Marten Falls First Nation (MFFN) and Webequie First Nation (WFN) are conducting a coordinated Environmental Assessment/Impact Assessment (EA/IA) under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, and the federal Impact Assessment Act for the design, construction and operation/maintenance of a proposed all-season multi-use road called the Northern Road Link project (the Project). The Project is located between the proposed Marten Falls First Nation Community Access Road (MFCAR) and the proposed Webequie Supply Road (WSR) and would connect the Ring of Fire mineral deposits in the McFaulds Lake area to the
highway network via the MFCAR.
The Proposed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Project was approved by the provincial Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks on March 3, 2023. The ToR is a work plan for the provincial Environmental Assessment (EA) process. The Notice of Commencement of the EA was published on April 1, 2023.
On May 23, 2023, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) decided that the Project requires an Impact Assessment (IA). On August 18, 2023, the Agency issued Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (TISG) for the Project and the Notice of Commencement of an IA. The TISG provides direction and requirements for the proponent to prepare an Impact Statement (IS).
The EA/IA is now ongoing, with the proponent currently focusing on baseline studies, the alternatives assessment, the Indigenous Knowledge Program, and related consultation and engagement activities.
A series of in-person Open Houses is being held at key points in the process to provide interested persons an opportunity to learn about the proposed Project. The upcoming Open Houses will focus on the ongoing assessment of alternatives, baseline studies and the Indigenous Knowledge Program. The Open Houses will each start with a 20–30-minute presentation on project updates, followed by time to visit different stations to discuss different topics and speak to Project team members. The Open Houses will also be livestreamed through the project website: www.northernroadlink.ca.
There will be multiple opportunities during the Open Houses to ask questions and provide comments. Feedback can also be provided via surveys during and after the Open Houses, to support our consultation efforts. In addition, we will post a recording of the presentation to the Project website. The information shared with the proponent will be used to inform the EA/IA.
You are invited to attend the Open Houses, which have been scheduled as follows:
Indigenous Community Open House:
Tuesday September 3, 2024
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre, Kensington Room
555 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay
Public Open Houses:
Wednesday September 4, 2024
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Superior Inn Hotel and Convention Centre,
Kensington Room
555 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay
Thursday September 5, 2024
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #133
520 Main St, Geraldton
Wednesday September 11, 2023
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Best Western Northwood
245-A Airport Road, Timmins
CONTACT
For information on the EA/IA and Project updates, please visit the Northern Road Link Project website at www.northernroadlink.ca.
If you are unable to attend the Open Houses, or have any comments or questions, you are welcome to contact the following:
Michael Fox
Project Co-Lead
Indigenous Engagement and Consultation
699 Mountain Road
Fort William First Nation, ON P7J 1C1
tel: 807-472-6147
e-mail: info@northernroadlink.com
Qasim Saddique
Project Co-Lead
Indigenous Engagement and Consultation
699 Mountain Road
Fort William First Nation, ON P7J 1C1
tel: 416-830-6544
e-mail: info@northernroadlink.com
Angela Brooks
Project Manager
AtkinsRéalis
191 The West Mall
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
tel: 416-346-0111
e-mail: angela.brooks@atkinsrealis.com
All personal information included in a submission - such as name, address, telephone number and property location - is collected, maintained, and disclosed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for the purpose of transparency and consultation. The information is collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act, or is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public, as described in s. 37 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public unless you request that your personal information remain confidential. For more information, please contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Freedom of Information and Privacy Coordinator at 416-314-4075.
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