-year operational life cycle period (Section 4.3.3.1 Aggregate/Rock Source Areas). Rock is required for erosion protection at waterbody crossings. ARA-4 will be established during the construction phase and will continue to provide aggregate needed during the operation phase. Therefore, the number of existing deposits affected by using ARA-4 during operation phase will stay the same as the construction phase and consequently there will be no additional reductions in aggregate deposits in the LSA.

It is unknown whether ARA-4 will be expanded over the operations phase. However, the OEMP Framework (refer to Appendix E – Mitigation Measures) will include erosion and sediment control; inspection, maintenance and repair/rehabilitation of road and supportive infrastructure; surface water and storm water management and monitoring; and vegetation management and monitoring. As summarized in Section 16.3.2.1.3, the use of existing aggregate sources may have environmental and economic challenges to source materials for future community needs, potentially reduce economic benefits from future developments and conflict with the ability to co-manage resources located in shared territories with adjacent First Nations. There is a low potential for this effect’s occurrence and will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.2.2 Regional Study Area

16.1.2.2.1 Construction of Road à Changes to Lands à Potential Decrease in Number and Area of Mining Claims and Tenure

The construction of the WSR will require the delineation of a construction zone with temporary fencing to maintain a safe work zone and protect members of the public and others from construction activities. Similar to the effects as described in Section 16.3.2.1.1, this activity may physically impede access to lands that have been identified for mining claims, tenure or potentially for exploration in the RSA. Mining claim holders in the RSA may carry out activities such as mapping, sampling, ground surveys, and exploratory drilling. The construction activities for the Project are not anticipated to directly affect the number or area of mine claim and land tenure located outside of the Project Footprint in the RSA. As there is no adverse effect of the Project on mining claims and tenure outside of the Project Footprint and in the RSA, this effect will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.2.2.2 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Improved Access to Lands à Potential Increase in Mining Claims

The WSR will provide a vehicle connection from Webequie First Nation to the Ring of Fire area near McFaulds Lake for during its operations phase. Not only will it serve Webequie community members to access employment opportunities in the Ring of Fire area, associated with proposed mine development, but it may also connect with other transportation corridors that may link the Ring of Fire to the provincial highway network should other proposed road projects proceed (i.e. Northern Road Link and Martin Falls Community Access Road). It is unknown whether road access during the operations phase will serve outsiders, unfamiliar third parties, exploration and mining companies, non-Indigenous people or people from the “south”. Similar to the effects described in the LSA, road use may improve access to the lands surrounding the WSR and benefit mineral prospecting and exploration activities, which may result in increased mining claims, or land tenure, in the RSA.

Concern of a marked increased in the number of mining claims in northern Ontario, specifically in the Ring of Fire area, was reported by news broadcasters in late 2023. The number of mining claims increased from 2022 to 2023 by 28% to 31,000 mining claims (Hessey, 2023). The ease to initiate a mining claim can be done virtually on the Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS). The modernization of the Mining Act, within a “free” or “open entry” regulatory framework has been criticized by some First Nations who view this process as impacting their Aboriginal rights that are constitutionally protected.

The number or area of lands in future mining claims that may increase as result of the WSR over its assumed 75-year operations phase cannot be determined with confidence. The ease of accessing the “free” and “open entry” MLAS to facilitate mining claims is likely able to increase the number and area of mining claims in the RSA, as WSR road use does not provide direct access to lands in the RSA. This effect has a negligible potential for occurrence and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.2.2.3 Construction and Use of Supportive Infrastructure à Change to Lands à Potential Decrease in Area of Aggregate Sites

Supportive infrastructure will include the establishment of pits or quarries (i.e., ARA-2 and ARA-4) located near the Project to provide convenient access to aggregate to build the WSR.

In the RSA, there are 39 aggregate deposits which have a total area of 1,620 ha. ARA-2 has a proposed surface area of 45.4 ha and ARA-4 has an area of 84.2 ha for a combined total of 129.6 ha, which is based on technical assumptions of materials needed to construct and operate the road.

Engagement with First Nations in the RSA identified concerns about the use of aggregate, with regards to effects on eskers, archaeological potential, wildlife and plant life, and volume of materials that need to be hauled to construct the road. Eskers are identified as ice-contact glaciofluvial deposits and are not specifically described as an effect pathway but are identified as a predicted net effect. Approximately 0.05 km² or 5 ha of glaciofluvial ice-contact deposits in the Project Footprint area will be affected by the Project (not specifically limited to ARA-2 and ARA-4 sites), as further discussed in Section 6 (Geology, Terrian and Soils) of the EAR/IS and it was concluded that changes to geology and geochemistry were not significant from the assessment.

As presented previously,Table 16‑42 shows the number and area of existing aggregate deposits in the Project Footprint, LSA and RSA. The number and area of aggregate deposits will only decrease in the Project Footprint, and not impact the aggregate located in the RSA. This effect is assessed to have no potential for occurrence in the RSA as existing aggregate for WSR construction are located within the Project Footprint. This effect will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.2.2.4 Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Operations of Pits/Quarries à Changes to Lands à Potential Decrease in Area of Aggregate Sites

The use of aggregate source area ARA-4 during the operations phase will provide ongoing aggregate materials to maintain and repair the WSR. Approximately 2,000,000 m³ of aggregate and 5,000 m³ of rock is needed for operation phase of the Project (refer to Section 4.3.3.1). The number of existing deposits affected by using ARA-4 during operation phase will be the same as the construction phase and consequently there will be no additional reductions in aggregate deposits in the RSA during the operations of the Project. There is no potential for occurrence to reduce existing aggregate located in the RSA. This effect is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3 Change to Recreation and Tourism

Recreation will include organized recreation and the Indigenous “connection to the land” as activities may have recreational or traditional purposes (or both), are not specifically distinguished and may take place in the same areas across the territory.

The potential effects of the Project on recreation and tourism activities considers the following indicators:

Location, number, type of recreation and tourism activities or users;
Access for land and waterway use; and
Resource availability of select species (fish, wildlife) or their habitat.
Note: Recreation themes are also included in Section 19 Indigenous Peoples.

16.1.3.1 Local Study Area

16.1.3.1.1 Construction of WSR à Change to Lands à Potential Decrease to Number and Location of Recreation Activities

The number and locations of recreational infrastructure such as cabins, camps, and outposts were determined from review of background information, feedback received during engagement and consultation activities and as documented in the Webequie First Nation IKLRU for WSR (Stantec, 2024). Much of the infrastructure is located outside of the LSA and outside of the RSA. One camp site is in the Project Footprint as presented in Table 16‑43.

The connection and access to lands is paramount for Webequie First Nation as it is identified and supported through their land use planning documents. Construction of the WSR will change the lands in the Project Footprint by clearing vegetation, grading that would occur in and around the camp site which is used by Webequie community members.

There is a high potential of occurrence that WSR construction will affect one campsite located in the Project Footprint. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

Table 16‑43: Number and Locations of Camps, Tent Frames and Cabins in the Project Footprint, LSA and RSA

	Project Footprint	LSA	RSA
Number and Type of Habitation Sites	1 Camp Site	1 Camp Site	12 Camp Sites23 Cabins2 Tent Frames8 Historical Camps

Source: Stantec, 2024. Note: The count(s) in the Project Footprint are also included in the LSA and RSA, and the count(s) in the LSA are also included in the RSA.

16.1.3.1.2 Construction of WSR à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase to Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Transportation Access to Employment Opportunities à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

During the construction phase, approximately 10 direct employment positions may be filled by Webequie First Nation community members earning an average of $187,460 per year over a 5-year construction phase period (Section 15.3.2 Labour Force, Employment & Income). In addition, an average of four induced positions may earn an average of $58,464 (Section 15.3.2 Labour Force, Employment & Income). The 14 total positions from the WSR construction phase represents 5% of the employed population in Webequie.

Road use will also lead to potential increase in employment income as three direct full-time staff and one induced position are anticipated to be potentially available to Webequie First Nation community members during the operations phase of the Project (Section 15.3.1.1 Local Study Area: Webequie First Nation). The total direct employment expenditures are expected to be $257,651, which would average $85,883 per worker and the induced position is estimated at $44,718. These four positions would be a noticeable increase in individual income for a community of just under half of males and females earning less than $19,999 a year (Section 15.2.3.1 Labour Force, Employment & Income).

In addition, road use during the operations phase will also increase access to employment, as a potential connection to employment opportunities in the Ring of Fire area. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in 2022 between Webequie First Nation and Wyloo Ring of Fire Metals. Details of the MOU are confidential, however it is expected that employment, training and other opportunities will be included as economic benefits to Webequie Forst Nation and its community members. The Canadian CEO of Wyloo has reported to aim “for a workforce composed of at least 40 per cent Indigenous employees and plans to award millions of dollars of contracts to local, Indigenous-owned businesses willing to collaborate” (Allan, 2024). No further information on the potential number of job positions or employment income ranges are available or known at this time, but positive economic effects to Webequie and other Indigenous communities and/or peoples are likely to occur and may support increased recreational activities, users or both.

The economic benefits are an important goal of the WSR to “provide employment and other economic development opportunities to Webequie First Nation community members” (WSR, 2020). These employment income opportunities represent a potentially significant improvement to the economic wellbeing of Webequie First Nation community members, as there is “a high cost of living and few employment opportunities (Webequie First Nation, 2023). For instance, about 46% of males and 40% of females earn less than $10,000 and between $10,000 to $19,999 and about half of all households earn less than $70,000 (Section 15.2.2.1.2 Labour Income).

This potential beneficial effect of the Project’s employment and expenditures can increase individual and/or household income, which can be used to cover the high costs required to go out onto the land.

Recreation and getting out onto the land are included in Webequie’s three key community development and land use plans. The second direction goal in the CCP for cultural vibrancy and traditional life connects to recreation, as their Wellness Coordinator stated, “[t]he land is who we are. Our physical being and its health and strength comes from the land. We have to maintain our connection to the land by being out there.” (Webequie First Nation, 2023). Recreation for youth is also emphasized:

While these land use documents can highlight the importance of and guide decision-making to support community members, the ability to get out onto the land comes with challenges, one of which is the cost. The Webequie IKLRU identified the cost of gas and inflation as barriers to travel and one community member stated in an interview:

The cost of living is one of the major concerns because of where we are situated… Even to go out onto the land you have to spend money. And some of these people that go out depend on others… I support my son and daughter if they want to go out into the Bush. It costs money. It cost several hundred dollars to a thousand dollars to send out kids for experience during the cultural break they have now… some people don’t have the opportunity to send their kids. Even if a person wants to go out and fish on a boat people need money… if you want to go out fishing every once in a while or go swimming with the kids, they need to buy more things. (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022d).

Even to go out on the land, you have to spend money… I support my son and daughter if they want to go out into the Bush… It costs several hundred dollars to a thousand dollars to send out kids for experience… Even if a person wants to go out and fish on a boat people need money… they need to buy more things (AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., 2022d).

Data for the costs of recreational items, such as fuel or snowmobiles, in Webequie First Nation are not available. These purchases may take place in other locations.

“[P]eople need the right equipment to travel for activities on the land… which is a substantial cost to bear in addition to their other expenses… [and can] have disproportionate [e]ffects on Webequie youth, you must often rely on others (InterGroup, 2024).

There is a high potential of occurrence that employment income will increase the number of recreational activities or users and will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.1.3 Construction of WSR à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase to Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users à Potential Reduction in Fish Resources

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users à Potential Reduction in Fish Resources

As summarized in Section 16.3.3.1.2, WSR construction and maintenance work during the construction and operations phases will be required. This potential access to employment opportunities and increase in income may be used by workers for recreational activities, equipment and supplies. This increased number of workers may use their off-work hours or days for recreational activities, such as fishing, in the traditional territory of Webequie First Nation. Webequie community members are concerned about the potential for outsiders’ access and their potential effect on fishing. Non‑Indigenous workers would be required to follow provincial fishing regulations to hold a license, abide by seasonal dates, catch and size limits and other requirements.
Potential increase in fishing from construction crews were assessed as having negligible significance during the construction phase and low significance in the operations phase in Section 10 Fish and Fish Habitat of the EA/IS (Section 10.6.2.5 Change in Public Access to Fish Habitat). The effect of the Project on potential reduction to fish resources is assessed to have negligible potential of occurrence and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.1.4 Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Availability of Fish Resources

The installation of structures at of waterbody crossings could affect the quantity/flow of surface water, and the availability of fish.

The Project’s predicted net effects on surface water quality and quantity after mitigation measures are applied is not considered to result in a significant adverse effect, as discussed in Section 7 (Assessment of Effects of Surface Water) of the EAR/IS. The timing of construction activities is proposed to occur during “low-flow conditions and outside the restricted activity period to minimize impact on fish habitat” (Section 7.6.1). The net effects to fish and fish habitat were determined to be not significant or negligible (refer to Section 10.6.2).

From a recreation perspective the construction of waterbody crossing structures may temporarily require restriction on fishing in the immediate construction work zone for safety. Waterbody crossings have been designed to minimize and restore fish habitat and during operation phase there are no predicted significant changes to the availability of fish for recreational purposes in the LSA.

There may be a negative perception the Project’s effects to reduce fish availability and therefore further engagement may be beneficial to inform local Indigenous community members on potential effects, proposed mitigation, and monitoring plans to protect fish and fish habitat. Fishing is an important activity to pass down cultural and traditional knowledge, provide food security or options, connect to the lands for well-being, and as part of monitoring and managing resources for stewardship purposes. There is a negligible potential of occurrence that waterbody crossings will reduce the availability of fish. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.1.5 Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Waterway Access and Navigation

Water is an important Indigenous connection for Mino-Bimaadiziwin (the good life) and waterways across the Webequie First Nation traditional territory are the ancient ancestral travel routes for traditional, social and cultural purposes. This is reflected in existing documents Webequie has produced to understand the effects, needs and concerns, and connections to other communities. The Webequie IKLRU has provided information on travel routes and portage locations, of which approximately 14 waterway travel routes overlap with the WSR.

The WSR requires the installation of 31 waterbody crossings such as culverts and bridges. These waterbody crossings will include 30 watercourses and one lake. Each waterbody crossing, the location, the proposed structure type and the length of its span or width is identified in Section 4.3.2.2 Waterbody Crossings – Bridges and Culverts. Temporary dewatering activities at waterbody crossings “is likely required during construction to keep the work area dry for the construction of structure foundations (e.g., bridges and culverts, etc.)” (Section 7.3.1 Change in Surface Water Quantity).

The design and selection of the waterbody crossings has considered constructability, remoteness, maintenance life cycle, hydrology, biophysical characteristics, and navigation. The design of waterbody crossings has also applied a minimum vertical distance the from high-water level and horizontal distance to allow for the passage of boats, where waterway travel routes have been identified and considered navigable.

Where the construction of waterbody crossings may temporarily affect waterway access or navigation of boats during the construction phase, a restricted work zone will be established for safety of the recreational users from construction activities such as the dewatering or temporary flow diversion needed to install bridges or culverts.

The Canadian Navigable Waters Act supports and affirms the rights of First Nations under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 to navigate waterways for commercial or recreational purposes. Engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders developed a list of eight navigable waterways that intersect the WSR ROW: WB-1, WC-3, WC-8, WC-11, WC-13, WC-21, WC-26 and WC-27 as presented in Table 16‑44 (Section 4.3.2.2.2 Structural Considerations and Enhanced Drainage Design Standards for Water Crossings). These eight waterbody crossings have been intentionally designed to accommodate small vessels with a 3.0 m horizontal distance and 1.5 m vertical clearance from high and low water levels. For the remaining 23 waterbody crossings, a precautionary approach has been taken and applied the minimum navigational clearance into the design. Refer to Figure 16.1 for the locations of waterbody crossings.

Table 16‑44: List of Navigable Waterbody Crossings for WSR

	WSR Waterbody Crossing Labels
Navigable Waterbody Crossings	WB-1WC-3WC-8WC-11WC-13WC-21WC-26WC-27

Of the 14 existing waterway travel routes that overlap with the WSR as identified by Webequie IKLRU information, eight have already been designed for navigation and six are currently under consideration to determine navigation requirements based on further engagement with Webequie First Nation community members. The six waterbody crossings that may require further engagement and design refinements to the sizing of structures include: WC-1A, WC-2, WC-2A, WC-6, WC-7 and WC-10. During the construction phase, there may be temporary disruptions to navigation at the waterways indicated in Table 16‑44.

The ability for Webequie community members and other First Nations to navigate waterbodies in their traditional territories is culturally important, for community members to continue their social and customary practices across the lands, and to provide access to lands and resources for management and stewardship purposes, and for governments and third parties on their behalf to uphold legal and/or treaty obligations.

There is a moderate potential of occurrence that the installation of waterbody crossings will change the access to waterway use. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.1.6 Construction of WSR à Change to Lands à Potential Reduction to Land-Based Access Routes

As documented in the Webequie First Nation IKLRU Study for WSR, nine land-based travel routes overlap with the Project Footprint. Construction of the WSR may temporarily affect the use of these nine routes due to vegetation clearing, earth grading and other activities. The proponent’s contractor will establish a work zone with fencing, which would impede access on these routes, and will determine potential accommodation through the work zone to minimize this adverse effect. Similar Section 16.3.3.1.5, the ability for Webequie community members and other First Nations to access and travel the traditional territories is culturally important for social and customary practices, managing lands and resources for stewardship purposes, and for their legal and/or treaty obligations to be upheld by governments and third parties. There is a high potential of occurrence for the Project’s construction activities to reduce the number of land-based travel routes during the construction phase. This effect is carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.1.7 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change to Lands à Potential Reduction to Land-Based Access Routes

There are no recreational or pedestrian design features in the preliminary design for the WSR to accommodate land‑based travel routes for recreational purposes such as hiking, walking, nature viewing activities. About a third of all socio-economic survey respondents indicated concern about the WSR for pedestrian safety, lack of stop or street signs, enforcement of speed limits, collisions with wildlife, and lack of streetlights. Continuous street illumination or lighting is not proposed for the WSR due to the low traffic volumes and practical concerns regarding a stable power source. (Section 4.3.1.6).

