Since 2017 Dillon has been working with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte to support and collaborate on several critical projects. These projects were focused on adapting to the impacts of climate change, land acquisition due diligence, water and wastewater servicing, and water intake protection in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Dillon was selected for these assignments based on our technical expertise, critical understanding of key project issues, experience working closely with First Nation Communities, and commitment to building a long term relationship.
We have worked closely with Todd Kring (Director of Community Infrastructure) on these projects. In addition, Karennenha:wi (She Carries the Song) Nicole Storms (Environmental Services Coordinator for MBQ), co-presented with Heather Swan (Partner at Dillon) on the topic of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Planning with First Nations Communities at the October 2019 Ontario Professional Planners Institute Conference.
Some of our more notable work with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte includes:
- Community Climate Change Study: Dillon completed a Climate Change Vulnerability (Risk) Assessment and a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Through this work we held several workshops with MBQ staff, as well as engagement sessions with the community. The main project objectives included: identifying infrastructure and community service vulnerabilities; building capacity within the community by engaging Elders, youth and knowledgeable community members; and addressing the identified vulnerabilities through appropriate planning. The Engineering Protocol for Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation to a Changing Climate by the Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee (PIEVC) as well as localized climate projects for the area were applied to complete the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. The Adaptation Plan summarizes the process used to prioritize options and to develop adaptation recommendations to lessen current or potential climate impacts on community infrastructure components, including community services. This study was used to support the funding application for climate change adaptation noted below.
- Support for Funding Application: Dillon worked closely with Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte staff to complete a funding application under the Infrastructure Canada Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). This fund was developed to support large-scale infrastructure projects to support communities manage the risks of climate-related disasters. Dillon’s role in the application included managing the application process, application strategy, determining and generating application responses, and supporting contract negotiations following award of funding. The Community was successful in its application and received $30 million (in addition to funding from ISC) to construct water main infrastructure across the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory on un-serviced roads to homes and businesses that have experienced dry wells during drought conditions.
- Intake Protection Zone Study: Dillon undertook source protection mapping of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte’s potable water intake that receives its source water from the Bay of Quinte. We delineated proximity based, time based, and event based intake protection zones upstream of the intake location in the Bay of Quinte following methodologies developed under the Ontario Clean Water Act. As part of the work, a raw water quality threats assessment was conducted, which involved identifying land uses and activities within the intake protection zone that may pose a risk to the source water should there be a release of chemicals. Each of the threats was ranked in order of risk to the water supply. A water quality issues analysis was also performed to identify chronic contaminant loadings to the Bay of Quinte that may impact the source water. The study summarized potential management initiatives that the community could use to reduce the risk of contamination to the raw water supply.
- Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments: We have worked with the community on a number of Enhanced Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments to support the community in their Addition to Reserve (ATR) processes. The assessment included identifying areas of environmental concern and areas of potential environmental concern and included limited soil and surface water sampling. The work included a search and review of current and historical records, a site visit, interviews and consultation and completion of a formal report. The Enhanced Property Transfer Assessment included the completion of a desktop Species at Risk Screening for species listed federally under the Species at Risk Act, 2002. The studies concluded with summarizing areas of potential environmental concern and recommendations for next steps.
Todd Kring, Director of Community Infrastructure, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte said:
"A quick note to reiterate kudos to the Dillon team for assembling all the information needed for a successful application to Infrastructure Canada…..Dillon team patience and flexibility were greatly appreciated throughout the process…...Infrastructure Canada noted in the conference call that they were impressed with both applications"
And Nicole Storms, Environmental Services Coordinator, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte said, after reviewing the Community Adaptation Plan:
"I think it is perfect! Dillon does excellent work! I will continue to strongly recommend we engage you - you have wonderful insight of MBQ and understand our limited resources and capacity to undertake all opportunities. Your assistance and expertise is always appreciated!"