Henvey Inlet First Nation Dodems
Henvey Inlet First Nation Dodems

Draft Environmental Assessment in good shape

By Jennifer Ashawasegai, Communications Coordinator

Dec. 23/16 - Third party experts by Henvey Inlet First Nation gave the nod to the environmental assessment (EA) conducted by Aecom. However, they did give numerous recommendations, most of which, have been reflected in the presentation on December 15th to community members in Henvey Inlet First Nation.

Nearly thirty people attended the Environmental Assessment summary review which was held at the Fire Hall. AECOM representatives Kyle Hunt, Project Manager and Jillian Deman, Terrestrial and Wetland Ecologist presented the EA summary and third party experts, Savanata President and CEO Tom Hilditch and Manager Environmental Assessment and Stakeholder Consultant with Arcadis Anneliese Grieve discussed their recommendations after their careful review of the EA conducted by AECOM.

Hunt said, “AECOM has made commitments in the E.A for mitigation to avoid spills if there are any. The mitigation factors include a spill response plan as well as rehabilitation for soil and water. “

There are a number of special issues to consider in the areas where turbines will be going up. Henvey Inlet is home to four different kinds of wetlands: swamp, marsh, fen and bog. It is also home to a number of species at risk, including: Canada Warbler, Whip-poor-will, Blanding’s Turtle, Eastern Musk Turtle, Eastern Foxsnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Massassauga along with the Tri-coloured bat.

In order to preserve species-at-risk and minimize damage to important habitat like wetlands, Deman said, “The construction footprint will be micro-sited to avoid sensitive habitat and monitors will go out to site access service roads to avoid nesting sites.”

She explained that micro-siting means they will do the best they can to do as little damage as possible to the environment and minimize disruption to species living in the area.

For instance, Deman said the narrow service roads, “will have eco-passages with bridges or culverts under the road to help sheppard snakes and turtles, and the speed limits on entire sites have been reduced to 20 km/h.”

Some of the habitat will be re-created for some species. Hibernacula – where snakes hibernate in the winter can be created if a specific turbine will be in an area where there is a concentration of particular snakes. Bats are not left out of the equation. If need be, artificial roosting sites will be constructed for the night-flying creatures.

Lighting and noise is another issue that is of concern because of light and noise pollution affect wildlife during construction and post construction. According to Deman, this will be minimized by only building during daylight hours, and in the case of emergency, ecologists will be called on to ensure strategic lighting will be used.

Of the large land base (get # again), only 1.5 % of it will be affected by construction of the 300 MW wind farm in Henvey Inlet #2.

Next month, January 2016, Henvey Inlet First Nation could be issuing an Environmental Permit for the project.

In many ways, this is a precedent setting process because this wind project is the largest of its kind in Ontario, and the largest First Nation project in Canada. Not only that, its also the first First Nation project to be tested under the First Nations Lands Management Act.

HIFN has its own Land Code, therefore, manages its own Lands, rather than the federal government. Not only that, provincial law does not apply on-reserve. In  order to ensure all parties were comfortable with the process, HIFN developed a strict environmental policy to follow under its Environmental Guidance instrument. In it, federal and provincial laws have been closely observed, along with Band Member concerns and identification of sacred and heritage sites.

Chief Wayne McQuabbie said, “Council is satisfied with measures taken to date and will adhere to the recommendations by the experts on species at risk and sensitive sites.”

Both third party experts hired by Henvey Inlet First Nation were satisfied with the environmental assessment and mitigation factors from AECOM. Grieve said, “The EA report prepared by AECOM  met the requirements of the guidance instrument. Most of my recommendations were to provide clarity, better understandability with respect to decisions made in the EA.”

Hilditch, who specializes in Species at Risk agreed and added, “The EA report provided a detailed understanding of species at risk and accurately described the number of species population sizes. The recommendations we provided are mostly precautionary and relate to providing more mitigation and a more cautionary approach to protecting species at risk.”

The next consultation will be held January 24th, 2016 at the fire hall when the final report will be presented. After community input over the course of this process, leadership could be in a position to publicly issue the environmental permit for the project.  If all milestones have been met, construction of the wind farm will begin in spring 2016.