As a continuation of the effects of construction on nine land-based travel routes identified in Section 16.3.3.1.6, the use of the road during the operations phase will continue to adversely affect these routes. Access and the ability to travel the traditional territory is important for Webequie community members to carry out their social and customary practices, manage lands and resources for stewardship purposes, which also includes meeting legal and/or treaty obligations by governments and third parties. There is high potential of occurrence that the operations phase will adversely affect the nine land-based travel routes and is carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.1.8 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change in Access to Traditional Territory à Potential Increase in Number of Tourism Activities or Users

During the operations phase the WSR has the potential to facilitate traffic access for tourists as the territory around Webequie First Nation offers excellent conditions for hunting. Tourism operators are primarily located in the RSA with one operator close to the LSA. Existing access to these tourism locations are by air or by boat. All land use designations and zones in the Webequie Draft CBLUP allow for new commercial tourism enterprises with Webequie First Nation leading their development along with management direction from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Showcasing Indigenous culture and traditional practices through tourism is an opportunity for economic development that respects Webequie First Nation’s traditional values. No recent economic development or tourism plan is available for the territory around Webequie First Nation.

Tourists will be required to access locations of existing tourism operators primarily located in the RSA and one near the LSA by plane or boat, as the WSR will not be provide direct access by vehicle. A potential increase in the number of tourists to the operator close to the LSA would require permission of the tour operator including permission to use the road should there be restrictions to “outsiders.”

There may be the potential for the WSR to provide indirect access to tourism locations should other transportation be constructed.

The effect of road use on the potential increase in the number of tourism activities or users has a negligible potential of occurrence and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.1.9 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change in Access to Traditional Territory à Potential Increase in Number of Tourism Activities or Users à Potential Decrease in Availability of Wildlife Resources

Community members have identified their concern with the WSR that could enable “outsiders” access to the community, which may increase the number of tourists or tourist activities such as hunting. The territory around Webequie offers excellent conditions for hunting. An increase in hunting activities or users (tourists) in the territory could lead to a decrease in the availability of wildlife resources, of which the community relies on for their way of life.

The effect of the Project on tourism activities and users is summarized in Section 16.3.3.1.8. The WSR will not provide direct access to the locations of existing tourism operators. In addition, there are different provincial regulations for non-Indigenous people from Ontario, Canada, and international countries, to hunt on Crown land. These regulations include quotas, tagging and reporting. Non-Indigenous people who hunt on Crown land are required to follow provincial regulations, whether they are hunting with or without an Indigenous tourism operator. “Indigenous communities have constitutionally protected rights to hunt in Ontario… which are fundamentally different than the privileges given to licensed hunters” (Government of Ontario, 2025).

Potential effects from increased public access to moose, furbearers, and birds (waterfowl) during the operations phase of the Project are discussed in detail in Section 12 of the EAR/IS (Assessment on Effects to Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat). Hunting for recreation is a permitted activity in all CBLUP land use designations and will be developed further in collaboration with Ministry of Natural Resources.

Road access to one tourism operation (i.e., lodge) in the LSA may potentially provide transportation access for tourists to the tourism operation that is located within Webequie First Nation reserve lands. A potential increase in the number of non‑Indigenous visitors to this lodge would require permission to access. However, the potential decrease in available wildlife resources as a result of the potential increase in tourists to the lodge, is assessed to have a negligible potential for occurrence as non-Indigenous visitors are required to follow Ontario hunting regulations. This effect is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2 Regional Study Area

16.1.3.2.1 Construction of WSR à Change to Lands à Potential Decrease in Number and Location of Recreational Activities

Getting out onto the land to cultivate a strong sense of connection with it is an essential practice to the identity, customs, culture, and values of First Nations communities in the RSA.

CBLUP Terms of Reference for First Nations communities in the RSA identify the theme of recreation to be included in their CBLUP plans. Further development of their CBLUPs will identify areas within their Area of Interest in Planning (AIP) used for recreation could be beneficial and included in this effect pathway, if this information becomes available during the EA/IA process.

The construction of the WSR will overlap with the CBLUP AIPs in the Marten Falls First Nation, Weenusk First Nation and Attawapiskat First Nation. Table 16‑38 shows the amount of Marten Falls, Weenusk and Attawapiskat First Nations AIP that overlap with the Project Footprint. Less than 0.01% of the WSR Project Footprint overlaps with Marten Falls and Attawapiskat AIPs respectively, and none of the Project Footprint overlaps with Weenusk AIP. No recreational infrastructure was indicated in Marten Falls or Weenusk IKLRU information.

There is a negligible potential of occurrence that the WSR construction will decrease the number and location of recreational activities in the AIPs of Marten Falls, Weenusk and Attawapiskat AIPs. This effect is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.2 Construction of WSR à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase to Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Transportation Access to Employment Opportunities à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

Road construction will provide employment opportunities and income for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the RSA. About 124 direct full-time employment positions expected to earn an average of $187,460, with 47 induced positions expected to earn an average of $58,464 for community members in other LSA communities. For community members in the RSA, Project employment and expenditures estimate 181 on-site and 85 off-site direct full-time positions expected to earn an average of $183,824, with 160 indirect positions expected to earn an average of $67,380 and 121 induced positions expected to earn an average of $59,985 (Section 15.3.1.2 LSA: Other Communities and Section 15.3.1.3 Regional Study Area).

Road use will also require Project employment and expenditures during the operations phase to maintain the road and make repairs. Approximately 13 direct and three induced positions are expected to earn an average of $85,883 and $119,086 for workers from other LSA communities, and 1.1 indirect and 0.2 induced positions that may earn $72,198 and $12,524 respectively in RSA communities (Section 15.3.1.2 LSA: Other Communities and Section 15.3.1.3 Regional Study Area).

The WSR will also provide transportation access to other sources of employment income opportunities in the Ring of Fire area. These opportunities and potential benefits may be reflected in agreements between First Nations and mineral development and exploration companies. For example, Marten Falls First Nation has signed an exploration agreement with Juno (Globe Newswire, 2024) and a Memorandum of Understanding with Wyloo Ring of Fire Metals (Campbell, 2024). Kasabonika Lake First Nation has signed an exploration agreement with Juno (Globe Newswire, 2024). These agreements are confidential and may include terms for employment, community economic development. The Canadian CEO of Wyloo has reported to aim “for a workforce composed of at least 40 per cent Indigenous employees and plans to award millions of dollars of contracts to local, Indigenous-owned businesses willing to collaborate” (Allan, 2024). No further information on the potential number of job positions or employment income ranges for specific First Nations communities in the RSA are available or known at this time, although additional employment income is expected to result in a potential negligible increase in the number of recreation or tourism activities and users.

This potential increase in employment income from Project related employment during the construction and operations phases, along with the potential economic benefits to First Nations communities in the RSA from the development of the Ring of Fire area, could be used to cover the high costs required to go out onto the land and participate in recreation activities.

Recreational costs were included within the broader socio-economic theme around the high cost of living in remote First Nations communities. A community member in Peawanuck cited high gas prices as an obstacle to accessing the land (MNP, n.d.). With the anticipated workforce schedule two weeks on (working) and one week off (not working), the workforce may consider the opportunity for time off work for recreational activities as their employment income can be spent to cover the expenses for recreation. The direct, induced and indirect employment opportunities during the construction phase are notable opportunities to raise the existing income or income brackets, in First Nations located in the RSA.

Access and the ability to travel the traditional territory is important for First Nations in the RSA to carry out their social and customary practices, manage lands and resources for stewardship purposes, which also includes meeting legal and/or treaty obligations by governments and third parties.

There is a high potential of occurrence and Project related employment income will increase the number of recreational activities or users, which will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.3 Construction of WSR à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase to Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users à Potential Reduction in Fish Resources

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users à Potential Reduction in Fish Resources

As summarized in Section 16.3.3.2.2, WSR construction and maintenance work during the construction and operations phases will be required. This potential access to employment opportunities and increase in income may be used by workers for recreational activities, equipment and supplies. This increased number of workers may use their off-work hours or days for recreational activities, such as fishing, in the traditional territory. Community members in LSA and RSA First Nations are concerned about the potential for outsiders’ access and their potential effect on fishing. Non-Indigenous workers would be required to follow provincial fishing regulations to hold a license, abide by seasonal dates, catch and size limits and other requirements.
Potential increase in fishing from construction crews were assessed as having negligible significance during the construction phase and low significance in the operations phase in Section 10 Fish and Fish Habitat of the EA/IS (Section 10.6.2.5 Change in Public Access to Fish Habitat). The effect of the Project on potential reduction to fish resources is assessed to have negligible potential of occurrence and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.4 Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Availability of Fish Resources

Waterbody crossings may require temporary dewatering areas to construct the foundation of structures such as culverts and bridges. This change to waterbodies may have an effect on the availability of fish. The net effects to fish and fish habitat were determined to be not significant or negligible (refer to Section 10.6.2) and the predicted net effects on surface water were determined to have no significant adverse effect (refer to Section 7.6.1). Similar to
Section Error! Reference source not found., there may be a negative perception that the Project will reduce fish availability which may require further engagement to inform local Indigenous community members on potential effects, proposed mitigation and monitoring plans to protect fish and fish habitat. For instance, the timing of construction activities would be during “low flow conditions and outside the restricted activity period to minimize impact on fish habitat” (Section 7.6.1 Water Quantity).

There is a low potential of occurrence that the perception of waterbody crossings will reduce the availability of fish. Fishing is an important activity to pass down cultural and traditional knowledge, provide food security or options, connect to the lands for well-being, and as part of monitoring and managing resources for stewardship purposes. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.5 Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Waterway Access and Navigation

There are several waterways and tributaries across the RSA that are ancestral travel routes used by communities for traditional, social and cultural purposes. “The water systems influence and support Weenuski Inninowuk ability to travel throughout their traditional territory and connect with culturally significant sites and areas… the waters in Weenusk’s traditional areas are a primary aspect that supports Weenusk way of life” (MNP, n.d.). The Weenusk IKLRU included a map of transportation areas which overlap with WC-1B, WC-1A and WB-1 waterbody crossings. The potential repercussions that affect communities downstream of the Project was shared by the Weenusk IKLRU community (refer to Figure 16.1 for the locations of waterbody crossings). One trail and one access route were also included in the Marten Falls IKLRU although the access route was not identified as water-based routes. Marten Falls IKLRU members shared their concern about hindering access and use of these routes. These two routes are in the RSA.

The WSR requires the installation of 31 waterbody crossings structures. The design and selection of waterbody crossings have considered constructability, remoteness, maintenance life cycle, hydrology, biophysical characteristics, and navigation. The design of waterbody crossings has also applied a minimum vertical distance the from high-water level and horizontal distance to allow for the passage of boats, where waterway travel routes have been identified and considered navigable.

Similar to Section 16.3.3.1.5, eight waterbody crossings were identified as navigable waterways based on engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders (Table 16‑44). The navigation of waterways for recreational or commercial purposes is protected by the Canadian Navigable Waters Act which supports and affirms the rights of First Nations under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. These eight waterbody crossings have been intentionally designed to accommodate small vessels with a 3.0 m horizontal distance and 1.5 m vertical clearance from high and low water levels. For the remaining 23 waterbody crossings, a precautionary approach has been taken and applied the minimum navigational clearance into the design. The three waterbody crossings that overlap with the transportation area in Weenusk IKLRU includes one navigable crossing, WB-1 (Winisk Lake). The remaining two crossings are 1.3 m width/span which may be too narrow for watercraft but does not exclude personal watercraft (Table 4-2 Waterbody Crossings and Proposed Structure Type for the WSR).

Dewatering the area at waterbody crossings “is likely required during construction to keep the work area dry for the construction of structure foundations (e.g., bridges and culverts, etc.)” (Section 7.3.1 Change in Surface Water Quantity). However, WB-1 will be large six-span bridge with the total spanning length of 253.5 m and a vertical clearance of 3 m and construction activities are not anticipated to substantially interfere with the navigation of watercraft, or change access to waterbody, during the construction phase.

Engagement with Weenusk First Nation to determine the magnitude of waterbody crossing activities on their use of waterbodies in the Project Footprint and to coordinate options for implementation that avoid or minimize adverse effects is proposed.

The ability for First Nations community members to navigate waterbodies in their traditional territories is culturally important, for community members to continue their social and customary practices across the lands, and to provide access to lands and resources for management and stewardship purposes, and for governments and third parties on their behalf to uphold legal and/or treaty obligations.

There is a low potential of occurrence that the installation of waterbody crossings will change the access to waterway use. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.6 Construction of WSR à Change to Lands à Potential Reduction to Land-Based Access Routes

Construction activities for the Project will change land and have the potential to directly affect land-based routes and/or their use by Indigenous community members in the RSA. Land-based routes are used by Indigenous people to travel to areas for hunting, trapping, plant harvest or to spiritual and cultural areas of value. The extent and locations of land-based travel routes were shared in Weenusk IKLRU for the WSR, which included a transportation area that covered 68 ha of the Project Footprint, 3,481 ha of the LSA and 143,543 ha of the RSA. The 68 ha portion of transportation area in the Project Footprint may include land-based routes that cross the broad geography of the Project’s RSA and is limited to the IKLRU information received from Weensuk First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation.

As identified in Section 16.3.3.2.5, the Marten Falls IKLRU identified one trail and one access route which was not identified as a land or water-based route. These two routes are in the RSA with the trail also potentially extending near the eastern terminus of the WSR. The trail has been used for hundreds of years, most recently for community member visit to family in Attawapiskat.

This historical tail in the Marten Falls IKLRU and potential land-based travel routes in the 68 ha portion of the Weenusk transportation area may be affected by WSR construction activities summarized in Section 16.3.3.1.6. There is a high potential of occurrence for the Project’s construction activities to reduce the number of land-based travel routes during the construction phase. Similar to Section 16.3.3.1.6, the ability for First Nations community members to access and travel through their traditional territories has cultural importance for social and customary practices, managing lands and resources for stewardship purposes, and for their legal and/or treaty obligations to be upheld by governments and third parties. This effect is carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.7 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change to Lands à Potential Reduction to Land-Based Access Routes

The transportation area used by Weenusk First Nation and the historical travel route used by Marten Falls First Nation shown in their respective IKLRUs, may be affected during the operations phase of the Project. There are no recreational or pedestrian design features to accommodate land-based travel routes that intersect with the WSR. Road use will continue to adversely affect these travel areas. The ability to access and travel traditional territories is important for First Nations community members to carry out their social and customary practices, manage lands and resources for stewardship purposes, and to meet legal and/or treaty obligations by governments and third parties. There is a high potential of occurrence that this phase will reduce the land-based access routes for Weenusk First Nation and possibly Marten Falls First Nation. This effect is carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.8 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change in Access to Traditional Territory à Potential Increase in Number of Tourism Activities or Users

As summarized in Section 16.3.3.1.8, road use during operations will not provide direct access to tourism operators in the LSA or RSA. Access to existing tourism operations will continue to require boat or plane and the permission from the operator. Tourism is included as a land use principle in the TOR of Marten Falls and Attawapiskat CBLUPs which overlap with less than 0.01% of Project Footprint (refer to Section 16.3.3.2.1).

The effect of road use on the potential increase in the number of tourism activities or users has a negligible potential of occurrence and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.3.2.9 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change in Access to Traditional Territory à Potential Increase in Number of Tourism Activities or Users à Potential Decrease in Availability of Wildlife Resources

In Section 16.3.3.1.9, road use may provide access into the traditional territories in the RSA for potential tourists to participate in hunting activities. An increased in tourists that hunt, may have an effect that could decrease the availability of wildlife resources. The CBLUP AIPs that overlap with the Project Footprint include Marten Falls and Attawapiskat (Table 16‑38). The ToRs for both First Nations’ CBLUPs include tourism (Section 16.2.2.5.2).

There are four tourism outposts that are in the RSA. These outposts are remote and accessible only by float plane. While the WSR will not provide direct access to these locations, there may be a perceptive amongst First Nations communities in the RSA that during the operations phase, road use could be used by outsiders (tourists) to access the traditional territories used for hunting, which would reduce the availability of wildlife species. Provincial regulations for non-Indigenous people from Ontario, Canada and international countries, to hunt on Crown land include quotas, tagging and reporting, whether they are hunting with or without an Indigenous tourism operator. “Indigenous communities have constitutionally protected rights to hunt in Ontario… which are fundamentally different than the privileges given to licensed hunters” (Government of Ontario, 2025).

The Weenusk IKLRU indicated concerns for over-harvesting of wildlife resources due to potential increased access from non-Weenusk harvesters. Sharing the harvest within the community reinforces the importance of connection with each other. A high proportion of their diet is from traditional foods, and a decline in wildlife resources that they harvest, may increase their reliance on store-bought food, which is expensive. Living of the land is integral to Weenuski Inninowuk identity. From the Marten Falls IKLRU, this community continues to work through the challenges of past trauma to return to their cultural practices of living off the land. Some community members have identified poaching and negative experiences, “friction” with outsiders, as an “influx of new people coming in, I think it’s gonna be – I think that’s what people are fearful of … and I hear that [from] the community” (Suslop, 2024).

Potential effects from increased public access to wildlife during the operations phase are discussed in detail in
Section 12 of the EAR/IS (Assessment on Effects to Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat).

