2020-2021 Panel Annual Report on English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Trust
Get information on the panel’s activities related to the English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Trust for the 2020-2021 reporting period.
As required by the English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Funding Act, 2017 (the Act), the following is the annual report submitted by the English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation (EWRRP) Chair to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on behalf of the EWRRP Panel. The report includes: a message from the Chair, background information on the Act and the Panel, and a description of the work of the Panel, including a status report on the Trust.
ISSN 2561-8903
ISBN 978-1-4868-4343-5
Message from the Panel Chair
I am pleased to present the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Panel. The report fulfills the requirements of the English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Funding Act, 2017 to report annually to the Minister and leadership of each participating Indigenous community. The report documents the Panel’s activities as it carried out its mandate from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
During this reporting period, the Panel continued to approve funding for projects, led by Members and Participants, that advanced the understanding of mercury in the water, sediments, wetlands, fish and other fauna and flora of the English and Wabigoon Rivers system. The Panel also approved funding of Members and Participants capacity to participate in the work of the Panel and to engage their communities’ members in supporting the work of the Panel.
These funds also facilitated the engagement of the Panel Indigenous communities’ members to increase their awareness about the mercury contamination and the Panel’s efforts to address it; and provide opportunities for community member input and knowledge sharing. The global pandemic impacted planned community engagement activities and highlighted challenges facing the communities. Members and Participants have been adapting and developing new strategies for engaging with their communities.
Thanks to the commitment of each represented government, even under the difficult circumstances posed by the global pandemic, the Panel continued to operate and make positive strides towards the common goal of remediating mercury in the English and Wabigoon Rivers.
I look forward to our ongoing collaboration on this important project and to continuing to share the successes of the Panel.
Sincerely,
Indra R. Prashad, P.Eng.
Panel Chair
Background
English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Funding Act, 2017
The English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Funding Act, 2017 (“the Act”) came into effect December 14, 2017.
The purpose of the Act is to provide for:
- the funding of the remediation of contaminants in the English and Wabigoon Rivers
- the co-operative management of that funding by Ontario, and the two First Nations that have been most directly and significantly affected by historic mercury contamination in the English and Wabigoon Rivers; and
- an opportunity for other Indigenous communities that have a historic relationship with the English and Wabigoon Rivers to be involved in discussions in respect of that funding.
The Act established the English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Trust (“Trust”) with $85 million in dedicated funding to support the purposes of the Act. The Act also established the English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Panel, a decision-making structure that includes Members representing Grassy Narrows First Nation, Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, and Ontario. As Indigenous communities who have a historic relationship with the rivers and who have expressed interest in this project, Eagle Lake First Nation, Wabauskang First Nation and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation also actively participate in supporting the work of the Panel.
The Panel is responsible for providing advice to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on a series of items, including: the terms and conditions of the Trust, the Panel’s Practices and Procedures, criteria for making payments from the Trust, and remediation goals and objectives, among others. The Panel is also responsible for directing the expenditure of the Trust funds towards the remediation of mercury in the English and Wabigoon Rivers.
BMO Trust Company was appointed by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks as the Trustee. BMO Global Asset Management was retained by the Trustee to manage the Trust assets.
The Panel Annual Report
Section 11(1) of the Act includes a requirement for the Panel to prepare an annual report by June 1 of each year. This requires the Panel to report in respect of:
- the activities funded by the Trust for the annual period ending on March 31 in the year in which the Report is due
- the balance of funds remaining in the Trust as of March 31 in the year in which the Report is due
- a forecast of the expenditures from the Trust for the five-year period beginning April 1 in the year in which the Report is due
- a recommendation of whether additional funds will be required to fund the Trust and in what amount; and
- a description of how the activities funded by the Trust have contributed to the remediation of the English and Wabigoon Rivers.
The Chair of the Panel is required to submit the Panel’s Annual Report to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and to the leadership of the Indigenous communities that participated in the work of the Panel. The Minister is required to table the report in the Legislature.
The Trustee is also required to submit an annual report by June 1 of each year reporting on the financial affairs of the Trust and disbursement of trust assets. The Trustee is to provide this report to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the leadership of each Indigenous community that participated in the work of the Panel, and the Chair of the Panel. The Minister is also required to table this report in the Legislature.
