Ottawa — November 29, 2019 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided that an impact assessment is required for the Marten Falls Community Access Road Project (the Project) located in northern Ontario.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Agency has taken into account each of the following factors:

• the proponent's Detailed Project Description and its response to the summary of relevant issues. The Agency is satisfied that, for the purpose of determining whether an impact assessment is required, the information provided by the proponent adequately characterizes the potential effects of the Project;
• the possibility that carrying out the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and adverse direct and incidental effects;
• adverse impacts that the Project may have on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
• comments received from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities, and officials from the Government of Ontario in relation to the Project.

The Agency is not aware of any relevant regional or strategic assessments, or of any relevant studies conducted or plans prepared by another jurisdiction, in respect of the region in which the Project would be located.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the view that the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, and changes to the health, social, economic and environmental conditions of Indigenous peoples. The Project may also adversely impact the rights of several Indigenous groups, including Indigenous groups who are signatories to Treaty 9. As a result, the Agency has decided that an impact assessment under the IAA is required.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Marten Falls Community Access Road Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
600-55 York Street
Toronto, ON, M5J 1R7
Telephone: 416-952-1576
Email: IAAC.MartenFalls.AEIC@canada.ca
https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/80184