For the purposes of tourism, tourists who hunt in the traditional territories and potentially decrease availability of wildlife resources, would need to access these outposts by plane. WSR road use does not provide a transportation connection to these outposts, which is assessed to have no potential for occurrence. This effect is not carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4 Change to Transportation

The potential effects of the Project on Transportation considers the following indicators:

Road transportation:
- Change in traffic volume (autos, trucks) on existing road connection (winter) to provincial road network;
- Change in opportunities for travel and road use (refer to Section 16.3.3); and
Air transportation:
- Demand for air and shipping services.

16.1.4.1 Local Study Area

16.1.4.1.1 Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies à Use of Delivery and Construction Vehicles à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

Employment and Expenditure à Use of Existing Roads to Access WSR Construction Site à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

During the construction phase, materials and equipment to construct the road and supportive infrastructure, will need to be transported by land to the community of Webequie. This activity will increase traffic on existing routes such as the Webequie Winter Road Corridor (Figure 16.18) and local highways (e.g., Highway 599). The mobilization activities may include deliveries of construction equipment and supplies to Webequie Airport which would need to be transported from the airport to the construction camps. This activity will increase traffic on existing roads in Webequie First Nation. In addition, approximately 10 direct employment positions are anticipated to be filled by Webequie First Nation community members. These community members may use local roads in Webequie First Nation to access the WSR construction site over the 5-year construction period.

The mobilization of construction equipment and supplies to the Project, will “us[e] the winter road located approximately 100 km northeast of the Town of Pickle Lake off Highway 808 (NORT Road) to the community of Webequie and/or delivery using air transport to the airport located in Webequie” (Section 4.4.2 Construction Phase Activities). The estimated number of aircrafts to transport materials and equipment is 52 flights for the first winter construction season and 26 flights for each winter and summer season in the following years (Sigfusson Northern, 2023). Materials and equipment required for the construction phase will be confirmed during the Detail Design phase for the Project and is expected to include the transportation requirements for deliveries by highway and Winter Road, and by air.

In 2018, areas of Highway 599 were reconstructed. Improvements such as repairs to “culverts, guard rail technology and the restoration of 100 km of road in environmentally sensitive areas… will allow safer and more reliable access to the ice roads” (Colliers, 2025). Table 16‑30 shows that the number of annual average of daily traffic (AADT) on Highway 599 has decreased from the 1990s to 2010s from 392 to 294 vehicles. The most recent traffic data on Highway 599 for 2021 shows that an AADT of 235 (MTO, 2021). Traffic on the Webequie Winter Road corridor has a ramp-up near the end of the Winter Road season and sees a daily range of 0 to 70 vehicles and a weekly range of 80‑350 vehicles (Section 16.2.2.7.1). The National Research Council of Canada rates the Webequie Winter Road corridor as extremely vulnerable to climate change (Zhang et al., 2024). In 2014, the roads in Webequie were reported to be in overall “fair condition” although there were sections that showed “signs of distress and failure that will require more than routine maintenance to correct” (AECOM, 2014). A 2023 asset condition report indicated that the state of the roads in Webequie First Nation were in “fair” condition with a 10 to 36 year estimated life expectancy (Saulteaux Engineering, 2023). Traffic data for roads in Webequie is unavailable.

While the community road conditions in Webequie First Nation reserve are in fair condition, the Webequie Winter Road System have been identified as extremely vulnerable to climate change.

Elders in Webequie noted that all surrounding communities are connected or related, some of which had winter roads connecting to Webequie, such as Neskantaga (AtkinsRéalis, 2022).

During the construction phase the increased use of the winter road and highways to transport construction equipment and materials may have impacts on Webequie First Nation and other First Nations. Individuals that use winter roads may take longer to access services and deliver goods or may use air shipping to avoid delays and uncertainty or reduce their own use of the winter roads to avoid traffic congestion delays or avoid the potential increased risk for accidents. Roads within the Webequie First Nation community, and the winter roads to Nibinamik and Neskantaga First Nations, may also experience higher traffic volume due to transportation of workers, equipment, materials, and supplies to the construction camps. Most of Webequie First Nation members do not have driver’s licenses.

The potential for this occurrence is high and will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4.1.2 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Transportation Access to Employment Opportunities à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Use of Delivery and Construction Vehicles à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

Traffic during the operations phase will be comprised primarily of light to medium personal and commercial vehicles, and heavier trucks carrying industrial (mining) supplies and equipment. An average annual daily traffic volume of less than 500 vehicles has been projected for the WSR. Roads in the community of Webequie are gravel and were constructed in the 1990s, and are in fair condition though there are sections that require more than routine maintenance and repair. A 2023 asset condition report indicated that the state of the roads in Webequie First Nation were in “fair” condition with a 10 to 36 year estimated life expectancy (Saulteaux Engineering, 2023). The 2021 socio-economic community survey showed that 49% of Webequie First Nation respondents have regular access to a vehicle and 44% having a valid driver’s license. Of those who do not have a driver’s license, 79% plan on getting one.

About half of the respondents in the socio-economic survey indicated they had safety concerns related to the WSR and future mining developments. The safety of youth, women, Elders and road safety were all similarly indicated at 25% and of those who responded ‘yes’ to safety concerns:

54% were concerned about drinking and driving;
42% were concerned about pedestrian safety;
42% were concerned about enforcement of speed limits; and
33% were concerned about lack of streetlights or not enough lighting and lack of stop signs.

The WSR will provide a year-round transportation route that may complement the winter roads, and which may connect to the broader provincial highway network should other proposed roads (i.e., Northern Road Link and Marten Falls Community Access Road) be constructed. Once the road is operational, communities will have an additional or convenient mode of year-round transportation that will connect to employment opportunities in the Ring of Fire area. Project-related employment to maintain and repair the WSR may also increase employment income. A potential increase in employment income can be used to afford more vehicles and fuel. In addition, traffic may increase if other roads allow for connection to highway network as travel between First Nations communities is common. Deliveries of supplies to maintain and repair the WSR may also use the Webequie Winter Road corridor and provincial highway network as well. Workers required for the operations and repair of the WSR may also use the winter roads to access the job site.

These changes may result in an increase in traffic on the Webequie Winter Road corridor and the provincial highway network. This may also increase issues of safety, which is a concern for community members in Webequie.

There is a high potential of occurrence that the operations phase will increase traffic on existing roads. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4.1.3 Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increase in Demand for Air Transportation Services

Employment and Expenditure à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increase in Demand for Air Transportation Services

During the construction phase, air transportation will be used to move and deliver supplies, workers, and equipment. The Webequie airport (which is currently planned for redevelopment), will see an increase in demand for air transportation. Helicopters will also be used to fly in workers from the airport to construction camps.

The estimated number of aircrafts during construction phase is as follows: 52 flights in first winter, and 26 flights for each winter and summer in following years (Sigfusson Northern, 2023). In 2007 and 2008, the Webequie airport handled around 6,400 and 6,200 passenger flights respectively, which was similar to the passenger volumes at Charlottetown, P.E.I., Abbotsford, B.C., and Kamloops, B.C. (Statistics Canada, 2008). In 2007, 34 cargo flights were recorded and in 2008 there were no cargo flights. Unofficial flight tracking shows between one and seven flights a day at Webequie airport (FlightAware, n.d.). Typical aircrafts that serve Webequie airport carry six to 50 passengers (IBI and Hemson, 2016b).

Webequie First Nation currently relies on its only airport for delivery of goods and services (e.g., nurses and doctors) to the community. As such, during construction phase there will be an increase in air traffic that may result in potential delays or uncertainty in transportation services, and less availability of air transportation services. Operational constraints of the Webequie airport may occur during increased seasonal use from mining and exploration companies. Due to the extremely vulnerable rating of the Webequie Winter Road corridor (Zhang et al., 2024), which also provides an essential service for the delivery of goods and service to Webequie, any closures or shortening Winter Road season, may mean that community members may need to use air shipping. In additional to potential capacity issues to manage at the Webequie airport, other general issues at remote airports in Ontario may be applicable and include the following (IBI and Hemson, 2016b):

Aging airports as facilities were built in the 1980s and need capital and strategic or long-term planning;
Additional automated weather observation systems needed to enhance airport safety;
Additional airport staffing, as they “heavily rely on the services of a single foreperson… [with] assistant foreperson… during the busier winter operating season [except] from May to August”;
Extended airport service hours, especially for “numerous after-hours medevac trips”;
Passenger and carrier waiting facilities that are “suitably sized”; and
Aircraft and navigation technical systems, lack of consolidated facilities and services for de-icing and fuel storage, access to airports and contamination that needs clean up.

The number of cargo arrivals to Webequie airport due to the Project’s transport and mobilization activities will increase during the construction phase. Materials and equipment required for the construction phase will be confirmed during the Detail Design phase for the Project and is expected to include the transportation requirements for deliveries by highway and Winter Road, and by air. The selected contractor will determine an optimized schedule for deliveries by air. When workers from other communities in the LSA and RSA are anticipated to have between 52 and 111 direct full-time employees per construction year who may be on a 14-days in and 7-days out fly-in/fly-out work schedule (Section 4.5.1 Construction Workforce). Consequently, these workers may potentially use the Webequie airport upwards of two or three times a month which may increase demand for air service providers, who may in turn increase service frequency or use larger aircraft.

Overall, for Webequie First Nation, a remote fly-in/fly-out community, the existing transportation modes and networks has a high importance as it provides access to healthcare, education and employment that are not available in the community, as well as broader social and cultural practices with other adjacent First Nations.

The potential for the Project’s mobilization and travel by WSR employees and workers, may have an effect of increasing the demand for air transportation services over the construction phase is high and will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4.1.4 Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Increased Demand for Air Transportation Services

The maintenance and repair work activities for the WSR will be similar to the materials and supplies used in the construction phase. The delivery of equipment and supplies may use the winter road system but also be delivered by air to Webequie airport as it offers year-round service. Deliveries of materials and equipment for the operations phase of the WSR may increase demand for air transportation services at Webequie airport. However, the demand for air services during the operations phase is anticipated to be significantly less than the construction phase as it would have less volume of materials and not involve the transport of workers in the RSA communities.

As Webequie First Nation is a remote fly-in/fly-out community, the importance of access to air transportation services is crucial because it provides year-round access for community members for healthcare, education and employment that are not available in the community.

The potential for this occurrence is assessed to be low and will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4.2 Regional Study Area

16.1.4.2.1 Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies à Use of Delivery and Construction Vehicles à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

The effect of mobilization and transport of equipment and supplies to Webequie is summarized in Section 16.3.4.1.1. Deliveries will use the provincial highway network (e.g., Highway 599), the Webequie Winter Road corridor and local roads. The transport of materials and supplies delivered to the airport will also use local roads to be transported to construction camps and laydown areas. Helicopters will be used to fly in workers from the airport to construction camps. Materials and equipment required for the construction phase will be confirmed during the Detail Design phase for the Project and is expected to include the transportation requirements for deliveries by highway and Winter Road.

The annual average daily traffic (AADT) on Highway 599 declined from the 1990s to the 2010s from 392 to 294 vehicles respectively (refer to Table 16‑30). The most recent traffic data on Highway 599 from 2021 shows an AADT of 235 (MTO, 2021). Traffic on the Webequie Winter Road corridor has a ramp-up near the end of the Winter Road season and sees a weekly range of 80-350 vehicles (Section 16.2.2.7.1). The National Research Council of Canada rates the Webequie Winter Road corridor as extremely vulnerable to climate change (Zhang et al., 2024).

During the construction phase the increased use of the winter road and highways to transport construction equipment and materials may have impacts on other First Nations that use the Webequie Winter Road corridor, which includes Nibinamik, Neskantaga and Eabametoong First Nations. Increased traffic on the Webequie Winter Road may contribute to delays and slower travel. Individuals may use air shipping to avoid delays or uncertainty or reduce the use of the winter road.

Increased traffic on the Webequie Winter Road corridor and provincial highways due to transport and mobilization has a high potential of occurrence and will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4.2.2 Road Use (Operations Phase) à Transportation Access to Employment Opportunities à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Use of Delivery Vehicles à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

The effect of road use and improved access to employment opportunities with potential increase in employment income is summarized in Section 16.3.4.1.2. Traffic during the operations phase will be comprised primarily of light to medium personal and commercial vehicles, and heavier trucks carrying industrial (mining) supplies and equipment. An average annual daily traffic volume of less than 500 vehicles has been projected for the WSR.

Deliveries of supplies to maintain and repair the WSR may also use the Webequie Winter Road corridor and provincial highway network as well.

The WSR will provide a year-round transportation route that may complement the winter roads and which may connect to the broader provincial highway network should other proposed roads (i.e., Northern Road Link and Marten Fall Community Access Road) be constructed. Once the road is operational, communities will have an additional or convenient mode of year-round transportation that will connect to employment opportunities at the Ring of Fire. Project employment to maintain and repair the WSR may also increase employment income. An increase in employment income can be used to afford more vehicles and fuel. In addition, traffic may increase if other roads allow for connection to highway network as travel between First Nations communities is common. These changes may result in an increase in traffic on the Webequie Winter Road corridor and the provincial highway network. This may also increase issues of safety, which is a concern for community members in Webequie.

There is a high potential of occurrence that the operations phase will increase traffic on existing roads. This effect will be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4.2.3 Transportation and Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increased Demand for Air Transportation Services

Employment and Expenditure à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increased Demand for Air Transportation Services

Throughout the construction phase, it is anticipated that air transportation within First Nation communities in the RSA will occur on a regular basis, for the transportation of materials, equipment and workers to the Project work area. This may increase demand for air transportation services which may have potential undesirable effects on RSA communities, as they are fly-in/fly-out remote communities without access to all-season roads.

The delivery of equipment, materials and supplies from airports in the RSA may potentially increase if shipping and logistics determine economic benefits and savings, which may see an increase in demand for air transportation services at those airports. An airport in a major hub (possibly Thunder Bay, ON) will likely be identified during contractor selection, to deliver construction equipment, materials and mobilize workers to Webequie.

The effects of the Project on air transportation services in RSA communities (First Nations and non-Indigenous) may see a slight increase in demand from workers who are on a fly-in/fly-out schedule. However, the Project-related employment in other LSA communities is anticipated to have between 23 and 26 Full-Time Equivalent positions per year, and another 28 to 85 FTE for non-Indigenous communities in the RSA (Section 15.3.1.2 and Section 15.3.1.3). Workers may potentially use their local airports upwards of two or three times a month based on a 14 days-on and 7 days-off schedule which may have a slight increase in demand for air service providers.

The effects of the Project regarding the delivery of construction equipment, materials and supplies by air is anticipated to originate from a major airport hub (possibly Thunder Bay, ON). The Thunder Bay airport had between 1,050 and 1,342 cargo flights between 2019 and 2023 (Statistics Canada, 2025). Approximately 26 flights from the major airport hub are anticipated per construction season over the five-to-six year construction phase with an additional 26 flights during the first construction season (Sigfusson Northern, 2023).

Overall, it is predicted that the increase in demand for air transportation services in RSA communities and outside of the RSA will be negligible. This effect will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.4.2.4 Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Increased Demand for Air Transportation Services

The maintenance and repair work activities for the WSR will be similar to the materials and supplies used in the construction phase and will require deliveries to the WSR by air transportation. The delivery of equipment and supplies may use the winter road system but will also be delivered by air to Webequie airport as it offers year-round services. Deliveries of materials and equipment for the operations phase of the WSR may increase demand for air transportation services at an airport in the RSA. However, an increase in demand for air services may likely be at a small or large urban airport (possibly Thunder Bay, ON) and not a remote airport that serves First Nations communities in the RSA. During the operations phase, the volume of equipment and supplies for the operations phase is anticipated to be significantly less than the construction phase.

The potential for this occurrence is assessed to be negligible and will not be carried forward for further assessment.

16.1.5 Summary

Table 16‑45 summarizes conclusions made for each of the identified potential effects by VC. Potential effects that were assessed as having low to high potential to occur were carried forward to Section 16.4 for further assessment, including identification of appropriate mitigation and characterization of net effects. Potential effects that were assessed as having no or negligible potential to occur were not carried forward in the assessment. The conclusions are based on the following qualitative ranking categories:

No effect: there is no potential for the effect to occur. Further assessment is not considered.
Negligible: the potential effect is unlikely to occur. Changes to the VC are not detectable. No mitigation or enhancement measures are necessary. Further assessment is not considered.
Low: the potential effect is likely to occur and changes to the VC may be detectable in the absence of mitigation or enhancement measures. The effect is carried forward in the assessment.
Moderate: the potential effect is likely to occur and changes to the VC will be evident in the absence of mitigation or enhancement measures. The effect is carried forward in the assessment.
High: the potential effect is certain to occur and changes to the VC will be evident in the absence of mitigation or enhancement measures. The effect is carried forward in the assessment.

Table 16‑45: Summary and Conclusion of Potential Effects for the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs

Potential Effect	Study Area	Potential for Occurrence	Carry forward in Assessment?
Change to land use and stewardship compatibility	LSA	Low to High	Yes
Change to land use and stewardship compatibility	RSA	No to Negligible	No
Change to location, number, type of commercial and industrial activities	LSA	Low to High	Yes
	RSA	No to Negligible	No
Change to the location, number, type of recreation and tourism activities or users, access for land and waterway use, and resource availability	LSA	Low to High	Yes
	RSA	Low to High	Yes
Change in traffic volume on existing roads, change in opportunities for travel and road use (road transportation), and change in demand for air and shipping services (air transportation)	LSA	Low to High	Yes
	RSA	Moderate	Yes

16.2 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

This section describes the proposed mitigation measures to eliminate, reduce, control or offset potential adverse effects of the Project and enhance positive effects on the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs. A Webequie Community Readiness Plan (CRP) has also been developed for the Project (Appendix N). The CRP will be further developed in consultation with First Nations with the aim to confirm the findings on social, economic, and health impacts of the Project and further guide mitigation and monitoring measures, including helping Webequie First Nation and other communities’ benefit from the Project’s opportunities. Further related measures for potential effects on the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs will be developed in the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for implementation during the construction phase and the Operation Environment Management Plan (OEMP).