The English and Wabigoon Rivers Remediation Panel
Panel Members are appointed by their represented governments. The Panel Chair and Vice-Chair are selected by the Members from amongst themselves.
Panel Participants are nominated by the leadership of their Indigenous community and authorized by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
The operation of the Panel is governed by the Act, the Panel’s Practices and Procedures, and criteria for making payments from the Trust.
Panel Members
Ontario
- Mark Dunn, Director, Compliance Planning and Spills Action Centre, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
- Indra Prashad, Director, Indigenous Drinking Water Projects Office, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks - Panel Chair
Grassy Narrows First Nation
- Chief Rudy Turtle (until October 16, 2020)
- Chief Randy Fobister (from October 16, 2020)
- David Sone
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations
- Chief Waylon Scott
- Councillor Rocky Bunting – Panel Vice-Chair
Panel Participants
Eagle Lake First Nation
- Jordan Gardner, Lands and Resources Coordinator
Wabauskang First Nation
- Councillor Jo-Anne Petiquan-Moore
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
- Robert Parenteau, Lands and Resources Director
The Technical Subcommittee
The Technical Subcommittee was established in February 2018. It meets on an as needed basis as determined by the Panel. The purpose of the Technical Subcommittee is to support the Panel in making informed decisions about proposals for the funding of remediation activities. The group is composed of Traditional Knowledge Holders from each First Nation and technical advisors from each represented government.
Technical Subcommittee Representatives
Grassy Narrows First Nation
- William Fobister Sr., Traditional Knowledge Holder
- Nelson Walter, Technical Advisor
- Reed Harris, Technical Advisor
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations
- George Land, Traditional Knowledge Holder
- Marvin McDonald, Traditional Knowledge Holder
- Ariel Lupu, Technical Advisor
- John Donetz, Technical Advisor
Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
- Margaret Neff, Technical Advisor
- Saloni Clerk, Technical Advisor
Eagle Lake First Nation
- Margaret Wabonge, Traditional Knowledge Holder (until November 18, 2020)
- Bob Kavanaugh, Traditional Knowledge Holder (from November 18, 2020)
- Levi Snook, Technical Advisor
- Alison Fraser, Technical Advisor - Panel Liaison
Wabauskang First Nation
- Betty Riffel, Traditional Knowledge Holder
- Alissa Van Wynen, Technical Youth Advisor (until October 27, 2020)
- Seni Kokolic, Technical Advisor (from October 27, 2020)
- Ryan Haines, Technical Advisor
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
- Annie Dietrich, Technical Advisor
- Jason Mann, Technical Advisor
The Panel Secretariat
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks provides Secretariat support to the Panel and the Technical Subcommittee. As directed by the Panel, the Secretariat is responsible for coordinating meetings, preparing Panel documents, drafting operational policy, maintaining records and reviewing funding proposals, among other tasks.
Achievements
Panel achievements
Similar to the previous reporting period, the Panel continued to assess and fund projects aimed at characterizing mercury in the English and Wabigoon Rivers. It also identified the key priorities for further assessment work for 2021. The information collected as a result of these projects will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current state of the environment and inform future remediation options. The Panel also provided capacity funding to the First Nation Panel Members and Participants to support their involvement in the work of the Panel and Technical Subcommittee.
During this reporting period, the Panel held fifteen teleconferences. Due to the global pandemic, no in-person meetings were held.
Technical Subcommittee achievements
The Technical Subcommittee reviewed funding proposals as directed by the Panel. It interpreted scientific and technical information, worked to develop consistent methodologies for field work and assessed data gaps. In undertaking these tasks, the group shared information, and discussed the data and results acquired through field work and other means. After each meeting, the Panel Liaison reported back to the Panel on the group’s discussions.
During this reporting period, the Technical Subcommittee held ten teleconferences.
Trust update
Activities funded by the Trust between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021
1. Pre-remediation activities
At this stage of the project, funds are being directed to pre-remediation activities, which are intended to characterize mercury contamination in the English and Wabigoon Rivers system. The data collected and observations made during this work will inform future remediation and monitoring efforts. Funds were also provided for First Nation capacity building and technical training. Traditional Knowledge Holders are actively engaged and play a critical role in the Panel process by undertaking pre-remediation activities and supporting training and community engagement programs.
