Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — December 23, 2024 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) decided that an impact assessment is not required for the Black Bear Power Plant Project (the project) proposed by Kiwetinohk Energy Corp. (the proponent), located in Alberta.

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

• the Initial Project Description and Response to the Summary of Issues, as submitted by the proponent pursuant to sections 10 and 15 of the IAA;
• the adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or the direct or incidental adverse effects, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project;
• adverse impacts that the project may have on the rights of Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
• comments received by IAAC from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities, and other jurisdictions in relation to the project, as reflected in the Summary of Issues;
• any relevant assessment referred to in section 92, 93 or 95 of the IAA; 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, that may be caused by the carrying out of the project.

In light of the factors considered, IAAC is of the view that the potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, or direct or incidental adverse effects, from the project would be limited or addressed through existing federal and provincial legislative and regulatory frameworks. This includes but is not limited to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, and Historical Resources Act.  As a result, IAAC decided that an impact assessment under the IAA is not required for the project.

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