Indigenous community members will have an active role in developing and implementing environmental management plans.

16.2.1 Changes to Land Use Planning and Stewardship

Comply with Federal Legislation and Guidance for Removal of Aggregate at ARA-4

The construction and use of ARA-4 conflicts with Section 93 of the Indian Act, as aggregate located on Webequie First Nation reserve will be leaving the reserve and used across the Project Footprint (refer to Section 16.3.1.1.6). Following Section 93 of the Indian Act, written permission from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (or “his duly authorized representative”) is required to remove natural resources, such as vegetation and aggregate, from reserves. Consent from the First Nation (i.e., Webequie First Nation) through a permit or lease would also be required under the Guidelines for Unconsolidated Non-Metallic Substances on Reserve Land (Sand and Gravel).

Restrict WSR Access to Minimize Access/Trespass and Comply with Federal Legislation

Study participants also reported that some community members would like to see Webequie First Nation have ownership over the road to better monitor and mitigate negative impacts on the community. (Stantec, 2024).

Road use may lead to access by non-Indigenous persons into the reserve and potential conflict with trespass as identified in Section 30 of the Indian Act (refer to Section 16.3.1.1.7). The ownership and operator of the WSR has not yet been determined. Table 16‑46 lists policy instruments that may be considered in determining restrictions to road use. In addition, community members from Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations have suggested implementing tolls and Indigenous ownership of the road to “better monitor and mitigate negative impacts on the community” (Stantec, 2024).

Table 16‑46: Federal and Provincial Policy Tools to Restrict Road Access

Policy Reference	Details
Public Lands Act
Sections 4, 21.1, 47	Regulations made by Lieutenant Governor in Council: That are considered “necessary to carry out the provision of this Act, or to meet cases for which no provision is made by this Act” (s. 4 Power to make regulations).To “remove or restrict any common law right of passage of the public over a road defined in section 48, including over a road allowance on public lands” (S 21.1(15) Restricting common law right of passage).That “[prohibit] or [regulate] the use or occupation of or the kinds of activities carried on upon public lands” (Regulations).
Section 11	Set apart lands for different purposes: “[F]or any purpose that will benefit… the management, utilization and administration of, the public lands” by the Minister.
Section 12	Create a land use plan: That is not in an area that has a CBLUP (Far North Act).Requires Minister’s approval.
Section 12.3	Minister’s order for compliance with land use plan: To “require any person to stop an activity that, in the opinion of the Minster contravenes subsection (1) which is for consistent activities with the approved land use plan.
Section 13	Restricted areas: In an area without municipal organization.Minister can issue permits for erection of structures with terms and conditions.
Section 16	Sale or Lease public lands: With “terms and conditions as the Minister considers proper”.
Section 20	Licence of occupation with purchase or permission to occupy lands
Section 21	Grant an easement: Although, “an easement does not grant exclusive possession, an easement holder cannot stop others from using the easement area for purposes which are not inconsistent with the purpose of the easement” (MNR, 2024).
Section 37	Grant a freehold or leasehold interest of unpatented lands or of an easement.
Reg. 161/17, Occupation of Public Lands Under Section 21.1 of the Public Lands Act
Section 17	Bridges, culverts and causeways: Occupying public lands under an easement (Section 21.1 of the Public Lands Act) if one of the conditions are met:The bridge, culvert or causeway is part of forest operations and is authorized under a forest management plan approved by the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994.The bridge, culvert (that is more than 3 m wide) or causeway is for any purpose other than as part of forest operations and, has entered in an agreement with the Minister or the Minister’s delegate “respecting the maintenance of or repairs to the bridge, culvert or causeway or its inspection or decommissioning”.
Indian Act
Section 30, 31	Trespassing: A person who trespasses on a reserve is guilty of an office and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or both.The Attorney General of Canada “may exhibit an information in the Federal Court claiming on behalf of the Indian or band [who alleges others are trespassing], the relief or remedy sought.”
Section 31	Attorney General Seeks relief or remedy by “exhibit an information in Federal Court” when an Indian or band alleges that persons other than Indians have been trespassing.

The above-mentioned measures related road use restrictions are also recommended to be reviewed within the context of Canada’s United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act through the following Articles:

Article 18 “right to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights”;
Article 19 “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous Peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them”;
Article 26.1 “right to land, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired” and Article 26.3 “States shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources”;
Article 29 “Indigenous Peoples have the right to the conservation and protection of the environment and the productive capacity of their lands or territories and resources. States shall establish and implement assistance programmes for Indigenous Peoples for such conservation and protection, without discrimination”;
Article 32.1 “Indigenous Peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and other resources” and Article 32.2 “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous Peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources”; and
Article 37 “Indigenous Peoples have the right to the recognition, observance and enforcement of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements concluded with States honour and respect such treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.”
Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations communities have also suggested the implementation of road tolls.

Develop Plans for First Nations’ Shared Stewardship of Lands

Approximately 135 ha of the Project Footprint overlaps with Zone #3 Shared Area with Marten Falls and Neskantaga First Nations. Road construction and road use in Zone #3 is not identified as a permitted or prohibited activity. As stated in the CBLUP “Webequie First Nation has chosen not to advance planning direction for the area at this stage pending further discussion between the three communities. Time is required to continue to build and understanding of each community’s planning process, a common understanding of land use direction for the shared area and how all communities’ values and interests will be respected” (Webequie First Nation, 2019). If the CBLUP is not finalized, an alternative process to create a land use plan under the Section 12 of the Public Lands Act (Table 16‑46) can be developed.

16.2.2 Change to Commercial/Industrial Activities

Utilize Provincial Tools to Manage Increase and Decrease Mining Claims

Road construction and supportive infrastructure will reduce the number and/or area of mining claims/tenure, which is undesirable for the mining sector. Some of the supportive infrastructure, such temporary construction camps, will be decommissioned and restored to allow the natural environment to return to baseline conditions and therefore physical access for mining activities such as exploration will be available.

However, the WSR ROW will continue to affect mining claims and land tenure into the operations phase which will impede exploration activities and mining development. The selected proponent contractor may consider coordination of exploratory mining activities during the construction phase. During the operations phase of the Project, the affected mining claims and tenure may require compensation following Section 79 of the Mining Act.

The EA/IA examines the effects of the Project on First Nations interests, who have different perspectives on mining within their territories. During operations phase road use may increase or indirectly facilitate the increase in mining claims and mineral exploration activities, as it provides convenient access into remote territories. Access to use the WSR, and any road restrictions on are unknown and will consider mitigation in Section 16.4.1 Changes to Land Use Planning and Stewardship.

First Nations in the RSA have indicated they are overwhelmed by the volume of mining claims requiring community consultation, participation and technical review. Some First Nations in the RSA have initiated a notice of application with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice regarding the ease of registering and starting the mining sequence. A one-year moratorium on mining claims was also requested in early 2024 (McIntosh, 2024). The impacts of the volume of mining claims also affect First Nations ability to be stewards of their lands (Ross, 2024). Initiatives to find efficiencies or provide support required for First Nations to fully participate in the mining sequence or its administration has not been shared or publicly announced.

Methods that may be used to reduce or minimize potential increases of mining claims as result of the Project under sections of the Mining Act include the following:

Section 30, which states no claim shall be registered on any land where the MTO requires land for waterpower development or highway; that is within 45 m of a cemetery or burial ground, or is located in the Far North where a CBLUP has “designated the lands for a use inconsistent with mineral exploration and development”;
Section 31 prohibits the registration of mining claims or mineral interests or working of mines in a provincial park and conservation reserve;
Section 34 requires 45 m buffer from the road to mining activities unless consent from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is provided. It is recommended to not provide consent as this places a temporary or interim approach that is feasible for construction and operations and maintenance phases. The road must be maintained by the Ministry of Transportation;
Section 35 provides ministerial ability to withdraw lands from mining and can consider the WSR as an operating public highway which is consistent with land use designation made under the Far North (such as a CBLUP);
Section 40 provides authority to the Crown to reserve lands from claims that border water, has a road (owned or maintained by MTO) for surface rights on unpatented mining claims;
Section 80 allows the Tribunal or recorder to reduce the size of the mining claim to a sufficient size for exploration and development; and
Section 182 (4) states that “mining rights in, on or under all common and public highways and road allowances are vested in the Crown, and may be sold, leased or otherwise disposed of under this Act.”

Some First Nations have announced that they are not opposed to the economic benefits from the mining industry and want to be involved and included in future developments. There is no mechanism in the Mining Act to allow for the deeper involvement of First Nations in the mining sector (Ministry of Mines, 2021).

The Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan, along with the Action Plan, and Strategy, have been recently put forward by the federal government to “to promote sustainable resource development and to build and maintain a pipeline of projects” which includes “advancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples” as one of the six strategic directions (Mines Canada, 2024). Examples include procurement and business development support to secure contracts. The environment is another strategic direction to develop “tomorrow’s low-footprint mines and responsibly manag[e] the legacy of past activities” which envisions circular economy of mine waste, enhancements to mine closure plans and “systemic climate change adaption planning” (Mines Canada, 2024b). Some highlights include:

Accelerate efforts to develop and adopt alternative, renewable, and clean energy sources, particularly for northern, remote, and isolated communities that rely on diesel, and including the feasibility of small modular reactors (SMRs) in mining operations; and
Collaborate to recommend best practices for reclaiming mine sites regarding ecosystem rehabilitation plans and improved financial assurance measures for new mines.

In addition to advancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples and the environment, the other four strategic directions of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan include communities; global leadership; science, technology and innovation; and economic development and competitiveness. Ontario is not a signatory for this plan but continues to work collaboratively with the federal government.

The past experiences of mining companies operating in northern Ontario have been “exploitive and ultimately non-beneficial to Indigenous groups” which has left communities “untrusting of development and nervous for the effectiveness of mitigation related to potential environmental contamination and pollution” (Marten Falls First Nation, 2024). Weenusk First Nation proposes working with other First Nations to develop mitigation measures and monitoring programs that are comprehensive and involve community members participation (Weenusk First Nation, 2023).

The above-mentioned measures should also be considered in context of Canada’s United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act through the following Articles:

Article 18 “right to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights”;
Article 19 “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous Peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them”;
Article 26.1 “right to land, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired” and Article 26.3 “States shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources”;
Article 29 “Indigenous Peoples have the right to the conservation and protection of the environment and the productive capacity of their lands or territories and resources. States shall establish and implement assistance programmes for Indigenous Peoples for such conservation and protection, without discrimination”;
Article 32.1 “Indigenous Peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and other resources” and Article 32.2 “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous Peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources”; and
Article 37 “Indigenous Peoples have the right to the recognition, observance and enforcement of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements concluded with States honour and respect such treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.”

WSR road use may provide improved access to lands which may potentially increase mining claims. News outlets have reported the increase of mining claims in the Ring of Fire Area from 2022 to 2023. First Nations communities in the Ring of Fire area have shared their concerns about the ability to participate in the increasing number of mining applications, which is overwhelming. Mitigations to implement road restrictions in Section 16.4.1 (Changes to Land Use Planning and Stewardship), may also be effective against potential increase in mining claims during the operations phase. However, the relative ease of the MLAS as a free or open entry to lands and access to the lands through air services may continue to increase or overwhelm First Nation communities’ participation in mining claims regardless of WSR road use restrictions.

The notice of application to the Superior Court of Justice on the application of the Mining Act which “breaches” treaty rights and UNDRIP “argues [that] Ontario’s free-entry mining system – which allows prospectors to stake, or record, claims online for a fee – doesn’t allow First Nations to be properly consulted about exploration activities on their lands. It seeks changes to the act that would ensure treaty and constitutional rights are upheld” (Law, 2024). It is unknown when the legal outcome of this application will be issued and if so, to what effect it will have on the Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS). Until then, MLAS will continue to operate and facilitate efforts to increase mining claims, to the detriment of some First Nations communities in the RSA.

First Nations Consent and Consultation for Use of Aggregates

The use of aggregate for the WSR is a concern as aggregate sites located close to the community could be used for community improvement purposes. it could be used for Webequie as some community members are (Webequie First Nation, 2019).

The construction and use of ARA-4 and ARA-2 will decrease the number and area of existing aggregate sites. These sites were reviewed for technical feasibility with First Nations engagement and review. ARA-4 is located within the Webequie First Nations reserve and the proponent’s selected contractor will comply with Section 93 of the Indian Act and federal guidelines in Section 16.4.1 Changes to Land Use Planning and Stewardship. The federal guidelines require consent of the First Nation to extract aggregate from the reserve, which, if received from Webequie First Nation, will accept the reduction of aggregate.

ARA-2 is located on Crown land and the Minister “will consider whether adequate consultation with Aboriginal communities has been carried out before exercising any power under this Act relating to licenses or permits that has the potential to adversely affect established or credibly asserted Aboriginal or treaty rights” (Government of Ontario, 1990). Webequie has indicated concern that aggregate should be used for community purposes. The proponent’s contractor may consider alternative aggregate source options in consultation with First Nations and following the requirements to obtain an aggregate permit from the MNR.

Road Maintenance to Minimize Potential ARA-4 Expansion

The use of aggregate through the operations phase is required for maintenance of the WSR and remedy potholes, dents, distortions such as bumps or depressions, washboarding or rippling, and soft areas (refer to Section 4.4.3.1.4). ARA-4 will be used during the operations phase for road maintenance and may be “routinely extracted and processed” although the potential size of expansion is unknown. The following suggestions to minimize the need for aggregate include:

Regular inspections so maintenance can address issues before they evolve into larger potholes;
Regular maintenance of drainage to maintain a clear path for water runoff to minimize the effects of water during the freeze-thaw cycle; and
Driver reporting system to support inspection and maintenance program (Barnes, 2024).
Progressive rehabilitation of ARA-4 includes adequate vegetation to control erosion of topsoil or overburden, adequate drainage, ensuring slopes are stable. Mitigation during the operations phase will include further consultation and consent from Webequie First Nation in accordance with federal requirements indicated above (First Nations Consent and Consultation for Use of Aggregates).

16.2.3 Changes to Recreation and Tourism

First Nation Engagement and Consultation to Develop Recreation Facilities and Waterway Access/Navigation

Road construction will impact one known recreational camp site in the Project Footprint, and WSR road and waterbody construction may reduce or restrict waterway access or navigation and land-based travel routes. Further engagement and consultation with First Nations is proposed to confirm the location of the camp and its current use, including opportunities to avoid impacts to the structure in future development stages of the Project during detail design.

Trees removed as part of the construction activities for the Project will be “salvaged for community use by Webequie First Nation, where feasible, or in accordance with Ministry of Natural Resources permits” (Section 4.4.2.2 Vegetation Clearing and Grubbing). The removed trees may be used to build recreational structures for use by Webequie community members. One of the Elders in the Webequie IKLRU noted that “in the 1980s, people used to work together to build a cabin. They recalled one cabin that was built by a team of nine community members has since become the family’s ‘headquarters.’ They added: ‘You know, you find that missing because nowadays, when you build a cabin, nobody comes to help you. But back then, it was the whole family” (Stantec, 2024). A solution for any removed recreational structures is to build new ones with the salvaged wood, it may improve the “willingness to participate in traditional activities and group events [since they] have changed over the years” (Stantec, 2024). Project Team members have noted that to construct homes, the lumber needs to be planed and stamped so it can be used safely and confirm with standards for construction purposes. Adequate facilities for stored lumber may be required. Building a community sawmill has been identified in the CCP as a minor capital project in the economic development goal (Webequie First Nation, 2023).

Engagement and notification with First Nations communities in the LSA and RSA will be undertaken in subsequent design stages of the Project and during the construction and operations phases to share details on the works in navigable waterways. The Canadian Navigable Waters Act supports and affirms the rights of First Nations under Section 35 of the Constitution Act to navigate waterways. The Project’s installation of waterbody crossings may interrupt the navigation of waterways by dewatering activities. Consultation is a required component to receive approvals from Transport Canada to “build, alter, or remove a work (structure) that is in, on, over, under, through or across any navigable water” (Government of Canada, 2024 & 2025). Minor works under the Act include temporary works, erosion-protection, and watercourse crossings (Government of Canada, 2025) and major works include bridges and causeways (Government of Canada, 2025). Eight waterbody crossings have been designed to accommodate small watercraft, based on First Nation engagement and 14 waterway travel routes that overlap the WSR may benefit from further engagement and consultation to refine design of the crossing structures.

Advanced notification and engagement will also be conducted to optimize the scheduling or coordination related to construction work for waterbody crossings and repair and maintenance activities during the operations phase of the Project. Notification will target First Nations land users and recreational programs, such as Choose Life program, that run trips on the land. These coordination efforts will also be undertaken prior to the construction of the road at the nine identified land-based travel routes to minimize potential impacts to land users. The proponent’s contractor will also consider or facilitate land users through construction zones prior to and during the construction phase. Communications to inform community members and programs of construction related impacts will be undertaken by establishing a Community Construction Committee with selected representation from the contractor and community members. Communications may include notices and signage that are posted in advance and provide detours, scheduling and other directions for the safe navigation of waterbodies.

