Notice of approval – terms of reference

Proponent: The Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie
Environmental assessment file number: MU-0043

As provided for by section 6(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act, Terms of Reference, as submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment on March 7, 2005 and revised through the submission of Terms of Reference dated July 2005, to govern the preparation of an environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, are hereby approved.

Pursuant to subsection 6.1(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, any environmental assessment for the above-noted undertaking, submitted to the Ministry of the Environment pursuant to subsection 6.2(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act, must be prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference as hereby approved.

Reasons

I am satisfied that an environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the Terms of Reference will be consistent with the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act and the public interest for the following reasons:

  1. The Terms of Reference requires that the proponent meet the intent of the Environmental Assessment Act by providing for the identification of issues and concerns, and the preferred means of addressing them with due regard to the adoption of environmental management, protection, and mitigation measures.
  2. The Terms of Reference has been reviewed by the public, government agencies, and potentially affected aboriginal communities and organizations. There are no outstanding concerns that cannot be addressed in the environmental assessment.
  3. The Terms of Reference requires the proponent to implement a consultation plan during the preparation of the environmental assessment. In addition, the Environmental Assessment Act requires continued consultation and documentation of the consultation for the preparation of the environmental assessment. As well, there will be additional opportunity for public, agency, and aboriginal consultation when the environmental assessment is submitted to the ministry.

Dated the 26th day of September 2005 at Toronto.

Original signed by:
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1P5