May 30, 2024 –Canadian Coast Guard in consultation with Parks Canada has decided that the proposed Phase II Southern Gulf Island Navigation Aid Replacement Project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects. Upon further review of the Helen Point location, it was determined that the area where the new aid is to be placed is located within a Provincial footprint, therefore it is no longer being assessed under the Federal Lands Provision of the Impact Assessment Act.

In making this determination, Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada and Indigenous Services Canada considered the following factors and mitigation measures:

• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples: The Canadian Coast Guard reached out to Indigenous Peoples whose Traditional Territories the sites are within. Acknowledgment and support have been given from several of the Nations;
• Indigenous knowledge: The Canadian Coast Guard conducted pre-site inspections with a Cultural Monitor at all site locations to determine protection measures and address any concerns;
• Community knowledge: Public notification on local wharfs and marinas as well as local papers were posted with no response from the public.
• Comments received from the public: No public comments were received;
• mitigation measures:
  • Development of a project specific Environmental Protection Plan and a Site Specific Protection Plan,
  • Environmental monitoring to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection Plan and during all activities
  • Cultural Monitoring at all sites during the following activities tower swaps. 

 Implementation of mitigation measures is required for the project to address:

• Indigenous fisheries and infrastructure
• Culturally significant locations
• Protection of Bird nesting habitat
• Equipment Operation
• Waste Management
• Spill Containment and Response
• Water and sediment quality
• Coastal riparian and shoreline
• Marine mammal presence
• Protection of Fish and fish habitat
• Mariner's safety

Canadian Coast Guard in consultation with Parks Canada are satisfied that there is little potential for the project to cause adverse effects on the locations addressed in this assessment.

Therefore, The Canadian Coast Guard may carry out the Project.