Many of the activities described below span more than one reporting period and may have disbursements from previous years. Generally, for pre-remediation activities approved by the Panel, funds are disbursed in multiple installments following the approval of required documentation: at the beginning of the project following approval of the proposed work plan and budget, mid-project following approval of an interim report(s), and after the project’s completion following receipt of any deliverables and approval of a final report and reconciled budget.
Activities included in the following section were either started, completed or ongoing during the 2020-2021 reporting period. For activities that have received funding in prior years, the total amount disbursed to date has also been included.
A summary table of all pre-remediation funds disbursed during the 2020-2021 reporting period and a summary table of cumulative disbursements for all pre-remediation activities funded to March 31, 2021 are provided below. These financial summaries were developed by the Panel to provide information regarding the activities funded by the Trust for this reporting period. Audited financial statements for the Trust can be found in the Annual Report of the Trustee for the corresponding reporting period.
Panel members
Grassy Narrows First Nation: 2018 Field Sampling Program
The purpose of this project is to further characterize mercury levels in sediment and fish in under-sampled areas of the Grassy Narrows traditional territory. It will also improve current understanding of mercury transport, storage, bioavailability and remobilization. Samples were taken in the 90-kilometre section of the English and Wabigoon Rivers between the Clay Lake outfall and Lount Lake.
Approved: May 2018
Total approved budget: $1,811,736.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $0.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $1,630,397.70
Status: Ongoing
Grassy Narrows First Nation – Nearshore Riverbank Sediment and Porewater Sampling near the Dryden Mill Project
The purpose of this project is to contribute to the evaluation of whether mercury is continuing to be released from the Dryden Mill Site into the Wabigoon River. This will be accomplished by sampling riverbank sediment, Wabigoon River water, and porewater adjacent to and downstream from the Dryden Mill Site.
Approved: February 2019
Total approved budget: $444,545.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $44,454.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $400,089.50
Status: Ongoing
Grassy Narrows First Nation – Dated Core Analyses Project
The purpose of this project is to contribute to the evaluation as to whether there are ongoing sources of mercury, how much mercury is stored in different parts of the river system, the role of riparian wetlands in mercury storage and recovery, and how long it will take the river to recover naturally after any ongoing mercury sources have been controlled. Funds were provided for completion of analysis (a portion of the core analyses were completed previously using Transfer Payment Agreement funding from the ministry) of sediment cores that were collected in the Wabigoon River between Dryden and Clay Lake in 2018 for this purpose.
Approved: May 2019
Total approved budget: $1,206,338.83
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $164,601.56
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $1,041,737.38
Status: Ongoing
Grassy Narrows First Nation – 2019 Sediment, Water and Biota Sampling Program
The purpose of this project is to contribute to the evaluation of where mercury is located, how it moves through the river system, where it is being deposited and how it gets into fish and edible plants. The project is focused on areas of known elevated mercury, and areas which are currently under-characterized. This work includes sediment, water and biota sampling.
Approved: August 2019 (Initial Scoped Proposal)/ September 2020 (Revised Proposal)
Total approved budget: $5,230,237.79
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $688,364.43
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $1,538,364.43
Status: Ongoing
Grassy Narrows First Nation – Mercury Modelling Proposal for the English-Wabigoon River System
The purpose of this project is to develop and apply a numerical model framework to better understand mercury in the existing system and help design and predict the response of the English and Wabigoon Rivers to potential remediation actions to reduce mercury contamination in the rivers. The project will provide the Panel with scientifically sound and defensible information to support the identification of data gaps and needs, evaluate proposed remediation options, employ adaptive management in implementation of remediation plans, and design pre and post remediation monitoring programs.
Approved: November 2020
Total approved budget: $1,321,098.64
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $528,439.46
Status: Ongoing
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations – 2019 Field Program
This project was a continuation of previous work undertaken by Wabaseemoong to monitor the English River within the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations Traditional Land Use Area (TLUA). The project aimed to further our understanding of the effects and distribution of mercury in the aquatic environment of that area. It included water quality, sediment, fish, aquatic vegetation, benthic invertebrates and wild rice sampling, as well as the monitoring of fish movement.
