The MNO appreciates the…

The MNO appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback on the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) application submitted by Searchmont Ski Resort Inc. for the construction and operation of a wastewater treatment facility discharging treated effluent into the Goulais River. This letter is submitted by the Rights, Research and Policy Branch and sets out the MNO’s initial comments on the ECA 025-1121. Importantly, these are preliminary views only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Huron-Superior Regional Metis Community but rather seeks to provide generalized comment on environmental concern for the Goulais River.

As identified in Powley, Goulais River holds importance to the Historic Sault Ste Marie Métis Community . The Goulais River is an ecologically significant waterway within the Lake Superior watershed, supporting cold-water fisheries, sensitive aquatic habitats, recreational use, and longstanding cultural and stewardship relationships. Any proposal to introduce treated wastewater into this system must therefore be supported by robust scientific evidence, precautionary planning, and a transparent and inclusive decision-making process.
Based on a review of the materials made available through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) and information presented during the Public Information Centre (PIC), significant concerns remain regarding both the environmental assessment supporting this application and the adequacy of the consultation and planning process to date.

Based on a review of the materials made available through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) and information presented during the Public Information Centre (PIC), significant concerns remain regarding both the environmental assessment supporting this application and the adequacy of the consultation and planning process to date.

Concerns about this proposal also align with pre-existing priorities identified by citizens in the Huron-Superior Regional Metis Community (Region 4) through regional planning and engagement processes. Métis citizens from the Huron-Superior Regional Metis Community have consistently identified degradation of habitat and biodiversity, ecosystem stress, and water quality as major concerns affecting traditional land use and long-term climate resilience. There has been a strong and repeated call for community-based water monitoring initiatives to track changes in water temperature, clarity, pollution levels, and aquatic life. When asked what climate actions communities should prioritize in relation to responsibilities to care for all relations, approximately forty percent of respondents identified increased environmental monitoring as a priority during a survey that was used to develop a Regional Climate Action Plan, which is still in draft form.

In this survey, citizens further emphasized that meaningful climate resilience requires coordination across governments, regions, and sectors, including early and equitable engagement with proponents on monitoring, accountability, and long-term stewardship. The proposed wastewater treatment facility, as currently presented, does not clearly demonstrate how these priorities have been integrated into project planning or monitoring frameworks.

Please see attached letter for further feedback and information.