Further involvement in the detail design of waterbody crossings in future development stages of the Project are proposed to provide opportunity for inclusion of Indigenous art, material treatments, and community showcases at waterbody crossing structures. These recommended actions may also provide an opportunity for youth to be recognized as participants and provide a canvas for expression during a period of change in the community.

Manage Remoteness and “Outsiders” Access and Potential Impact on Fish and Wildlife Resources with Tourism and CBLUP Plans (Supports Section 16.4.1 Shared Stewardship of Lands)

The Project’s employment during the construction and operations phase, and access by non-Indigenous or tourists during operations, along with potential connection of the WSR with other road networks if access is unrestricted, were assessed to have negligible potential effects on fish and wildlife resources (Sections 16.3.3.1.3, 16.3.3.1.8, and 16.3.3.1.9). However, Webequie First Nation has a “strong interest to pursue additional community owned and operated tourism establishments” (Webequie First Nation, 2019) while the community has also shared concern of “outsiders” access to the territory. The draft CBLUP includes new commercial tourism in all land use zones (except Zone #3). Tourism is included in the CBLUP TORs of Webequie, Marten Falls, Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang, Wawakapewin, Constance Lake, Kashechewan and Weenusk First Nations. This mitigation also supports and complements the Development of Plans for First Nations’ Shared Stewardship of Lands in Section 16.4.1. Road ownership and operations are unknown and may include restrictions that will be determined in future stages of the Project’s development.

The development of a First Nations tourism plan can consider the following from Burkhardt and Lawson (2005):

Protection of resource-based and remote-based opportunities as “remoteness is a quantifiable economic value that can and should be managed”;
Use tourism principles and best practices for Aboriginal tourism; and
Track detailed tourism value inventories to map integral components of land use planning.
Burkhard and Lawson also note Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation that First Nations must be “active agents in the tourism industry, have control over tourism initiatives, become successful partners with governments or industry, and take part in the decision-making process and policy-making regarding tourism.” He recommends improving First Nations capacity building, networking, partnerships to create sustainable businesses. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada has an Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund to “invest in infrastructure, human resources and development and marking projects” (ITDF, 2023). Indigenous Tourism Ontario also has a fund from federal programs for program, product development, infrastructure enhancement and workforce development (ITO, 2022).
Community members from Webequie and Marten Falls First Nation have suggested consideration of a road toll, which could be included in a tourism or economic development plan.

First Nation Consultation on WSR Design Features for Access to Land-Based Travel Routes

The Project overlaps with and will impact nine land-based travel routes. There are no intersections currently planned for pedestrian crossings. From the socio-economic survey, respondents indicated concern for women, youth, Elders and overall road safety. A third of respondents also indicated concern for pedestrian safety, road/street maintenance, lack of stop signs, insufficient lighting, speed limit enforcement and wildlife collisions. The current preliminary design for the WSR meets all provincial roadside safety standards to protect the public and road users. The proponent in future development stages, during the detail design for the WSR, will consult with First Nations on the traffic safety measures and opportunities to enhance the safety of people on-foot at the land-based travel routes that intersect the road, and other areas of concern, where applicable.
Mitigation measures from Section 12 (Assessment of Effects on Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat) may also support overall safety for the WSR with existing travel routes including the use of signage, speed reduction, maintaining safe line of site for drivers, and managing roadside vegetation.

First Nations Monitoring During Construction of Waterbody Crossings

There may be a negative perception during the Project’s construction phase that the installation of waterbody crossings may reduce the availability of fish. The Project’s predicted net effects on fish and fish habitat were determined to be not significant (refer to Section 10.6.2). First Nations on-site environment monitors are proposed during construction to observe, track and report on any impacts to surface water and fish and fish habitat, and that mitigations are implemented and effective.

Improved Access to Employment Opportunities to Increase Recreation Activities and Users

Webequie is hopeful that the Project will improve prices for food and gas, increase employment and business opportunities and lead to greater community involvement overall (Section 15.2.2.2 Overall Economy)

The construction and operation phases will increase access to employment opportunities which may increase employment income for many First Nations community members. Road use will provide access to employment opportunities in the Ring of Fire area. This increased employment income can be used to cover the expensive costs of living in a remote community, which include getting out onto the land. Indigenous people experience barriers to employment, which require employment policies to address and remove these barriers. This may enhance the positive effect of the Project and may increase the number of recreational activities or users.

The mitigation and enhancement measures to address barriers to employment are described in Section 15 – Assessment of Effects on the Economic Environment. In addition, time away from work is also important in employment for Indigenous People as “[f]lexible holidays: [that] allow employees to take off days for traditional cultural practices such as hunting, fishing or traditional celebrations” (Douglas, 2023). Connecting with and getting out onto the land may require as much as one day to access the land, as Webequie’s Three-Tier Model is based on a day’s walk (40-50 km). The time to access recreational activities and get out onto the land may compete with other duties and responsibilities such as work schedule, family and community roles and responsibilities, and “invisible” work for women as they often bear unpaid caregiving.

The Webequie CCP also encourages youth to get out onto the land. Targeted employment would support the potential for this positive benefit of the Project to be realized for youth, who are encouraged to participate in recreation. The removal of employment barriers by the proponent’s selected contractor and for developments in the Ring of Fire area would also support an increase in the number of recreational activities or users, as 47% of the socio-economic survey respondents experienced barriers related to education or training, 43% experience childcare, and 30% experienced barriers around traditional practices such as hunting. Youth indicated barriers to employment as childcare (34%), lack of education or training (34%), lack of drivers’ license (24%) and addictions treatment (19%). Approximately 62% of Marten Falls respondents and 9% of Weenusk First Nations responds to the socio-economic survey indicated driver’s licenses as barriers to employment.

Youth respondents in the socio-economic survey indicated their interest in the following areas of employment for the WSR: road maintenance (60%), heavy equipment operator (60%), education (60%), health (55%), labourer (52%), food services (50%), economic development (47%), and environmental monitoring (42%). The survey respondents also showed interest in potential mining employment positions in food services (18%), administration (17%), mine operations (12%), labour (12%) and trades (11%).

Difficulty in obtaining a driver’s license in remote communities was identified in the socio-economic survey results and the Draft Technical Backgrounder report (IBI and Hemson, 2016). The Draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario includes this challenge as one of the priorities to address in remote communities.

Accommodate traditional practices and community/family obligations. Indigenous employees may prefer work schedules that allow them to fulfill community obligations and participate in traditional activities, such as hunting/fishing. This flexibility can build trust and loyalty. (MacLaine, C. et al., Conference Board of Canada, 2019)

Employment in the Project’s construction and operation phases that respect cultural practices will also benefit access to recreation. Further employment benefits are included in the Community Readiness Plan (Appendix N).

Reduce Recreation Costs to Increase Participation

Today we depend on mechanized travel and modern technology to get to our natural environment for cultural nourishment. Transportation, fuel and equipment to maintain this way of life is very expensive and adds to the high costs of living in our remote northern setting. (Webequie First Nation, 2019)

Gas is commonly cited as a costly expense that affects the ability to get out onto the land and participate in recreational activities or cultural pursuits. The energy transition away from fuel in northern Ontario includes a number of initiatives that could contribute to potential enhancement of affording recreational expenses, or way of life overall, including:

Wah-ila-toos Initiative Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities which facilitates and administers programs and initiatives to change the supply, delivery and use of energy and power in Indigenous Communities:
Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) for community-led clean energy projects;
Indigenous Clean Energy programs to build capacity in clean energy leadership, scale up energy efficiency efforts, explore careers for youth in clean energy, mentorship and accelerate the implementation of electric vehicle charging stations in Indigenous communities;
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities funded projects in or near northern Ontario include:
Capacity building “community energy champions” by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO);
Community skills and capacity pursuits in renewal energy projects in their communities which include a career mentorship for youth by Matawa First Nations Management;
Installation of biomass heating systems in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and Pikangikum First Nations with Askii Environmental;
Replacement of woodstove heating with high efficiency stoves to lower demand on communities’ electrical supply by Nishnawbe Aski Nation; and
Hydro One and IESO studies on supplying electrical power Matawa First Nations communities and to “unlock potential” in the Ring of Fire as an Integrated Regional Resource Plan (the 2023 Northwest Ontario IRRP) which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 (Hydro One, 2024).

16.2.4 Change to Transportation

Coordinate Transportation Technical Working Group for Increased Road and Air Traffic

During the construction phase, the coordination of the Project’s needs for transportation and mobilization of equipment, materials and supplies is proposed to be fastidiously coordinated. The transport and mobilization of equipment and supplies to the Project site will increase the traffic on existing roads including the Webequie Winter Road corridor and provincial highway, such as Highway 599. The Webequie Winter Road corridor is the more affordable transportation mode (compared to air) to serve Webequie and is “extremely vulnerable” to climate change (Zhang et al., 2024). This could result in a short or shorter season of service, delays to the proponent’s contractor schedule, and damage or loss of equipment and supplies, which the proponent may wish to avoid or have a plan that can quickly adapt to these adverse changes, such as reduction in vehicle loads or utilizing air services. Air services are also anticipated to increase to supply equipment and materials for the Project’s transport and mobilization activities, and as workers fly‑in/fly-out of their communities during the construction phase. Workers arriving at the Webequie Airport will be transported by air to the construction site.

A Technical Working Group is recommended to develop a detailed coordination plan to optimize the transportation and mobilization of the Project’s equipment and supplies, and to identify strategies that can adapt to changes in planning efforts of the proponent’s construction contractor. Members in the working group should include representatives from the Indigenous communities (including Nibinamik, Neskantaga and Eabametoong First Nations as they share the Winter Road corridor), public and private sector companies involved in the supply chain or acting as construction subcontractors, such as trucking, and air transportation. It will also need to include provincial representatives in winter road programming and airport operations and federal representatives in airport safety and asset management. Details related to the plan for transportation and mobilization of equipment and supplies to the Project site will be included as part of the proponent’s Traffic Management Plan to be developed prior to construction. The Traffic Management Plan will be coordinated with Webequie First Nation and other Indigenous communities and will be developed in future stages of the Project.

The establishment of the Technical Working Group is recommended for the following reasons:

Webequie is a fly-in/fly-out remote community;
“Average temperatures are rising more quickly in the North than in the rest of Ontario” (MMAH, 2023);
The Webequie Winter Road Corridor has been identified as “extremely vulnerable” (Zhang et al., 2024);
Between 2013 and 2024, the Webequie Road Corridor had under 30-days of four out of the 10 recent years, which would not meet the “30-day minimum operating threshold for full vehicle weight capacity” (Zhang et al, 2024); and
The winter road network is a “vital transportation link” to provide essential goods and services at a more affordable option compared air transportation (NAN, 2024).

Webequie Community and Winter Roads Improvements for Increased Traffic on Existing Roads

During the operations phase, access to employment opportunities in the Ring of Fire area and associated potential increase in income may result in higher traffic on existing roads as income can be used to afford vehicles and fuel. Webequie community members may increase their road use on local roads in the community and may also drive to other communities on the Webequie Winter Road corridor. In addition, deliveries of supplies and equipment during the operations phase of the Project will also use the Webequie Winter Road corridor.

Recommendations from the 2014 capital planning study (AECOM, 2014) for Webequie First Nation highlighted the following improvements for local roads in the reserve:

“Drainage is extremely important due to the groundwater and soil conditions, and their response to frost action. All roads must have adequate drainage. Subgrades should be sloped at 3% towards ditches. Ditches should extend at lease 0.5 below all subgrades and culverts provided to prevent any ponding”;
Site drainage recommendations:
Excavate accumulated sediments to original contours and vegetation for positive drainage;
Reshape side slopes;
Stabilize banks;
Install ditch culverts under driveways;
Install missing roadway culverts;
Regrade property lots with drainage issues;
Reshape drainage swale;
Repair existing road structures to keep ditches in good condition
Gravel road recommendations including:
Reshape driving surface and shoulders;
Compact finished surface;
Reshape entire roadway cross section including subgrade;
Raise roadway; and
Maintain minimal ditch on both side of the road to eliminate ponding.

To mitigate and manage the potential increase in traffic the following issues and recommendations identified in the 2016 Draft Technical Backgrounder report (IBI & Hemson) for winter roads across northern Ontario should be considered by the proponent during the construction and operations phases of the Project. The mobilization of construction equipment is anticipated to use the Webequie Winter Road as it is the affordable option compared to air services. This will increase traffic along a route that is “extremely vulnerable” to climate change (Zhang et al., 2024). Suggestions from the 2016 Technical Backgrounder report include the following:

Establish standards, training and support for communities to lead the construction of “higher quality” winter roads;
Road inspection to meet standards and reduce “inconsistency in road quality” such as road widths, so vehicles travelling in opposite directions have sufficient room to pass;
Carry out off-season improvements such as large rock removal, slope levelling, installation of permanent bridges to “substantially improve” the construction and operation of winter roads and reduce the time rushed to build the road to get it operational;
Develop signage standards as signs along the winter roads “often lacking or inadequate, and tends not to include Indigenous languages”;
Traffic enforcement for the safety of winter roads, such as facilitating access to driver’s licenses, traffic enforcement, which was noted as “sporadic”, to address speeding, and using winter roads before or after official opening and closing dates;
Changes to the funding model (including disbursement schedule and amount of funds as programming has not matched rate of inflation (NAN, 2024)) to support communities who have difficult water crossings and related challenges;
Develop rest areas to support drivers, as there are “long stretches of road without communities or facilities to rest, and there can be issues of driver fatigue”; and
Provide communications services, such as mobile phone coverage and real-time information sharing for emergencies (NAN has consolidated a webpage with winter road status with the most up to date information).
These above-mentioned recommendations are further supported by the 2023 Northern Roads Summit and the 2024 Northern Ontario transportation task force final recommendations (see next mitigation below, Traffic Safety on Provincial Highways). The summit also recommended the establishment of a First Nations-led Road agency, to administer strategic plans, advocate for funding, permits (which is “fragmented and complex”), standards, as well as identify vulnerabilities of the transportation systems based on a “comprehensive assessment that includes climate change and other stressors” (NAN, 2024).

The Webequie Winter Road System is extremely vulnerable to climate change and changes to the winter road program has been identified at recent conferences and task forces. Remote First Nations communities “depend critically on winter road shipments of large volumes of diesel fuel for the community diesel generation facilities that [power] schools, health care clinics, band offices, homes and businesses throughout the year. Reliability of delivery of these supplies is essential to the well-being of remote communities.” (IBI & Hemson, 2016).

The draft transportation plan for northern Ontario, “Connecting the North” also supports these mitigations and specifically includes the following actions that apply to improvements of Winter Roads:
Explore expanding of winter road inspection and oversight such as radar to monitor ice thickness for safe and predictable travel;
Create a training program for winter road builders to share construction and maintenance practices;
Support OPP and NAN Police to monitor winter roads; and
Explore potential of new and emerging freight transportation technologies to improve the transportation of cargo to remote communities and help address the challenges of transporting goods over winter roads.

Provincial Highway Improvements for Increased Traffic on Existing Roads

Provincial highways in the RSA may see a minor increase in traffic during the operations phase of the Project but also during construction for the transport and mobilization of supplies and equipment. The following findings and recommendations to be implemented by others from the 2024 Final Report of the Northern Ontario Transportation Task Force may help to improve safety and reduce traffic (MTO, 2024):

Traffic safety:
- Improved road signage and use of live or real-time road information systems to better manage traffic flows;
- Fund additional MTO inspectors along provincial highways and northern Ontario corridors; and
- Expand broadband service across northern Ontario road network and work with municipalities and Indigenous communities to explore partnerships to deploy emerging transportation technologies.
Road Maintenance:
- Adopt minimum highway maintenance standards on highways 11 and 17 and improve maintenance along extensions of the provincial highway network including the Ontario Resource Trail Road (NORT Road) beyond Pickle Lake to the winter road network.
Reduce traffic:
- Improve and expand rail freight in northern Ontario to reduce truck volumes on highways.
Capital improvements and planning:
- Advance new road widening projects;
- Install turning lanes and clover leaf interchanges along provincial highways; and
- Install snow fencing in strategic locations along Highways 11 and 17.
Commercial truck driver standards:
- Driver training for drivers after collisions; and
- Improve training requirements with more oversight to training providers, develop specialized training for northern Ontario challenges, require in-vehicle driving training in northern Ontario and night driving.
The draft transportation plan for Northern Ontario, “Connecting the North,” includes the following relevant actions (MOT, 2020) which complement the mitigation measures for provincial highways that complement the above-mentioned mitigation measures associated with increased traffic due to Project transport and mobilization:
Increase availability of near real time information including highway conditions, accidents, road and weather conditions and construction activities to make informed travel decisions;
Proactive use of anti-icing liquids before storms;
Improve safety on Highway 11 and 17 in the winter with a pilot project to determine maintenance standard improvements;
Continue to invest in commercial motor vehicle inspection facilities;
Review passing lane needs where the network is two-lanes;
Improve broadband to improve access for rural, remote and northern communities; and
Fund long-term maintenance of Pickle Lake Northern Ontario Resource Transportation Road extension (NORT) from its endpoint to North Caribou Lake First Nation.

Airport and Air Transportation Services Improvements for Increased Air Traffic/Demands

During the construction and operations phase, the Project may increase the demand for air services. The transport of WSR construction equipment and supplies are anticipated to have 52 flights in the first season of construction and 26 flights for each following construction season. Workers from RSA communities will also use air services to Webequie Airport and then to the construction site. The supply of road maintenance equipment and supplies during the operations phase may also increase demand for air services at Webequie Airport. The use of the airport may also increase if the proponent’s contractor determine the use of air services to avoid challenges associated with the winter road corridor and climate change.

