Minister's Response — Smoky River Wind Project

Physical Activities

ABO Wind Canada Ltd. is proposing the construction and operation of the Smoky River Wind Project, a series of 27 new wind turbines with a hub height of around 120 meters and a blade length of about 90 meters. Each turbine would have a production capacity of up to 7.2 megawatts for a total expected production capacity of 160 megawatts. The operational life of the project would be approximately 30 to 35 years. The project would be located within the Municipal District of Smoky River No. 130, between the Village of Nampa and the Town of Falher.

Decision

The project does not warrant designation.

Information Considered

In forming my response, I took into account the analysis prepared by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada in its Analysis Report.

Reasons

Pursuant to section 9 of the Impact Assessment Act and section 303 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1., I, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, considered the potential for the project to cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, direct or incidental adverse effects and public concerns related to these effects; adverse impacts on Indigenous Peoples; and whether a means other than an impact assessment exists that would permit a jurisdiction to address the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and the direct or incidental adverse effects. In forming my response, I took into account the analysis prepared by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

I am of the view that the designation of the project is unwarranted for the following reasons:

• The project must be carried out in compliance with applicable federal and provincial legislative mechanisms. The requirements under the following legislative mechanisms, and related consultations with potentially impacted Indigenous Peoples, provide a framework to address the aforementioned potential adverse effects and impacts, and concerns raised by Indigenous Peoples and members of the public. These mechanisms include:
  • federal legislation, such as the Fisheries Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Species at Risk Act, and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994; and
  • provincial legislation, such as the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Historical Resources Act, Public Lands Act, and the Water Act.