-30-

Announcements

Lands Assistant

 

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Lands Assistant

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Lands Assistant to join our Administration. The Lands Assistant reports to the Lands Manager and is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support for land management, lease management, and all other services of the Henvey Inlet First Nation Lands Department. This position requires exceptional organization and interpersonal communication skills.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Membership Meeting September 11th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Annual General Membership Meeting

September 11th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Meeting September 10th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Annual General Meeting  September 10th 2025 notice

Annual General Meeting

September 10th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1.

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30pm

Read more

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Miigwetch to everyone who took the time to share their voice in the Community Survey to support the development of Henvey Inlet First Nation’s Child and Family Wellbeing Law. Your input ensures that the Law reflects our values, traditions, and vision for the care of our children and families. 

Read more

September 2025

September 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of September's newsletter: September 2025sept2023month

  • Offices will be closed on September 1
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Diabetic Foot Care- September 3
  • Men's Circle- September 4 & 18
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Annual General Meeting- September 10
  • Annual Trust Membership Meeting- Sept. 11
  • Wills Meeting- September 17
  • Home Maintenance Workshop- September 24
  • Learn to Harvest/Process Fish- Sept. 2 to 5
  • Indigenous Services Canada Notice
  • Murder Mystery Lunch- September 18
  • National Day of Truth and Reconciliation- September 30

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

NNDSB Contingency Plan moves PSHS to Remote Learning

Near North District School Board Logo

NNDSB Contingency Plan moves PSHS to Remote Learning

Message to First Nation Communities

Although significant efforts have been made by staff, Parry Sound High School (PSHS) is not currently ready to accommodate staff and students.

Read more

Survey Link For Remote Learning

Near North District School Board Logo

Survey Link For Remote Learning

Parents/Guardians,

You will have already received an email from the Near North District School Board today advising parents about the preparation of a backup plan for remote learning for Grade 9-12 students of Parry Sound High School.

Read more

Subject Back-to-School Update Timetables Schedule Changes September 2 Start

Near North District School Board Logo

Subject: Back-to-School Update – Timetables, Schedule Changes & September 2 Start

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we count down to the start of the school year on September 2, I’d like to share a few important updates to help you, and your child feel prepared and informed.

📋 Student Timetables – Still in Progress

Read more

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

Henvey Inlet First Nation Elementary School Bus Driver

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Henvey Inlet First Nation Education Department is currently seeking a part-time contractor to provide School Bus Monitor services for the 2025-26 academic year. School Bus Monitors of Henvey Inlet First Nation are required to uphold the core values of safety, service and respect at all times. The primary responsibility of the Bus Monitor is to ensure the students’ behaviours and actions are not a distraction to the Bus Driver, by enforcing the rules of the bus as defined by Henvey Inlet First Nation. The School Bus Monitor will also be required to record student attendance on a daily basis. This person requires excellent interpersonal communication skills and a positive attitude.

Read more

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- Meals on Wheels Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- Meals on Wheels Coordinator

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Henvey Inlet First Nation is currently seeking a part-time contractor to provide Meals on Wheels services in the community two days per week. The Meals on Wheels Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Health Director and be responsible to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to Henvey Inlet First Nation MOW clients on specified routes. This person requires excellent customer service skills, a high level of personal integrity and strong attention to detail.

Read more

NNDSB Update on Parry Sound JK-12 School Construction

 

Henvey Inlet First Nation Elementary School Bus Driver

NNDSB Update on Parry Sound JK-12

School Construction

Press release dated August 13, 2025.

Near North District School Board is sharing an important update with valued First Nation Partners regarding the construction of the new JK-12 school in Parry Sound.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Energy Project Community Benefits Video

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Henvey Inlet First Nation Energy Project Community Benefits Video

Use the media player embedded below to watch the video.

Read more

Announcements

Lands Assistant

 

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

Lands Assistant

Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Lands Assistant to join our Administration. The Lands Assistant reports to the Lands Manager and is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support for land management, lease management, and all other services of the Henvey Inlet First Nation Lands Department. This position requires exceptional organization and interpersonal communication skills.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Membership Meeting September 11th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Annual General Membership Meeting

September 11th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Annual General Meeting September 10th 2025

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Annual General Meeting  September 10th 2025 notice

Annual General Meeting

September 10th 2025

Location: New EMS Building, 18 Sand Pit Road, bay number 1.

