Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Gabion Wall Repair or Replacement at the Former Rifle Range, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

April 22, 2026 — The authorities must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the authorities are inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by May 11, 2026 to:
Julie Dalgard, Environmental Officer, 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa Environment Services / Garrison Toronto
Mailing Address:  701 Oxford St E, London
Ontario, Canada, N5Y 4T7
E-mail:  Julie.Dalgard@forces.gc.ca

or

Rabi Gautam, Engineering Officer, Real Property Operations Unit
Mailing Address:  1 Yukon Lane, Toronto
Ontario, Canada, M3K 0K1
E-mail:  Rabi.Gautam@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) proposes a project. Sections of the existing gabion wall at the former rifle range will be repaired, where possible, and replaced where compromised beyond repair. The project will include the following activities:

• Unexploded Explosive Ordinance (UXO) Clearance: UXO clearance will be completed in the Project Area, adjacent to the shoreline.
• Site Clearing: The removal of vegetation and trees is likely required to access the existing gabion wall. The existing shoreline may need to be disturbed to create a path to access the Project Area. Disturbances to the shoreline, vegetation and trees will be limited and minimized to only essential areas necessary to complete the work.
• Gabion wall repair and replacement: Sections of the existing gabion wall at the former Niagara-on-the-Lake rifle range that can be repaired will be repaired, and sections which are beyond repair will be replaced.
• Site Restoration: The site will be restored to its original conditions, including the effects of any temporary clearing activities.