The increase in air traffic and demand may potentially impact the community of Webequie’s use of these services for deliveries of goods and access to services such as healthcare. In response to an increase in demand, air services may modify or increase service frequency or use larger aircraft. The Webequie First Nation Airport Redevelopment Plan (WSP, 2016) included the following proposed changes to manage potential increase in demand and efficiency in the operations for air transportation service in Webequie:

Runway length extension to 4,100 feet;
Runway End Safety Areas (RESA);
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS);
GPS-based RNAV (GNSS) approaches to “increase the usability of the Airport, by reducing the ceiling and visibility minimums required for safe operations”;
Separate aprons for passengers, cargo and helicopters;
A new terminal facility – office accommodations for two carriers, dedicated area for baggage/light cargo, spare multi-purpose room that can be used as a rest area for Elders or medical patients, inbound passenger screening area to search for contraband;
Cargo expansion including future warehouse facility to store equipment and offload cargo of 4,000 square feet and road intersection improvements; and
Commercial areas associated with the economic opportunities of development of the Ring of Fire, which could include fuel drums, hangar facilities, administration/accommodation building.

Regarding managing demands for air transportation services in remote areas of the province, the 2024 Northern Ontario Transportation Task Force Final Report (MTO, 2024) included the following recommendations for remote airports:

Federal review of funding models to “ensure adequate financial support for both airport and air service providers” and contribute to increased capital and operating costs of remote airports in northern Ontario;
Extend runway lengths to increase airport capacity which will allow access by larger planes and will improve goods movement and reduce cargo costs;
Improve retention of airport staff; and
Assess gaps in Automated Weather Observation Stations.

Additional mitigation measures to address the potential increase in demand for air services include:

Review and determine opportunities and changes following the Remote Air Services Program (RASP) (Government of Canada, 2023); and
Develop relevant policies for air services in northern communities, as they are “of a commercial nature and determined by supply and demand” (Barros et al., 2023);

The draft transportation plan for northern Ontario, “Connecting the North” also supports these mitigations including the continued investment in remote airports to “ensure they remain in good operating condition” for the goal of reliable travel options for remote and Far North communities.

16.2.5 Summary

Table 16‑47 identifies key mitigation measures to eliminate, reduce potential adverse effects or enhance positive effects of the Project. Further measures are be provided in the CRP (Appendix N), Appendix E (Mitigation Measures), as well as the CEMP and OEMP to be developed and implemented for the Project.

Table 16‑47: Summary of Potential Effects, Mitigation Measures and Predicted Net Effects for Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs

VC / VC Sub-component	Indicators	Project Phase Construction (C) Operations (O)	Project Component or Activity	Potential Effect	Mitigation Measures	Predicted Net Effect
Land Use	Compatibility with existing and proposed land use policies and stewardship.	C, O	Construction and use of supportive infrastructure.Road use.Construction of WSR.	Incompatibility with federal legislation and guidance for the removal of aggregate from reserve.Road use may allow trespasser access into reserve.Unknown compatibility with shared land use stewardship areas with other First Nations.	Minister’s (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada) written permission and consent of First Nation to remove aggregate from reserve.Use federal and/or provincial policy instruments to restrict potential access for trespassers to comply with federal legislation.Complete CBLUPs to resolve concerns in area shared with First Nations to support Indigenous stewardship of lands.	No
Commercial and Industrial	Changes to location, number, area of commercial and industrial activities.	C, O	Construction of road.Road use.Construction and use of supportive infrastructure.Operations of pits/quarries.	Decrease in number or area of mining claims and tenure.Potential increase in mining claims.Decrease in number or area of aggregate sources.	Decommission and restoration of temporary supportive infrastructure to return areas of mining claims to holders.Utilize Mining Act instruments to minimize potential increase in mining claims (road restrictions identified in Land Use and Stewardship to reduce potential increase of mining claims).Receive consent of First Nation per federal legislation for the removal of aggregate from reserve. Regular road maintenance to minimize potential of aggregate expansion during operations phase.	No
Recreation and Tourism	Changes to location, number, type of recreation and tourism activities or users.Changes to access for land and waterway use.Changes to resource availability of fish or wildlife) and/or their habitat.	C, O	Construction of WSR.Installation of Waterbody Crossings Structures. Road Use.Employment and Expenditures.	Decrease number or location of recreational or tourism activities.Increase number of recreational activities or users.Reduction of waterway access or navigation.Reduction to land-based travel routesReduction in availability of fish and wildlife resources.	First Nation engagement and consultation in subsequent stages of project for impact to recreational/land user camp site, use of removed trees for new recreational facilities, for compliance with navigable waterways access, coordination with recreation programs and land users for waterway travel route access.Establish community construction committee to notify, update and coordinate with selected contractor on impacts to existing travel routes.Determine opportunities for public art on waterbody crossings to as waterbody crossings impact waterway travel routes.Develop tourism plan to support CBLUP, stewardship of shared lands with other First Nations to manage remoteness and “outsiders” potential impact on fish and wildlife resources. Engagement and consultation with First Nations in subsequent stages of the Project on WSR design features and safety measures at land-based travel routes. First Nations representatives monitoring of waterbody crossings to minimize impacts on fish and fish habitat.Project employment that respects cultural needs, removes barriers for Indigenous peoples, and is targeted to youth, to enhance Project beneficial effects that may increase recreational activities and users.Transition to renewable energy to enhance the Project’s benefits of employment opportunities and income to reduce recreational supplies (fuel/diesel) costs and increase recreational activities and users.	Yes (net benefit)
Transportation	Road transportation: Change in traffic volume (autos, trucks) on existing road connection (winter) to provincial road network.Change in opportunities for travel and road use (captured in recreation and tourism VC sub-component). Air transportation: Demand for air and shipping services.	C, O	Transport and mobilization.Employment and Expenditure. Road use.Operations, maintenance and repair of road.	Increased traffic on existing road including winter roads and provincial network.Increased demand for air transportation services.	Establish Technical Working Group to coordinate transport and mobilization of supplies that will increase air and road traffic. Implement improvements for Webequie community roads for increased road traffic and Webequie workers to construction site. Implement improvements for winter roads for the increased road traffic. Implement airport and air service improvements (including airport redevelopment) to manage increasing demand for air services.	Yes

16.3 Characterization of Net Effects

Net effects are defined as the effects of the Project that remain after application of proposed mitigation measures. The effects assessment follows the general process described in Section 5 – Environmental Assessment / Impact Assessment Approach. The focus of the effects assessment is on predicted net effects, which are the effects that remain after application of proposed mitigation measures. Potential effects with no predicted net effect after implementation of mitigation measures are not carried forward to the net effects characterization or the cumulative effects assessment.

Table 16‑48 presents definitions for net effects criteria, developed with specific reference to Non-Traditional Land and Resources Use VC. These criteria are considered together in the assessment, along with context derived from existing conditions and proposed mitigation measures, to characterize predicted net effects from the Project on the Non‑Traditional Land and Resources Use VC.

Table 16‑48: Criteria for Characterization of Predicted Net Effects on Land and Resource Use VC

Characterization Criteria	Description	Quantitative Measure or Definition of Qualitative Categories
Direction	Direction relates to the value of the effect in relation to the existing conditions.	Positive – net gain or benefit; effect is desirable. Neutral – no change compared with baseline conditions and trends. Negative – net loss or adverse effect; effect is undesirable.
Magnitude	Magnitude is the amount of change in measurable parameters or the VC relative to existing conditions.	Negligible – no measurable change. Low – net effect may be measurable but represents a small change relative to existing conditions. Moderate – net effect is measurable but represents a moderate change relative to existing conditions. High – net effect is measurable to a high degree of change relative to existing conditions.
Geographic Extent	Geographic extent refers to the spatial area over which a net effect is expected to occur or can be detected within the Project Footprint, Local Study Area and Regional Study Area.	Project Footprint – the effect is confined to the Project Footprint. Local Study Area – the effect is confined to the Local Study Area. Regional Study Area – the effect extends beyond the Local Study Area boundary but is confined within the Regional Study Area.
Timing	Timing criteria indicate the timing (e.g., dates or seasons) importance of the net effect.	Not time sensitive– the net effect is not sensitive to the timing of a Project phase and/or specific Project activity. Time sensitive – the net effect is sensitive to the timing of a Project phase and/or specific Project activity.
Duration	Duration is the period of time required until the measurable indicators or the VC returns to its existing (baseline) condition, or the net effect can no longer be measured or otherwise perceived.	Short Term – net effect restricted to no more than the duration of the construction phase (approximately 5 years). Medium Term – net effect extends through the Operations Phase of the Project (75-year life cycle). Long Term – net effect extends beyond the Operations Phase (greater than 75 years). Permanent – recovery to baseline conditions unlikely.
Frequency	Frequency refers to the rate of occurrence of an effect over the duration of the Project or in a specific phase.	Infrequent – the effect is expected to occur rarely. Intermittent – the effect is expected to occur intermittently. Continuous – the effect is expected to occur continually.
Context	Context considers sensitivity and resilience of the VC to project-related change.	High resilience – the VC has high resilience or ability to adapt to changes in the measurement indicator and low sensitivity to changes caused by the Project. Moderate resilience – the VC has a moderate resilience or ability to adapt to changes in the measurement indicator and has moderate sensitivity to potential changes caused by the Project. Low resilience – the VC has low resilience or ability to adapt to changes in the measurement indicator and is sensitivity to potential changes caused by the Project.
Input from Indigenous Peoples	Views of the Indigenous communities and groups in assigning the criteria to be used and in characterizing the effects.	Inputs Received: inputs received during engagement and consultation, and participation in the EA/IA process, in assigning the criteria to be used for characterizing the effects. Inputs not Received: no inputs were received during EA/IA process and supportive engagement and consultation activities.
Reversibility	Reversibility describes whether a measurable indicator or the VC can return to its existing condition after the project activity ceases.	Reversible – the net effect is likely to be reversed after activity completion and rehabilitation. Irreversible – the net effect is unlikely to be reversed.
Likelihood of Occurrence	Likelihood of occurrence is a measure of the likelihood that an activity will result in an effect.	Unlikely – the net effect is not likely to occur. Possible – the net effect may occur but is not likely. Probable – the net effect is likely to occur. Certain – the net effect will occur.

16.3.1 Potential Effect Pathways Not Carried Through for Further Assessment

Potential effect pathways are expected to be eliminated through the implementation of mitigation measures for the following:

16.3.1.1 Changes to Land Use Planning and Stewardship

LSA:

Construction and Use of Supportive Infrastructure à Change to Webequie First Nation Reserve Lands à Incompatible with Federal Land Use Policies.
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Improved Access to Reserve Lands à Potential Access by Non-Indigenous Persons into Reserve Lands à Incompatible with Federal Land Use Policies.
Construction of Road à Change to Traditional Territory à Incompatible with Indigenous Land Use Stewardship.
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change to Traditional Territory Lands à Incompatible with Indigenous Land Use Stewardship.

16.3.1.2 Changes to Commercial/Industrial Activities

LSA:

Construction of Road à Changes to Lands à Decrease in Number and Area of Mining Claims and Tenure.
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Improved Access to Lands à Potential Increase in Mining Claims.
Construction and Use of Supportive Infrastructure à Changes to Lands à Decrease in Number and Area of Aggregate Sites.
Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Operations of Pits/Quarries à Changes to Lands à Potential Decrease in Area of Aggregate Sites.

16.3.1.3 Changes to Recreation and Tourism

LSA:

Construction of WSR à Change to Lands à Potential Decrease to Number and Location of Recreation Activities
Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Fish Resources.
Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Waterway Access and Navigation.
Construction of WSR à Change to Lands à Potential Reduction to Land-Based Access Routes.
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Change to Lands à Potential Reduction to Land-Based Access Routes.

RSA

Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Availability of Fish.
Construction of Waterbody Crossings à Temporary Dewatering à Change to Waterbodies à Potential Reduction to Waterway Access and Navigation.
Construction of WSR à Change to Lands à Potential Reduction to Land-Based Access Routes.

16.3.1.4 Changes to Transportation

LSA:

Employment and Expenditure à Use of Existing Roads to Access WSR Construction Site à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (Including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network).
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Transportation Access to Employment Opportunities à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (Including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network).
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (Including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network).
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Use of Delivery and Construction Vehicles à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (Including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network).
Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Increased Demand for Air Services.

RSA:

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Transportation Access to Employment Opportunities à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (Including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network).
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (Including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network).
Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Use of Delivery and Construction Vehicles à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (Including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network).
Transportation and Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increased Demand for Air Transportation Services.
Employment and Expenditure à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increased Demand for Air Transportation Services.
Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Increased Demand for Air Transportation Services.

Potential effects that remain following the implementation of mitigation measures are carried forward for further assessment (Section 16.5.2).

16.3.2 Predicted Net Effects

Following the implementation of mitigation measures and enhancement measures, net effects on the Non-traditional Land and Resource Use VCs may remain. The predicted net effects are characterized here.

16.3.2.1 Changes to Recreation and Tourism

16.3.2.1.1 Construction of WSR à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase to Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Transportation Access to Employment Opportunities à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

Road Use (Operations Phase) à Operations, Maintenance and Repair of Road à Employment and Expenditure à Potential Increase in Employment Income à Potential Increase in Number of Recreation Activities or Users

In the LSA and RSA, access to employment opportunities may increase income which may be used to afford recreational supplies and result in an increase in recreational activities and users. Employment opportunities include Project employment in the construction and operations phases, and at the Ring of Fire area during the operations phase. The cost of goods and services to remote communities is expensive and the opportunities for employment will increase the income of individuals or households as a significant portion of the population in Webequie and other communities in the RSA is low income. Increased employment income can be used to cover the high costs of goods and services to and from remote communities, including the equipment and supplies needed for recreation or tourism activities. This may result in an increase in recreational activities and users and is a net positive effect.

Direction: Positive. Improved financial means is a positive and desirable effect of the Project and removing barriers to employment may further enhance this net benefit.
Magnitude: High. This is a high degree of change as existing employment opportunities and income is low in Webequie and other RSA communities.
Geographic extent: LSA and RSA. Employment access through the Project is anticipated to have a high proportion from communities in the RSA.
Timing: Time Sensitive. Employment opportunities correspond with the Project phases and schedules. Access to employment at the Ring of Fire is linked to the completion of the Project’s construction phase.
Duration: Medium Term. Project employment is required for both the construction and operation phases and during the operations phase, road use will provide Webequie community members with access to the Ring of Fire area for employment opportunities.
Frequency: Continuous. Project employment is required throughout the construction phase and will significantly reduce into the operations phase; however, the operations phase is expected to continually offer access to employment in the Ring of Fire area.
Context: High Resiliency. Access to employment is a desirable effect for First Nation community members.
Input from Indigenous Peoples: Input Received and Ongoing. Ongoing engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities within the RSA and Webequie First Nation have occurred throughout EA/IA process for the Project. The use of input received to-date has been incorporated into the assessment of the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VC, and ongoing and future input will be incorporated into the future revisions of the report.
Reversibility: Reversible. Baseline conditions may return once Project-related employment ends.
Likelihood of occurrence: Probable. Employment and other economic benefits are anticipated throughout the Project’s construction and operations and maintenance phases, as well as any negotiated agreements with Ring of Fire developments. However, the ownership and the maintenance program for the WSR are unknown.

16.3.2.2 Changes to Transportation

16.3.2.2.1 Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies à Use of Delivery and Construction Vehicles à Potential Increase in Traffic Volumes on Existing Roads (including Winter Roads and Provincial Highway Network)

The proponent’s contractor will determine the ultimate transportation and mobilization requirements for equipment, materials and workers in subsequent stages of the Project prior to construction. The Webequie Winter Road corridor which is the affordable travel option for the remote fly-in/fly-out community to receive and access goods and services, is also “extremely vulnerable” to climate change, affected by a shortening season, has received attention for comprehensive changes in the funding, assessment and design standards. It also connects three other remote First Nations communities as well. Winter roads also see traffic ramp-up during the last portion of the season before official closure, which the proponent’s selected contractor may do as well. “Companies will not tough our infrastructure projects due to – it’s just not safe for them to drive up” (Omstead and Casey, 2024). The implementation of mitigations in Section 16.4.4 may not be sufficient to address the Project’s effects of increasing traffic on the winter road due to climate change and shortening winter road season.

Direction: Negative. An increased demand on winter road would affect the availability of and affordability to use the winter roads for a remote fly-in/fly-out community during the construction phase.
Magnitude: Moderate. As a conservative approach mitigation may not sufficiently reduce traffic especially during the ramp-up portion of the winter road season. Delivery scheduling and coordinate may improve over the five year construction period with responsive measures from the technical working group and proponent’s selected contractor.
Geographic extent: LSA and RSA. The winter roads extend into the RSA and affect traffic on the Webequie route that is shared with Nibinamik First Nation.
Timing: Time Sensitive. Scheduling deliveries will be aligned with the proponent’s selected contractor’s transport and mobilization plan and progress of construction work activities.
Duration: Short Term. The net effects are linked to the construction phase and will not be needed once construction is complete.
Frequency: Intermittent. The schedule for the delivery of construction equipment, materials and supplies by winter road is unknown and will take place during the winter road season.
Context: Moderate Resilience. The transport of goods and equipment during the construction phase has a reliable year-round option to use air services as a back-up transportation mode.
Input from Indigenous Peoples: Input Received and Ongoing. Ongoing engagement and consultation has occurred with First Nations in the LSA and RSA throughout the EA/IA process for the Project. Input received to-date has formed the basis for the assessment of effects on the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VC, and ongoing and future input will be incorporated into the future revisions of the report.
Reversibility: Reversible. Traffic on the winter roads for the Project’s delivery of equipment and materials will end once the WSR construction is completed and is expected to return to baseline conditions.
Likelihood of occurrence: Based on the material needs to construct the WSR, with a reliable year-round travel mode of the airport, this net effect is probable.