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30pm

Read more

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Henvey Inlet First Nation - Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Anishinaabek Wiidosendiwak Community Survey Prize Winners

Miigwetch to everyone who took the time to share their voice in the Community Survey to support the development of Henvey Inlet First Nation’s Child and Family Wellbeing Law. Your input ensures that the Law reflects our values, traditions, and vision for the care of our children and families. 

Read more

September 2025

September 2025 Newsletter

Here's your copy of September's newsletter: September 2025sept2023month

  • Offices will be closed on September 1
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Diabetic Foot Care- September 3
  • Men's Circle- September 4 & 18
  • Ontario Works notices
  • Food Bank Notice
  • Annual General Meeting- September 10
  • Annual Trust Membership Meeting- Sept. 11
  • Wills Meeting- September 17
  • Home Maintenance Workshop- September 24
  • Learn to Harvest/Process Fish- Sept. 2 to 5
  • Indigenous Services Canada Notice
  • Murder Mystery Lunch- September 18
  • National Day of Truth and Reconciliation- September 30

and more!

Please download and read the newsletter for more information.

Read more

NNDSB Contingency Plan moves PSHS to Remote Learning

Near North District School Board Logo

NNDSB Contingency Plan moves PSHS to Remote Learning

Message to First Nation Communities

Although significant efforts have been made by staff, Parry Sound High School (PSHS) is not currently ready to accommodate staff and students.

Read more

Survey Link For Remote Learning

Near North District School Board Logo

Survey Link For Remote Learning

Parents/Guardians,

You will have already received an email from the Near North District School Board today advising parents about the preparation of a backup plan for remote learning for Grade 9-12 students of Parry Sound High School.

Read more

Subject Back-to-School Update Timetables Schedule Changes September 2 Start

Near North District School Board Logo

Subject: Back-to-School Update – Timetables, Schedule Changes & September 2 Start

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we count down to the start of the school year on September 2, I’d like to share a few important updates to help you, and your child feel prepared and informed.

📋 Student Timetables – Still in Progress

Read more

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

Henvey Inlet First Nation Elementary School Bus Driver

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- School Bus Monitor

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Henvey Inlet First Nation Education Department is currently seeking a part-time contractor to provide School Bus Monitor services for the 2025-26 academic year. School Bus Monitors of Henvey Inlet First Nation are required to uphold the core values of safety, service and respect at all times. The primary responsibility of the Bus Monitor is to ensure the students’ behaviours and actions are not a distraction to the Bus Driver, by enforcing the rules of the bus as defined by Henvey Inlet First Nation. The School Bus Monitor will also be required to record student attendance on a daily basis. This person requires excellent interpersonal communication skills and a positive attitude.

Read more

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- Meals on Wheels Coordinator

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo - The Henvey Inlet First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing Project

REPOST- Contract Opportunity- Meals on Wheels Coordinator

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Henvey Inlet First Nation is currently seeking a part-time contractor to provide Meals on Wheels services in the community two days per week. The Meals on Wheels Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Health Director and be responsible to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to Henvey Inlet First Nation MOW clients on specified routes. This person requires excellent customer service skills, a high level of personal integrity and strong attention to detail.

Read more

NNDSB Update on Parry Sound JK-12 School Construction

 

Henvey Inlet First Nation Elementary School Bus Driver

NNDSB Update on Parry Sound JK-12

School Construction

Press release dated August 13, 2025.

Near North District School Board is sharing an important update with valued First Nation Partners regarding the construction of the new JK-12 school in Parry Sound.

Read more

Henvey Inlet First Nation Energy Project Community Benefits Video

Henvey Inlet First Nation Logo Mobile

Henvey Inlet First Nation Energy Project Community Benefits Video

Use the media player embedded below to watch the video.

Read more

  • (705)857-2331
  • Mon to Thurs - 8:30AM – 4:30PM
    Friday - 8:30AM to Noon