Public Notice

Laurentia Project: Port of Quebec Deep-Water Wharf - Beauport Sector — Public Comments Invited & Virtual Information Sessions

What is happening?

November 16, 2020 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is conducting a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Laurentia Project: Port of Quebec Deep-Water Wharf - Beauport Sector, located in Quebec.

The Agency invites the public and Indigenous groups to comment on the draft Environmental Assessment Report, which includes the Agency's conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential environmental effects of the project and their significance, the proposed mitigation measures, and the follow-up program.

The Agency also invites comments on the potential environmental assessment conditions for the project. Final conditions would become legally-binding on the proponent if the project is allowed to proceed.

The Agency recognizes it is more challenging to undertake meaningful public engagement and Indigenous consultation in light of the circumstances arising from COVID-19. The Agency continues to assess the situation with key stakeholders, make adjustments to consultation activities, and is providing flexibility as needed in order to prioritize the health and safety of all Canadians, while maintaining its duty to conduct meaningful engagement with interested groups.

How can I participate?

Comments can be submitted online by visiting the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference number 80107). All comments received will be published online as part of the project file.

Written comments in either official language will be accepted until December 16, 2020.

For more information on environmental assessments and alternative means of participating in the process, visit the Agency's website at canada.ca/iaac.

Virtual Information Sessions

The Agency is holding virtual information sessions that will take place on December 8, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and December 10, 2020 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

The virtual information sessions will include presentations from Agency's representatives on the draft environmental assessment report and potential conditions, followed by a question period online or on the phone. Federal experts will also be available to answer questions.

For more information on how to attend the virtual information sessions, please see the instructions on the registry page or contact the Agency at: iaac.quebecportproject-projetportquebec.aeic@canada.ca or 418-649-6444.

Will there be more opportunities to participate?

This project has benefited from several public and Indigenous consultation opportunities. This is the final public comment period in the process.

Follow us on Twitter: @IAAC_AEIC #PortofQuebecWharf

What is the proposed project?

The Quebec Port Authority is proposing to extend the line of the existing wharf eastward by 610 metres in order to operate a deep-water terminal dedicated to containerized general cargo. The 31.7-hectare project would include the construction of a new berth and a retaining dike that would allow for the development of an additional 17 hectares of backshore space. The project also includes the construction of rail lines and road accesses, the reconfiguration of two outfalls and Henri-Bourassa Boulevard with the addition of an overpass, as well as the reconfiguration of part of the Port of Quebec's existing land for truck loading and the relocation of part of the recreation and tourism area for the development of the operations support area and the storage of empty containers.

For more information on the Agency's privacy policies, consult the Privacy Notice on its website at canada.ca/iaac.

Document Reference Number: 354

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