16.3.2.2.2 Mobilization of Equipment and Supplies à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increase in Demand for Air Transportation Services

Employment and Expenditure à Increased Use of Air Transportation à Potential Increase in Demand for Air Transportation Services

As summarized in Section 16.5.2.2.1, the use of air services at the Webequie Airport may see an increase in demand if the Webequie Winter Road season continues to shorten and if the proponent’s contractor determines that “it’s just not safe for them to drive up” (Omstead and Casey, 2024). The Project’s transportation activities can opt to use the year-round and reliable services of air transportation at the airport if delivery by the Winter Road is unreliable. The transportation of WSR construction equipment and materials may improve over the five-year construction phase with responsive measures from the Technical Working Group and proponent’s contractor. Workers from communities in the RSA will also use the air transportation to arrive at Webequie Airport up to two or three times a month based on a 14-day on and 7-day off schedule (from the airport, they will be transported by air to the construction site).

However, the delivery of goods and access to services for Webequie community members may also increase use of air transportation services if the Webequie Winter Roads become unreliable. The implementation of mitigation measures in Section 16.4.4 may not be sufficient to address the effects of the Project.

Direction: Negative. The use of and increased demands on air services at the Webequie airport is undesirable as it may ‘compete’ with the community’s existing needs to access goods and services such as health care that is not available within the reserve and is the more expensive travel mode, compared to winter roads, to go to and from Webequie.
Magnitude: Low. The number of flights anticipated for the construction phase may change based on the potential expansion of the Webequie’s airport infrastructure, or the use of larger aircraft.
Geographic extent: LSA. The airports that serve workers from communities in the RSA will have a negligible effect (Section 16.3.4.2.3). The greatest effect will be at Webequie airport to receive equipment, goods and workers, as it will be the destination point for WSR construction activities.
Timing: Time Sensitive. The use and demand for the airports will be affected by the timing of the construction schedule for WSR construction activities and worker schedule which is estimated as a 14 days-on and 7 days-off rotation.
Duration: Short Term. The net effects are linked to the construction phase for the transportation and mobilization of construction equipment and materials.
Frequency: Intermittent. The potential redevelopment improvements at Webequie airport could reduce the number of estimated flights for the transportation and mobilization of equipment, materials as larger aircraft may be used. The transport schedule is unknown at this time, but the number of flights is estimated for each construction season and will not be continuous through the construction phase.
Context: High Resilience. The Webequie airport provides year-round reliable air transportation services and can accommodate increased number of flights with the implementation of mitigation measures and coordination with airport operations and the proponent’s selected contractor.
Input from Indigenous Peoples: Input Received and Ongoing. Ongoing engagement and consultation has occurred with First Nations in the LSA and RSA throughout the EA/IA process for the Project. Input received to-date has formed the basis for the assessment of effects on the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VC, and ongoing and future input will be incorporated into the future revisions of the report.
Reversibility: Reversible. The demand for air services by the Project can return to baseline conditions once construction phase is completed.
Likelihood of occurrence: Probable, based on the construction needs for the WSR which require year-round reliable delivery of equipment, materials and workers.

16.3.3 Summary

A summary of the characterization of predicted net effects for Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VC is provided in Table 16‑49.

Table 16‑49: Summary of Predicted Net Effects on Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VC

Predicted Net Effect	Net Effects Characterization
Predicted Net Effect	Project Phase	Direction	Magnitude	Geographic Extent	Timing	Duration	Frequency	Context	Reversibility	Likelihood of Occurrence
Change in Recreation and Tourism	Construction and Operations	Positive	High	RSA	Time sensitive	Medium	Continuous	High	Reversible	Probable
Change in Transportation: increased traffic volumes on existing roads (including winter roads and provincial highway network)	Construction	Negative	Moderate	RSA	Time sensitive	Short	Intermittent	Moderate	Reversible	Probable
Change in Air Transportation: Demand for air and shipping services	Construction	Negative	Low	LSA	Time Sensitive	Short	Intermittent	High	Reversible	Probable

16.4 Determination of Significance

16.4.1 Methodology

Several methodologies can be used to determine the significance of adverse environmental effects, as outlined in the Interim Technical Guidance Determining Whether a Designated Project is Likely to Cause Significant Adverse Environmental Effects under the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEA Agency, 2018). In employing a qualitative or quantitative risk assessment, an “acceptable level” of a specified risk can be determined from a combination of likelihood and the consequences of the adverse environmental effect (CEA Agency 2018). The level of specified risk can be used as a surrogate in the determination of significance for adverse effects on the non-traditional land use VC.

Specific to the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VC, a qualitative aggregation method was used for the determination of significance based on the sequential interaction among the magnitude, geographic extent, duration, frequency, context, reversibility, and likelihood of occurrence criteria for effects. Direction of the net effect (positive or negative was also taken into consideration. Each criterion was assigned a scale ranking from 0 to 3 and based on the aggregated score, a determination of significance was made and shown in Table 16‑50 (CEA Agency, 2018).

The scores for key criteria are then aggregated to provide an overall determination of significance:

Negligible (not significant): 0 to 5;
Low (not significant): 6 to 10;
Moderate (not significant): 11 to 15; and
High (significant): 16 or greater.

The characterization of net effects is considered to be not significant if the aggregated effect is negligible or low. If the aggregated effect is moderate or high, the net effect is characterized as significant.

Table 16‑50: Scores Assigned for Key Criteria (Categories) of the Predicted Net Effects

Key Criteria	Quantitative Categories	Assigned Scores
Direction	Positive – net gain or benefit; effect is desirable. Negative – net loss or adverse effect; effect is undesirable.	0 1
Magnitude	Negligible – no measurable change. Low – less than seasonal variations. Moderate – within seasonal variations. High – higher than seasonal variations.	0 0 1 2
Geographic Extent	Project Footprint – the effect is confined to the Project Footprint. Local Study Area – the effect is confined within the LSA. Regional Study Area – the effect extends beyond the LSA.	0 1 2
Duration	Short-Term – restricted to construction phase (approximately 5 years). Medium-Term – extends up to the operation phase (75-year life cycle). Long-Term – extends beyond the Operation Phase (more than 75 years). Permanent – recovery to baseline conditions unlikely.	0 1 2 3
Frequency	Infrequent – the effect is rarely expected to occur. Intermittent – the effect is expected to occur intermittently Continuous – the effect is expected to occur continually.	0 1 2
Context	High – Effect has weak resilience to stress and is very sensitive to activities. Moderate – Effect has some or moderate resilience to stress and is somewhat sensitive to activities. Low – Effect has high resilience to stress and is not sensitive to activities.	0 1 2
Reversibility	Reversible – likely to reverse after activity completion and rehabilitation. Irreversible – the net effect is unlikely to be reversed.	0 1
Likelihood of Occurrence	Unlikely – the effect is not likely to occur. Possible – the effect may occur. Probable – the effect is likely to occur. Certain – the effect will occur.	0 1 2 3

16.4.2 Results

The results for determination of significance for the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VC are presented in
Table 16‑51. Although net positive and negative effects are expected to occur, with project planning design and mitigation measures, the Project’s net effects are predicted to be not significant (low scores for significance). Discussions regarding the individual scores are presented below.

Table 16‑51: Determination of Significance for the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use VCs

Net Effects Characterization Criterion

Direction

Magnitude

Geographic Extent

Duration

Frequency

Context (Resilience)

Reversibility

Likelihood of Occurrence

Determination of Significance

Recreation and Tourism

Positive

High

RSA

Medium

Continuous

High

Reversible

Probable

9 – Low: Not Significant

Transportation: Increased traffic volumes on existing roads (including winter roads and provincial highway network

Negative

Moderate

RSA

Short

Intermittent

Moderate

Reversible

Probable

8 – Low: Not Significant

Transportation: Air Transportation: Demand for air and shipping services

Negative

Low

LSA

Short

Intermittent

High

Reversible

Probable

5 – Negligible: Not Significant

16.4.2.1 Recreation and Tourism

A positive net effect from changes to recreation and tourism are predicted due to:

Increase in recreational or tourism activities or users.

The Project’s employment and expenditures would benefit communities in the LSA and RSA through the construction and operation phases of the Project. Road use will also connect community members to significant employment opportunities expected in the Ring of Fire area. Existing socio-economic conditions characterized as low income, low labour force participation, and limited employment opportunities in Webequie and other First Nations in the RSA were a shared concern by community members. One of the goals of the Project is to provide employment and other economic development opportunities. This increased employment income can be used to afford goods and services for the overall quality of life, including those for recreational purposes. Following the implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures, the characterization of net effects is a net positive effect, and the significance determination is not significant.

16.4.2.2 Transportation

Adverse net effect from changes to transportation are predicted due to:

Increased traffic volumes on existing roads (including winter roads and highway network); and
Increased demand for air transportation services.

The reliance of communities on winter road and air services to receive essential goods and access services will be under increased pressure based on the Project’s requirements to transport and mobilize equipment, materials and workers during the construction phase. Road traffic and demand for air transportation is expected to be markedly less during the operations phase than the construction phase. The challenges of transporting the Project’s goods and workers will have an adverse effect and likely be aggravated by climate change and weather fluctuations. The implementation of mitigation measures will not guarantee a reduction in traffic and demand for air services. As the Webequie winter road corridor is “extremely vulnerable” to climate change risks, a shortening season or shortened “ramp up” portion of the winter road season, may mean increased demand for air services, which is more costly in comparison. However, the increased demand for air services is expected to be accommodated with the redevelopment of the airport, which could potentially reduce the number of flights during the construction phase. The airport serves community members access goods and services that are not available within the reserve and does not handle a high number of flights on a regular basis. Overall, the adverse net effect on Transportation VCs and were determined to be not significant.

16.4.3 Summary

As noted in Table 16‑51, the three predicted net effects were determined to be not significant as per the criteria defined in Section 16.6.1 with the implementation of proposed mitigation and enhancement measures.

16.5 Cumulative Effects

In addition to assessing the net environmental effects of the Project, the assessment for Non-Traditional Land and Resource VC also evaluates and assesses the significance of net effects from the Project that overlap temporally and spatially with effects from other past, present and reasonably foreseeable developments (RFDs) and activities (i.e., cumulative effects).

For a valued component that has identified net effects where the magnitude was determined to be moderate or high, it is necessary to determine if the effects from the Project interact both temporally and spatially with the effects from one or more past, present RFDs or activities, since the combined effects may differ in nature or extent from the effects of individual Project activities. Where information is available, the cumulative effects assessment estimates or predicts the contribution of effects from the Project and other human activities on the criteria, in the context of changes to the natural, health, social or economic environments.

The cumulative effects assessment for the Project is completed at the regional scale (i.e., VC specific RSA). The cumulative effects assessment for each VC is primarily qualitative and describes how the interacting effects of human activities and natural factors are predicted to affect indicators for each VC. The assessment is presented as a reasoned narrative describing the outcomes of cumulative effects for each VC. For the Non-Traditional Land and Resource VC assessment, the net effects in Section 16.5 that are characterized as having a likelihood of occurrence of “probable” or “certain” and a “moderate” to “high” magnitude have been carried forward to the cumulative effects assessment. Net effects with this characterization are most likely to interact with other RFD and activities.

The predicted net effects of the Project on the Non-Traditional Land and Resource VC that are carried forward for the assessment of cumulative effects within the Non-Traditional Land and Resource RSA include:

Change in Transportation: increased traffic volumes on existing roads (including winter roads and provincial highway network).

Results of the cumulative effects assessment for the Non-Traditional Land and Resource VC with consideration of RFDs and activities are presented in Section 21.

16.6 Prediction of Confidence in the Assessment

The level of confidence in net effect predictions in assessments depends on the degree of uncertainty associated with the basis for the determination of significance. Uncertainty is influenced by factors such as the adequacy of available data, the level of knowledge and understanding about the VC being assessed, the characteristics of the proposed Project, and the effectiveness of mitigation and enhancement measures.

A low level of confidence is defined as a Project-VC interaction that is poorly understood with little to no data or research conducted on the subject matter. A low level of confidence also occurs where there are no or few established industry-wide or best management practices associated with the potential effects, or the assessment has a high degree of uncertainty in the predicted outcomes and level of effect.

A moderate level of confidence is defined as the Project-VC interaction is partially understood. A moderate level of uncertainty exists due to gaps in data or research exist. The assessment is conducted with conservative methods and there is a moderate level of uncertainty in the outcomes and level of effect.

A high level of confidence is defined as a fully understood Project-VC interaction. Data and research on the subject matter are robust and well-tested. The effect is mitigated with well-established industry wide or best management practice. The assessment has a high level of certainty in the outcomes and level of effect.

A conservative approach was used in assessing potential net effects for the Non-Traditional Land and Resource VC where there was uncertainty with information. Key information gaps that have contributed to the uncertainty in the level of confidence of the assessment include:

Lack of supplemental or primary information and data from First Nations in the RSA on land use;
Reliance on secondary data and research on First Nations land use that was incomplete and/or over 10 years old;
Uncertainty regarding the use of legislative powers and authority to support land use, including desirable effects for First Nations in the RSA regarding industrial and mining development;
Unknown outcomes and potential changes or effects from legal cases on land use and industrial development; and
Challenge and complexity to identify, fund, allocate, coordinate several comprehensive or capital requirements or plans and mitigations strategies, especially with multiple stakeholders (federal, provincial and First Nations).
Based on the uncertainties of information outlined above, several assumptions were used in the effects assessment including:
Agreed upon compensation or equitable models of revenue sharing are achieved;
Road restrictions are effective to prevent the public access by outsiders or trespassers;
Barriers to employment for Indigenous people are removed and addressed;
Energy transition and climate change initiatives are deployed;
Trucking industry and training providers are improved; and
Funding to update and construct capital plans, such as airport redevelopment, are undertaken.

The confidence in the net effects assessment for recreation and tourism, and transportation is moderate. Uncertainties due to the complexity of human behaviour and market dynamics challenge socio-economic modelling, which is based on availability of data and assumptions, including data gaps, consumer preferences, accuracy of secondary data, regional advancements and geopolitical events. Unexpected events, social changes, and changing environmental conditions all have the potential to model inaccuracies.

16.7 Predicted Future Condition of the Environment if the Project Does Not Proceed

Should the Project not proceed, the conditions with the proposed Project Footprint will likely continue on the current trajectory (i.e., non-traditional land and resource uses described in Section 16.2 will not change much). Future conditions of the Non-Traditional Land and Resource Use may be changed by climate change and climate change initiatives, political shifts away from the Indian Act and CBLUPs for UNDRIP, energy transition, improved utilities and telecommunications, outcomes of litigation.

Webequie Frist Nation will continue to pursue its economic development interests towards achieving a self-sustaining community. Access to employment, training and services to support both Indigenous practices and modern employment responsibilities, such as childcare and Eldercare will continue to strain community members and households.

Getting out onto the land for connection and healing, in addition to recreation, will remain inconsistent, especially for youth, as associated costs require access to employment and income to offset costs for recreational activities. Changes to tourism and parks are not anticipated to change from existing conditions. Tourism relies on the overall domestic and international economic and financial well-being. Transportation needs and services will remain as the status of Webequie will continue to be a fly-in/fly-out community.

Increased development pressures from mining conflicts and/or absence of developing land use plans and other policy instruments to enable stewardship will continue and the mining industry process to easily access register mining claims will continue or increase.

16.8 Follow-Up and Monitoring

A follow-up monitoring program will be developed and implemented for each phase of the Project with the objective to verify the predicted effects on the Non-Traditional and Resource Use VC and effectiveness of mitigation and enhancement measures. Follow-up and monitoring are also aimed at the identification and management of effects that were not expected or identified in the assessment. Follow up and monitoring outcomes may be incorporated into the Construction Environmental Management Plan, Operation Environmental Management Plan, Traffic Management Plan and the Community Readiness Plan, where applicable. Table 16‑52 identifies components from Section 16.4 Mitigation for follow-up and monitoring during the construction and operations phases to ensure the mitigations are implemented to best avoid, reduce and minimize Project effects.