Approved: May 2019
Total approved budget: $1,585,516.94
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $435,707.14
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021 $1,545,569.00
Status: Completed
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations – 2020 Field Program
This project is a continuation of previous work undertaken by Wabaseemoong within the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations TLUA. The 2019 program marked the end of work to establish initial baseline conditions and the beginning of monitoring for the Wabaseemoong TLUA. The 2020 project aims to further our understanding of the effects and distribution of mercury in the aquatic environment of that area. It includes water quality, sediment, fish, aquatic vegetation, and benthic invertebrates sampling, as well as completing the final year of the multi-year fish movement study.
Approved: August 2020
Total approved budget: $916,358.76
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $824,722.88
Status: Ongoing
Panel participants
Eagle Lake First Nation – Wetland Mercury Characterization in Eagle Lake First Nation’s Traditional Territories
The purpose of this project is to characterize mercury contamination in wetlands along the Wabigoon River from Dryden to Clay Lake. It includes sampling and analysis of sediment, water and biota from wetlands potentially impacted by mercury. The resulting observations will help to better understand the role of wetlands in mercury transport and cycling.
Approved: February 2019
Total approved budget: $565,111.31
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $69,151.80
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $543,229.47
Status: Ongoing
Eagle Lake First Nation – 2020 Surface Water Sampling Program
The purpose of this project is to build on the results of previous surface water sampling studies completed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in 2018, and Grassy Narrows First Nation and Eagle Lake First Nation in 2019. The proposed field program aims to further our understanding of the spatial extent and fate of mercury in surface water along the Wabigoon River.
Approved: May 2020
Total approved budget: $444,441.03
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $334,011.84
Status: Ongoing
Wabauskang First Nation – GIS, Database Management and Research Capacity Building Project
In 2019, Grassy Narrows, Eagle Lake and Wabauskang First Nation trainees continued to build technical capacity within the First Nations participating on the Panel by refining their fieldwork and data management skills.
Approved: February 2019
Total approved budget: $549,549.25
Funds returned in 2020/2021: $(121,593.32)
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $373,001.03
Status: Completed
Wabauskang First Nation – Data Management Strategy Assessment Project
Following consideration of the data management needs and development of options for a long-term solution in 2019, the Panel requested that Wabauskang First Nation develop a Terms of Reference outlining the requirements and cost to develop the recommended option.
Approved: December 2019
Total approved budget: $13,500.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $6,750.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $13,500.00
Status: Completed
Wabauskang First Nation – Project Management and Support for Database Development
Following consideration of the Terms of Reference, the Panel requested that Wabauskang First Nation develop a proposal to manage and support the preparation, distribution and review of the Request for Proposals process to develop a database for the Panel.
Approved: August 2020
Total approved budget: $43,837.50
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $21,918.75
Status: Ongoing
Wabauskang First Nation – Scientific Database Development
Following the Request for Proposals process, the Panel requested that Wabauskang First Nation provide the professional and technical support required for the issuance and management of a contract for the development of a database of results of Member and Participant monitoring activities in the English and Wabigoon Rivers system.
Approved: February 2021
Total approved budget: $117,970.50
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $58,985.25
Status: Ongoing
Wabauskang First Nation – Wabigoon River and English River Bathymetry and LiDAR Mapping Proposal
The purpose of this project is to provide detailed mapping of the rivers and surrounding lands to support the development of remedial options.
Approved: April 2020
Total approved budget: $730,907.73
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $511,635.41
Status: Ongoing
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation – Wabigoon Lake Background Environmental and Water Regime Study
The purpose of this project was to determine current environmental conditions in Wabigoon Lake and its tributaries located within the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation traditional territory. The project included sampling and analysis of sediment and surface water, information that will be used to characterize mercury concentrations in the area. A historical review of the Wabigoon Lake water regime, as well as a review of existing studies, was undertaken to inform sampling locations.
Approved: August 2019
Total approved budget: $181,876.58
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $18,183.68
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $181,872.60
Status: Completed
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation – 2020 Field Program
The purpose of this project is to further our understanding of current environmental conditions in Wabigoon Lake and its tributaries located within the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation traditional territory. The project will also assess aquatic biota in the Wabigoon River from Dryden to Clay Lake to fill an identified data gap. The project includes sampling and analysis of sediment and large-bodied (sport) fish to characterize mercury concentrations in the area, and fish diet analysis to further understand study area specific food web dynamics.
