Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — March 23, 2023 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) decided that an impact assessment is not required for the Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project (the Project) located between Ontario and Quebec.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Agency has considered the following factors:

• the Detailed Project Description and the response to the Summary of Issues, as submitted by Public Services and Procurement Canada in collaboration with National Capital Commission (jointly referred to as the proponent);
• the possibility that carrying out the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or adverse direct and incidental effects;
• adverse impacts that the Project may have on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
• comments received by the Agency from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the Project. These comments are set out in the Summary of Issues; and
• The Strategic Assessment of Climate Change.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the view that given the Project's small footprint, its urban setting and geographic location, the possibility of potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, potential adverse direct and incidental effects, and the adverse effects on the rights of Indigenous Peoples due to the Project would likely be addressed by existing federal and provincial legislative and regulatory frameworks, as well as mitigation measures, and commitments described by the proponent in the Detailed Project Description.

The possibility of adverse effects to fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, species at risk, and impacts on Indigenous and non-Indigenous People would likely be addressed by commitments in the Detailed Project Description, legislative mechanisms under the National Capital Act, the Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Species at Risk Act, as well as Parks Canada directives and policies to protect heritage and archaeological sites on federal lands. As a result, the Agency determined that an impact assessment under the IAA is not required.

For further information on this impact assessment decision, please contact information@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.