Today, the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature issued the decision statement for the Marten Falls Community Access Road Project in Ontario, determining that the potential effects within federal jurisdiction are justified when taking into account the benefits this project will provide. This decision followed an impact assessment conducted by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and was based on scientific evidence, Indigenous Knowledge and public and Indigenous consultation.
The project, an all-season multi-use community access road connecting the northern end of Painter Lake forestry road to the community of Marten Falls in northern Ontario, is expected to address persistent connectivity challenges faced by Marten Falls First Nation and other remote Indigenous communities and offer economic opportunities.
The federal government is committed to ensuring proposals like this move forward while protecting the environment and Indigenous rights. A total of 17 Indigenous groups participated in the impact assessment process. Crown consultations with these communities resulted in mitigation measures and follow-up requirements to address adverse effects on Indigenous Peoples as well as potential impacts to rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The decision statement issued today establishes legally binding conditions with which the proponent must comply throughout the project's life to reduce adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including effects on Indigenous Peoples that live in and use the area, as well as the local environment and species.
The project assessment benefited greatly from the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge and the participation of Indigenous communities in northern Ontario, as well as from public engagement and the expert information provided by federal authorities and provincial ministries, including through the coordinated assessment between IAAC and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The proponent is still required to obtain any necessary authorizations and permits.