Approved: July 2020
Total approved budget: $528,209.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $403,049.09
Status: Ongoing
2. Capacity funding
In addition to allocating funds for pre-remediation activities, the Panel also provided funds to the Member and Participant First Nations to support their involvement in the work of the Panel. These funds were used for purposes including remuneration of Members and Participants who were otherwise not already remunerated for their participation on the Panel, travel expenses to attend the meetings, advisory and support services, as well as community engagement and governance.
Capacity funding is based on a calendar year. Funds are released in three installments following the approval of required documentation: at the beginning of the year following approval of the proposed budget, mid-year following approval of an interim report, and after the year’s end following approval of a final report and reconciled budget. Activities included in the following section span more than one reporting period and were either started, completed or ongoing during the 2020-2021 reporting period. For activities that have received funding in prior years, the total amount disbursed to date has also been included.
A summary table of all capacity funding disbursed during the 2020-2021 reporting period and a summary table of accumulative disbursements for all capacity funding disbursed to March 31, 2021 are provided below. These financial summaries were developed by the Panel to provide information regarding the activities funded by the Trust for this reporting period. Audited financial statements for the Trust can be found in the Annual Report of the Trustee for the corresponding reporting period.
Panel members
Grassy Narrows First Nation – 2019 Capacity Funding
Approved: November 2018
Total approved budget: $881,993.45
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $0.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $617,395.00
Status: Ongoing
Grassy Narrows First Nation – 2020 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2019
Total approved budget: $968,642.05
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $0.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021 $678,049.44
Status: Ongoing
Grassy Narrows First Nation – 2021 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2020
Total approved budget: $819,147.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $573,403.00
Status: Ongoing
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations – 2019 Capacity Funding
Approved: November 2019
Total approved budget: $942,872.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $93,008.53
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $941,593.53
Status: Completed
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations – 2020 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2019
Total approved budget: $976,466.15
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $64,692.44
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $748,218.74
Status: Ongoing
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations – 2020 Youth Summer Camp
Approved: July 2020
Total approved budget: $88,506.45
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $88,506.45
Status: Completed
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations – 2021 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2020
Total approved budget: $793,455.85
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $555,419.10
Status: Ongoing
Panel participants
Eagle Lake First Nation – 2019 Capacity Funding
Approved: November 2018
Total approved budget: $597,088.97
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $(58,999.19)
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $478,380.88
Status: Completed
Eagle Lake First Nation – 2020 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2019
Total approved budget: $443,966.38
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $0.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $310,776.46
Status: Ongoing
Eagle Lake First Nation – 2021 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2020
Total approved budget: $297,505.42
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $208,253.79
Status: Ongoing
Wabauskang First Nation – 2019 Capacity Funding
Approved: November 2018
Total approved budget: $381,269.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $24,307.80
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $367,449.90
Status: Completed
Wabauskang First Nation – 2020 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2019
Total approved budget: $284,004.44
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $0.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $198,803.10
Status: Ongoing
Wabauskang First Nation – 2021 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2020
Total approved budget: $181,060.00
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $126,742.00
Status: Ongoing
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation – 2019 Capacity Funding
Approved: June 2019
Total approved budget: $375,897.23
Funds returned in 2020/2021: $(63,156.09)
