Building Bridges with Industry and the Surrounding Community

Downtown Windsor Marina

Objectives:

Though water quality analysis undertaken by the City did not identify a problem, Walpole Island was concerned that the construction and operation of a proposed marina in the City of Windsor could increase bioaccumulation in flora and fauna around the site.

Description:

WIFN requested that the City of Windsor carry out an evaluation of First Nation impacts, including operational issues, site remediation, on-site waste and contaminant management contingency planning, biological impacts, surface and ground water quality, archeological/heritage, economic and cultural issues, and mitigation measures proposed for such impacts. Ministerial approval of the proposed Marina was dependent on WI's decision to withdraw these concerns. WIFN and the City of Windsor entered into negotiation, which resulted in the following proposal:



• The City prepare a report for WIFN summarizing the technical issues and the proposed mitigation measures associated with each topic of concern. This document could assist WIFN in providing advisory and technical support to Council, Elders, and the community at large and in liaising with other interested Aboriginal communities and organizations in the area.
  
  
• The City provide Environmental Liaison Committee funding for WIFN and for consultants. The Committee will work with the City at the final design stage in reviewing technical studies, and on developing appropriate mitigation measures related to water and soil quality.
  
  
• The City contribute towards legal costs associated with meeting with City's counsel and attempting to work out the details of a co-operative approach to resolving WIFN's concerns.
  
  
• The City provide funding for consultation.
  
  
The City of Windsor agreed to these terms on the condition that WIFN not request a full hearing under the Environmental Assessment Act.

Outcome:

City Council approved the agreement reached between WIFN and the City of Windsor in July, 1996. As agreed, WIFN advised the Minister of Environment and Energy that insofar as WIFN is concerned, the Provincial processing of the City's EA could proceed.

Support:

Initial funding from WIFN; costs recovered through the agreement.