The Project invites community members to participate in developing and implementing monitoring programs to assess the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures and potential adverse effects of the Project. Where effects are considered unacceptable and/or based on concerns raised by Indigenous community members or other stakeholders, further mitigation options will be considered by the road operator in consultation with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

Table 16‑52: Summary of Follow-up and Monitoring

Subcomponent	Follow-up and Monitoring
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Land Use Planning and Stewardship	Proponent and/or selected contractor receives permission from the Minister of CIRNAC or representative regarding the removal of aggregate from Webequie First Nation reserve.Proponent and/or selected contractor receives consent from Webequie First Nation for the removal of aggregate from reserve. CBLUP or other land use plans are developed and finalized with collaboration and acceptance of other First Nations in shared areas of traditional territory for construction of WSR and operations phase activities.
Commercial/ Industrial Land Use Activities	Province to determine appropriate compensation or use of Mining Act for loss of mining claims. Province to provide funding for First Nations to fully participate in mining claim processes.Province to utilize Mining Act to reduce the increase of mining claims to support development and completion of CBLUPs.Selected contractor considers potential coordination or access for mining exploration and activities. Province to work with First Nations with territories in the RSA who are not opposed to economic development or mining activities following the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan, Action Plan and Strategy.Proponent and/or appropriate government auditor to track outcomes of litigation and mining claim registrations and exchanges.Selected contractor(s) determines options for remaining aggregate from construction phase as Webequie has indicated concern that aggregate should be for community purposes (upon completion of construction).
Recreation and Tourism	Consult with Webequie First Nation and determine solution for camp site located in Project Footprint during Detail design. Proponent and/or selected contractor establish agreement for removed trees to be used for community purposes (Webequie First Nation may require storage, processing facilities such as sawmill, and professional lumber advise).First Nations with territories that overlap the Project Footprint to determine community use of removed trees for potential construction of recreational structures.Proponent and/or selected contractor to comply with Canadian Navigable Waterways and Navigation Protection Program for installation of waterbody crossings impacts to navigation.Proponent and/or selected contractor carries out consultation, coordination and advanced notification of waterbody and road construction activities with First Nations land users and groups to minimize adverse effects on individual and group trips, including establishment of a construction committee, with community representation.Proponent, selected contractor and Webequie First Nation to identify opportunities for public art at waterbody crossings and other design components during detail design with financial support of federal and provincial government.First Nation monitoring during construction for waterbody installation and other mitigations identified in biophysical sections.Proponent, provincial and federal governments to identify programs and directives to selected contractor to remove barriers to employment for Indigenous people and especially youth to support their ability to get out onto the land; programs and directives should also be culturally appropriate; and province to reduce challenges for Indigenous people in remote communities to obtain driver’s licenses.
Transportation	Establish Technical Working Group including representation from climate change in northern Ontario, to oversee transportation mitigation activities, follow-up and monitoring, including advising selected contractor, to manage changes in road traffic and demand for air services. First Nations and federal government implement recommendations for road improvements within Webequie First Nation reserve (AECOM, 2014; Saulteaux, 2023).Province, road enforcement and First Nations develop standards and funds for winter road improvements including recommendations from Draft Technical Background Report (IBI & Hemson, 2016), 2023 Northern Road Summit (NAN, 2024), and 2024 Northern Ontario Transportation Task Force (MTO, 2024).Province determines road improvements for routes used to transport and deliver construction materials during detail design in coordination with Technical Working Group. Webequie, federal and provincial governments with advice from Technical Working Group on improvements to the airport as indicated in the Airport Redevelopment Plan (WSP, 2016), Northern Ontario Transportation Task Force (MTO, 2024), Technical Backgrounder (IBI and Hemson, 2016a).Consult with First Nations on potential design enhancements for the WSR such as pedestrian safety features during detail design.
OPERATIONS PHASE
Land Use Planning and Stewardship	WSR owner and operator, provincial and federal governments, Webequie First Nation and other communities in Treaty No. 9 identify appropriate federal and provincial policy and legislation tools for road access restrictions in accordance with UNDRIP articles.
Commercial	WSR operator, proponent and/or Webequie First Nation monitor aggregate use for maintenance to minimize need to expand ARA-4.Ongoing follow-up and monitoring identified during construction phase.
Recreation	Province and First Nations with territory in the Project Footprint to develop tourism plan that also recognizes and aligns with road restrictions in land use planning and stewardship.Proponent, provincial and federal governments to identify programs and directives to WSR operator and mining development companies in the Ring of Fire to remove barriers to employment for Indigenous people and especially youth to support their ability to get out onto the land; programs and directives should also be culturally appropriate; and province to reduce challenges for Indigenous people in remote communities to obtain driver’s licenses.Provincial and federal governments, energy generation and distribution, and First Nations communities in RSA to develop and implement energy transmission plan to reduce the costs associated with recreation (fuel) to increase activities to get out onto the land.

The Project Team will be monitoring the events outside of the EA/IA process that may have an effect on the Project such as the following issues:

Outcomes of Treaty No. 9 litigations;
Progress on the Omushkego Wahkohtowin Conservation Initiative;
Development and Outcomes of the Regional Assessment for the Ring of Fire;
Ownership, operational oversight models (e.g. agreements, partnerships, equity-sharing) including road restrictions of the WSR;
Implementation of UNDRIP Act; and
Major investments in winter roads and remote airports.

16.9 References

16.9.1 Section 16.1 Scope of the Assessment

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MNP LLP (n.d.). Weenusk First Nation Existing Conditions Report Webequie Supply Road Project – Draft. Internal Document Review.

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16.9.2 Section 16.2 Existing Conditions

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AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. (2022b). Webequie Key Informant Interview with Health Director. Internal Document Review. March 2, 2022.

AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. (2022c). Webequie Key Informant Interview. Internal Document Review. May 13, 2022.

AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. (2022d). Webequie Key Informant Interview, Councillor. Internal Document Review. May 12, 2022.

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Brockman, A. (2023). First Nations leaders in Treaty 9 say their message is clear – no development without us as partners. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/first-nations-lawsuit-ring-of-fire-development-1.6822920

Campbell, Ian. (2024). Indigenous Tourism Ontario says they had a banner summer. Retrieved October 15, 2024. Available https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/indigenous-tourism-ontario-says-they-had-a-banner-summer-1.7048048

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CBC News. (2017). Monday’s Ring of Fire road announcement ‘premature’ say area First Nations. Retrieved August 10, 2023. Available https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/ring-of-fire-road-premature-1.4261877

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16.9.3 Section 16.3 Identification of Potential Effects, Pathways and Indicators

ᐧᐄᓈᐢᑯ ᐃᓂᓂᐧᐊᐠ Omushkegowuk Weenuski-Inninowuk Otaskiwao

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AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. (2022a). Transcripts from Interviews and Focus Groups with Webequie Knowledge Holders. Internal Document Review. March 1, 2022.

AtkinsRéalis Inc. (2022b). Webequie Supply Road Webequie First Nation Socio-Economic Survey. Internal Document Review.

AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. (2022). Webequie Key Informant Interview with Lands & Resources Director (GLEN WABASSE). Internal Document Review

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Baruah, Bipasha and Sandra Biskupski-Mujanovic. (2023). Indigenous women’s employment in natural resource industries in Canada: Patterns, barriers and opportunities. Women’s Studies International Forum, 99:102784 Retrieved October 16, 2024. Available: https://works.bepress.com/bipasha-baruah/45/

Campbell, Austin. (2024). Wyloo Canada CEO provides update. Retrieved October 16, 2024. Available: https://www.snnewswatch.com/local-news/ring-of-fire-metals-ceo-provides-updates-about-eagles-nest-project-8153026

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Ezeudu, Martin-Joe. (2021). The unconstitutionality of Canada’s free entry mining systems and the Ontario exception. Vol 20, No 1 (2020): Asper Review of International Business and Trade Law. Available: https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/asperreview/index.php/asperreview/article/view/237

Finlay, Judy and Lauren Akbar. (2016). Caught Between Two Worlds: the Voices of Youth from Four First Nations in Northern Ontario. Canadian Journal of Children’s Rights. Vol 3, No. 1. Retrieved September 22, 2024. Available: https://ojs.library.carleton.ca/index.php/cjcr/article/view/82/44

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Government of Canada. (2019). Government of Canada investing in safety at the airport in Webequie First Nation. Accessed March 11, 2025. Available https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2019/01/government-of-canada-investing-in-safety-at-the-airport-in-webequie-first-nation.html

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Government of Ontario. (2025). 2025 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary. Retrieved April 16, 2025. Available https://www.ontario.ca/files/2025-03/mnr-2025-ontario-hunting-regulations-summary-en-2025-03-27.pdf

Harris, Lorna. (2017). The structure and function of peatlands in the Hudson Bay Lowland: response to environmental change. Department of Geography, McGill University. Retrieved on October 2, 2024. Available: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjru5-vhPCIAxV3JDQIHQUnO6YQFnoECDAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdam-oclc.bac-lac.gc.ca%2Fdownload%3Fis_thesis%3D1%26oclc_number%3D1030147424%26id%3Daaaf71e6-6320-475a-8b4e-51302275e4d1%26fileName%3D1n79h692v.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1WZntML8bvF2WkShRcmBE8&opi=89978449

Hessey, Krista. (2023). Area covered by mining claims in Ontario’s ‘Ring of Fire’ increased by 30 per cent in one year. Global News. Retrieved October 3, 2024. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/10142331/mining-claims-ontario-ring-of-fire/#:~:text=Area%20covered%20by%20mining%20claims,in%20one%20year%20%7C%20Globalnews.ca

IBI Group and Hemson Consulting Ltd. (2016). Draft Technical Backgrounder Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy, Winter Roads. Retrieved October 16, 2024. Available: https://northernontariommts.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ttr_winter_roads_techbackgrounder_2016-11-10.pdf

IBI Group and Hemson Consulting Ltd. (2016b). Draft Technical Backgrounder Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy, Remote Airports. Retrieved August 12, 2024. Available https://northernontariommts.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ttr_remoteairports_techbackgrounder_2016-11-10.pdf

InterGroup Consultants. (2024). GBA+ Webequie Supply Road. Internal Document Review.

Kneeshaw, Daniel, Mario Laruouch, Hugo Asselin, G.P. Reyes, Marie-Christine Adam, Marie Saint-Arnaud. (2010). Road Rash: Ecological and Social Impacts of Road Networks on First Nations. Pages 169-184 (Chapitre 8), M. G. Stevenson et D.C. Natcher (Dir.), Planning Co-existence: Aboriginal considerations and approaches in land use planning. Edmonton: Canadian Circumpolar Institute Press. Retrieved October 19, 2024. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233408779_Road_Rash_Ecological_and_Social_Impacts_of_Road_Networks_on_First_Nations

Law, Sarah. 2023. Mining claims jump in northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire as EV battery interest grows. Retrieved October 8, 2024. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/ring-of-fire-mining-claims-rise-1.7051094

Marten Falls First Nation. (2024). Marten Falls First Nation Indigenous Knowledge, Land Use and Occupancy Study for the Northern Access Roads. Internal Document Review.

Matawa First Nation. (2011). Mamow – Wecheekapawetahteewiin, Unity Declaration ᒪᒪᐤ ᐌᒌᑲᐸᐤᑕᐦᑌᐁᐐᐣ. Retrieved October 2, 2024. Available: https://www.matawa.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mamow-Wecheekapawetahteewiin-Unity-Declaration-Signed-July-13-2011.pdf

McIntosh, Emma. (2024). Can these far northern First Nations protect the world’s Breathing Lands? Retrieved September 27, 2024. Available https://thenarwhal.ca/mushkegowuk-james-bay-indigenous-conservation/

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. (2023). Pathways to safety: Ontario’s strategy in response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Retrieved November 20, 2025. Available: https://www.ontario.ca/page/pathways-safety-ontarios-strategy-response-final-report-national-inquiry-missing-and-murdered

Ministry of Natural Resources. (2024). Buy or rent Crown land. Available: https://www.ontario.ca/page/buy-or-rent-crown-land

Ministry of Transportation. (2021). Provincial highways Traffic Volumes 2021 AADT Only. Retrieved April 18, 2025. Available: https://www.library.mto.gov.on.ca/SydneyPLUS/TechPubs/Portal/tp/tvSplash.aspx

MNP LLP (n.d.). Weenusk First Nation Existing Conditions Report Webequie Supply Road Project – Draft. Internal Document Review.

Mushkegowuk Council. (n.d.). Lands & Resources – Our Continued Efforts. Retrieved on October 2, 2024. Available: https://www.mushkegowuk.ca/landsandresources

Mushkegowuk Council. (2024). Draft Omushkego Wahkohtowin Conservation Plan for Nations’ Review. Retrieved on October 2, 2024. Available: https://cdn.mushkegowuk.ca/documents/DraftConservationPlan_March2024_web.pdf

Neskantaga First Nation. (n.d.) Who We Are, Values Statement. Retrieved: September 27, 2024. Available: https://neskantaga.com/who-we-are/

Nibinamik First Nation. (2014). Mamow Ki Ken Da Ma Win: Searching Together 2014 – Sports and Recreation in Nibinamik First Nation. Internal Document Review.

Nibinamik First Nation (2014b). Mamow Ki Ken Da Ma Win: Searching Together 2014 – Youth Voices of Nibinamik First Nation. Internal Document Review.

Northern Ontario Business. (2025). Indigenous economic opportunities on the agenda at Thunder Bay conference. Accessed March 21, 2025. Available https://www.northernontariobusiness.com/industry-news/aboriginal-businesses/indigenous-economic-opportunities-on-the-agenda-at-thunder-bay-conference-10119380

Ontario Parks. (n.d.). Winisk River Provincial Park. Retrieved October 2, 2024. Available: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/winiskriver

Ontario Parks. (2018). Winisk River Provincial Park Management Statement. Retrieved on October 2, 2024. Available: https://www.ontario.ca/page/winisk-river-provincial-park-management-statement#:~:text=The%20only%20access%20to%20Winisk,the%20Park%20(see%20Map%20No.

Provincial Advocate for Children & Youth. (n.d.) Together We Are Feathers of Hope, A First Nations Youth Action Plan. Retrieved September 10, 2024. Available: https://cwrp.ca/sites/default/files/publications/en/Feathers_of_Hope.pdf

Rand, M., Gray C., & Nylen K. (n.d.) Creating physically active Indigenous communities through Path to Prevention report recommendations. Cancer Care Ontario. Retrieved October 10, 2024. Available: https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/D2_-_Path_to_Prevention_MichelleRand.pdf

Saulteaux Engineering & Consulting. (2023). Extended-Asset Condition Reporting System 2023-2024, Webequie-240. Internal Document Review.

Sigfusson Northern Ltd. (2023). Webequie Supply Road Project – Request for Construction Support. Internal Document Review.

Shibogama First Nations Council. (1999). Elder’s Proclamation. Retrieved September 27, 2024. Available: https://www.shibogama.on.ca/pages/elders-proclamation

SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (2024). Noise and Vibration Technical Report: Existing Conditions and Impact Assessment, Webequie Supply Road Environmental Assessment. Internal Document Review.

SNC-Lavalin. (2020). Webequie Supply road Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference Webequie First Nation. Internal Document Review.

Statistics Canada. (2008). Air Carrier Traffic at Canadian Airports. Retrieved July 13, 2024. Available https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/51-203-x/51-203-x2008000-eng.pdf?st=U1UYZ12G

Statistics Canada. (2025). Table 23-10-0254-01 Air cargo traffic at Canadian airports, annual. Accessed March 11, 2025. Available https://doi.org/10.25318/2310025401-eng

Stantec Consulting Ltd. (2024). Interim Report Webequie First Nation Indigenous Knowledge Study for the Webequie Supply Road. Internal Document Review. October 4, 2024.

Suslop Inc. (2024). Marten Falls First Nation Indigenous Knowledge, Land Use and Occupancy Study for the Northern Access Roads. Proposed Webequie Supply Road Project. Internal Document Review

Sutherland, Julie. (2021). Indigenous sports and recreation programs and partnerships across Canada: A literature review and environmental scan. Prince George, BC: NCCIH. Retrieved September 18, 2024. Available https://www.nccih.ca/Publications/lists/Publications/Attachments/ISR/Indigenous_Sports_and_Recreation_EN_Web_2022-01-27.pdf

Webequie First Nation. (n.d.) Webequie Supply Road. Retrieved October 16, 2024. Available: https://www.supplyroad.ca/

Webequie First Nation. (n.d.) Tourism. Available: http://www.webequie.ca/article/tourism-146.asp

Webequie First Nation. (2014). Community Well-Being Baseline Study, 2014. Internal Document Review.

Webequie First Nation. (2017). Northern First Nations Leadership clarify involvement in Infrastructure Development following Province’s Ring of Fire Announcement. Retrieved September 27, 2024. Available: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/northern-first-nations-leadership-clarify-involvement-in-infrastructure-development-following-provinces-ring-of-fire-announcement-641523693.html

Webequie First Nation. (2019a). On-Reserve Land Use Plan. Internal Document Review.

Webequie First Nation. (2019b). Webequie First Nation Community Based Land Use Plan. Webequie Anishininniwuk Ahki Ohnahchiikaywin. V. 4.3. Draft. March 2019. Internal Document Review.

Webequie First Nation. (2023). Webequie First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan. Internal Document Review

Webequie First Nation. (2023). Webequie First Nation: Religion. Retrieved July 3, 2023. Available: http://www.webequie.ca/article/religion-125.asp

Webequie First Nation. (2024). Webequie First Nation Indigenous Knowledge Study for the Webequie Supply Road, Interim Report. Internal Document Review.

Weenusk First Nation and Ministry of Natural Resources. (2017). Terms of Reference, November 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2023. Available: https://files.ontario.ca/weenusk-terms-of-reference-english.pdf

Webequie Supply Road (WSR). 2020. Webequie Supply Road – The Project. Retrieved October 10, 2024. Available at https://www.supplyroad.ca/the-project/

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WSP Canada Inc. (2016). Webequie First Nation Airport and Commercial Sites Redevelopment Phase II Report: Airport Development and Business Plan. Internal Document Review.

16.9.4 Section 16.4 Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

ᐧᐄᓈᐢᑯ ᐃᓂᓂᐧᐊᐠ Omushkegowuk Weenuski-Inninowuk Otaskiwao

Weenusk First Nation Terms of Reference. (2017). Accessed on September 27, 2024. From: https://files.ontario.ca/weenusk-terms-of-reference-english.pdf

AECOM. (2014). Webequie First Nation Capital Planning Study. Internal Document Review.

AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. (2022). Transcripts from Interview. Internal Document Review.

AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. (2022b). Transcripts from Interview. Internal Document Review.

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16.9.5 Section 16.5 Characterization of Net Effects

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16.9.6 Section 16.6 Determination of Significance

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16.9.7 Section 16.7 Cumulative Effects

None.

16.9.8 Section 16.8 Prediction Confidence in the Assessment

None

16.9.9 Section 16.9 Predicted Future Condition of the Environment if the Project Does Not Proceed

None

16.9.10 Section 16.10 Follow-Up and Monitoring

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