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $275,151.42
Status: Completed
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation – 2020 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2019
Total approved budget: $465,600.30
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $0.00
Total funds disbursed to March 31, 2021: $325,920.21
Status: Ongoing
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation – 2021 Capacity Funding
Approved: December 2020
Total approved budget: $328,992.40
Funds disbursed in 2020/2021: $230,294.68
Status: Ongoing
3. Trust disbursements 2020-2021
Summary of 2020-2021 EWRRP Disbursements - April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021
| Members | Project name | Approved budget | Funds disbursed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2018 Field Sampling | $1,811,736.00 | $0 | Ongoing |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019 Nearshore Riverbank Sediment and Porewater Sampling | $444,545.00 | $44,454.00 | Ongoing |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019 Dated Core Analysis | $1,206,338.83 | $164,601.56 | Ongoing |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019-21 Sediment, Water and Biota Sampling | $5,230,237.79 | $688,364.43 | Ongoing |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | Mercury Modelling for English-Wabigoon River System | $1,321,098.64 | $528,439.46 | Ongoing |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2019 Field Program | $1,585,516.94 | $435,707.14 | Completed |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2020 Field Program | $916,358.76 | $824,722.88 | Ongoing |
| Members Total Funding | $2,686,289.47 |
| Participants | Project Name | Approved Budget | Funds Disbursed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2018 Wetlands Mercury Characterization | $565,111.31 | $69,151.80 | Ongoing |
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2020 Surface Water Sampling | $444,441.03 | $334,011.84 | Ongoing |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2019 GIS, Database Management and Research Capacity Building | $549,549.25 | $(121,593.32) | Ongoing |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2019 Data Management Strategy Assessment - Addendum | $13,500.00 | $6,750.00 | Completed |
| Wabauskang First Nation | Wabigoon River and English River Bathymetry and LiDAR Mapping Proposal | $730,907.73 | $511,635.41 | Ongoing |
| Wabauskang First Nation | Project Management and Support for Database Development | $43,837.50 | $21,918.75 | Ongoing |
| Wabauskang First Nation | Scientific Database Development | $117,970.50 | $58,985.25 | Ongoing |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2019 Wabigoon Lake Background Environmental and Water Regime Study | $181,876.58 | $18,183.68 | Completed |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2020 Field Program | $528,209.00 | $403,049.09 | Ongoing |
| Participants Total Funding | $1,302,092.50 |
| Members | Year | Approved Budget | Funds Disbursed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019 | $881,993.45 | $0 | Ongoing |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2020 | $968,642.05 | $0 | Ongoing |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2021 | $819,147.00 | $573,403.00 | Ongoing |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2019 | $942,872.00 | $93,008.53 | Completed |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2020 | $976,466.15 | $64,692.44 | Ongoing |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2020 Youth Summer Camp | $88,506.45 | $88,506.45 | Completed |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2021 | $793,455.85 | $555,419.10 | Ongoing |
| Members Total Funding | $1,375,029.52 |
| Participants | Year | Approved budget | Funds disbursed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2019 | $597,088.97 | $(58,999.19) | Completed |
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2020 | $443,966.38 | $0 | Ongoing |
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2021 | $297,505.42 | $208,253.79 | Ongoing |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2019 | $381,269.00 | $24,307.80 | Completed |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2020 | $284,004.44 | $0 | Ongoing |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2021 | $181,060.00 | $126,742.00 | Ongoing |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2019 | $375,897.23 | $(63,156.09) | Completed |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2020 | $465,600.30 | $0 | Ongoing |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2021 | $328,992.40 | $230,294.68 | Ongoing |
| Participants Total Funding | $467,442.99 |
| Category | Funds Disbursed |
|---|---|
| Audit/Consulting Fees | $12,562.50 |
| Asset Management Fees | $144,712.12 |
| Total Other Administrative Fees | $157,274.62 |
| Category | Funds Disbursed |
|---|---|
| Trustee Fees | $49,306.51 |
| HST | $6,409.84 |
| Total Administrative Expenses | $55,716.35 |
| Category | Funds Disbursed |
|---|---|
| Total Pre-remediation Funding | $3,988,381.97 |
| Total Capacity Funding | $1,842,472.51 |
| Total Other Administrative Fees | $157,274.62 |
| Total Administrative Expenses | $55,716.35 |
| Total Funding | $6,043,845.45 |
4. Trust disbursements accumulative
Summary of EWRRP cumulative disbursements to March 31, 2021
| Members | Project name | Funds disbursed 2018-2019 |
Funds disbursed 2019-2020 |
Funds disbursed 2020-2021 |
Funds disbursed To March 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2018 Field Sampling | $1,630,397.70 | n/a | n/a | $1,630,397.70 |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019 Nearshore Riverbank Sediment and Porewater Sampling | $311,181.50 | $44,454.00 | $44,454.00 | $400,089.50 |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019 Dated Core Analysis | n/a | $877,135.82 | $164,601.56 | $1,041,737.38 |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019-21 Sediment, Water and Biota Sampling | n/a | $850,000.00 | $688,364.43 | $1,538,364.43 |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | Mercury Modelling for the English-Wabigoon River System | n/a | n/a | $528,439.46 | $528,439.46 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2019 Field Program | n/a | $1,109,861.86 | $435,707.14 | $1,545,569.00 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2020 Field Program | n/a | n/a | $824,722.88 | $824,722.88 |
| Members Total Funding | $1,941,579.20 | $2,881,451.68 | $2,686,289.47 | $7,509,320.35 |
| Participants | Project Name | Funds Disbursed 2018-2019 |
Funds Disbursed 2019-2020 |
Funds Disbursed 2020-2021 |
Funds Disbursed To March 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2018 Wetlands Mercury Characterization | $243,186.83 | $230,890.84 | $69,151.80 | $543,229.47 |
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2020 Surface Water Sampling Program | n/a | n/a | $334,011.84 | $334,011.84 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2018 GIS, Database Management and Research Capacity Building | $371,983.55 | $(84,499.39) | n/a | $287,484.16 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2019 GIS, Database Management and Research Capacity Building | $274,774.63 | $219,819.72 | $(121,593.32) | $373,001.03 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2019 Data Management Strategy Assessment | n/a | $18,077.09 | n/a | $18,077.09 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2019 Data Management Strategy Assessment - Addendum | n/a | $6,750.00 | $6,750.00 | $13,500.00 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | Wabigoon River and English River Bathymetry and LiDAR Mapping Proposal | n/a | n/a | $511,635.41 | $511,635.41 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | Project Management and Support for Database Development | n/a | n/a | $21,918.75 | $21,918.75 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | Scientific Database Development | n/a | n/a | $58,985.25 | $58,985.25 |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2019 Wabigoon Lake Background Environmental and Water Regime Study | n/a | $163,688.92 | $18,183.68 | $181,872.60 |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2020 Field Program | n/a | n/a | $403,049.09 | $403,049.09 |
| Participants Total Funding | $889,945.01 | $554,727.18 | $1,302,092.50 | $2,746,764.69 |
| Members | Project Name | Funds Disbursed 2018-2019 |
Funds Disbursed 2019-2020 |
Funds Disbursed 2020-2021 |
Funds Disbursed To March 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2018 | $612,040.37 | $38,924.40 | n/a | $650,964.77 |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2019 | $617,395.00 | n/a | n/a | $617,395.00 |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2020 | n/a | $678,049.44 | n/a | $678,049.44 |
| Grassy Narrows First Nation | 2021 | n/a | n/a | $573,403.00 | $573,403.00 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2018 | $504,185.90 | $53,764.86 | n/a | $557,950.76 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2018 Youth Summer Camp | $107,322.75 | n/a | n/a | $107,322.75 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2019 | $659,999.00 | $188,586.00 | $93,008.53 | $941,593.53 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2019 Youth Summer Camp | n/a | $116,011.98 | n/a | $116,011.98 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2020 | n/a | $683,526.30 | $64,692.44 | $748,218.74 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2020 Youth Summer Camp | n/a | n/a | $88,506.45 | $88,506.45 |
| Wabaseemoong Independent Nations | 2021 | n/a | n/a | $555,419.10 | $555,419.10 |
| Members Total Funding | $2,500,943.02 | $1,758,862.98 | $1,375,029.52 | $5,634,835.52 |
| Participants | Project Name | Funds Disbursed 2018-2019 |
Funds Disbursed 2019-2020 |
Funds Disbursed 2020-2021 |
Funds Disbursed To March 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2018 | $265,835.17 | $20,766.77 | n/a | $286,601.94 |
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2019 | $417,962.28 | $119,417.79 | $(58,999.19) | $478,380.88 |
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2020 | n/a | $310,776.46 | n/a | $310,776.46 |
| Eagle Lake First Nation | 2021 | n/a | n/a | $208,253.79 | $208,253.79 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2018 | $223,939.95 | $18,633.58 | n/a | $242,573.53 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2018 Addendum | $13,800.00 | $3,450.00 | n/a | $17,250.00 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2019 | $266,888.30 | $76,253.80 | $24,307.80 | $367,449.90 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2020 | n/a | $198,803.10 | n/a | $198,803.10 |
| Wabauskang First Nation | 2021 | n/a | n/a | $126,742.00 | $126,742.00 |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2019 | n/a | $338,307.51 | $(63,156.09) | $275,151.42 |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2020 | n/a | $325,920.21 | n/a | $325,920.21 |
| Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation | 2021 | n/a | n/a | $230,294.68 | $230,294.68 |
| Participants Total Funding | $1,188,425.70 | $1,412,329.22 | $467,442.99 | $3,068,197.91 |
| Category | Funds Disbursed 2018-2019 |
Funds Disbursed 2019-2020 |
Funds Disbursed 2020-2021 |
Funds Disbursed to March 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audit/Consulting Fees | $6,299.75 | $21,334.13 | $12,562.50 | $40,196.38 |
| Asset Management Fees | $96,162.29 | $137,996.65 | $144,712.12 | $378,871.06 |
| Total Other Administrative Fees | $102,462.04 | $159,330.78 | $157,274.62 | $419,067.44 |
| Category | Funds Disbursed 2018-2019 |
Funds Disbursed 2019-2020 |
Funds Disbursed 2020-2021 |
Funds Disbursed to March 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee fees | $41,543.01 | $51,455.33 | $49,306.51 | $142,304.85 |
| HST | $5,302.65 | $6,689.20 | $6,409.84 | $18,401.69 |
| Total administrative expenses | $46,845.66 | $58,144.53 | $55,716.35 | $160,706.54 |
| Category | Funds Disbursed 2018-2019 |
Funds Disbursed 2019-2020 |
Funds Disbursed 2020-2021 |
Funds Disbursed To March 31, 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Pre-remediation Funding | $2,831,524.21 | $3,436,178.86 | $3,988,381.97 | $10,256,085.04 |
| Total Capacity Funding | $3,689,368.72 | $3,171,192.20 | $1,842,472.51 | $8,703,033.43 |
| Total Other Administrative Fees | $102,462.04 | $159,330.78 | $157,274.62 | $419,067.44 |
| Total Administrative Expenses | $46,845.66 | $58,144.53 | $55,716.35 | $160,706.54 |
| Total Funding | $6,670,200.63 | $6,824,846.37 | $6,043,845.45 | $19,538,892.45 |
Balance of funds remaining in the Trust as of March 31, 2021
The balance of funds in the Trust as of March 31, 2021 was $69,279,932.88 (compared to $74,757,872.71 on March 31, 2020). As of March 31, 2021, the Panel approved, but has not yet disbursed, funding for ongoing pre-remediation activities totalling $5,524,210.93 and for capacity funding totalling $1,867,557.47.
Forecast of the expenditures from the Trust for the five-year period beginning April 1, 2021
During this reporting period, the Panel continued funding pre-remediation projects aimed at characterizing mercury contamination in the English and Wabigoon Rivers system. Given the early stage of the project, it is not possible to provide an accurate forecast of expenditures from the Trust for the following five-year period at this time.
The Panel does, however, forecast that a range of $20-$40 million will be required in the next three years to continue the characterization of mercury in the river system and to assess options. This forecast also reflects the funds required for Panel operations. It is anticipated that significant additional funds will be required if remediation activities are commenced in the next five years. The Panel expects that it will be better able to forecast future expenditures once characterization efforts are complete and remediation planning is underway.
Recommendation of whether additional funds will be required to fund the Trust and in what amount
Given the early stage of the project, the Panel does not have a recommendation on any additional funds that will be required to fund the Trust. Remediation professionals have advised that projects of this scale often require more funds than the current Trust balance provides.
Description of how the activities funded by the Trust have contributed to the remediation of the English and Wabigoon Rivers
The activities funded by the Panel during this reporting period focused largely on continued assessment of water, sediment, fish and other biota, wetlands and plants, such as wild rice. These efforts are filling in data gaps and enhancing the current understanding of how mercury behaves in the English and Wabigoon Rivers system. The resulting information will be required in the development and implementation of a remediation plan.
Funding was also provided to each of Member and Participant First Nation to support their involvement in the work of the Panel, as well as for their governance and for the engagement of their communities.
Vetting proposals, prioritizing funds and involving the participating First Nation communities are key components of the Panel’s work and of remediating the river system. Thanks to the important contributions of each represented government, the Panel has begun to address the historic contamination of the English and Wabigoon Rivers.