Notice of Early Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — July 7, 2025 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has conducted an assessment of the Peace River Nuclear Power Project (the project) and decided at an early stage that a comprehensive impact assessment is required for the project proposed by Energy Alberta (the proponent), located near Peace River, Alberta.

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

• the Initial Project Description, and the 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 Peoples of Canada, federal authorities, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, 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.

IAAC is satisfied that the carrying out of the designated project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or direct or incidental adverse effects, including effects on the environment or to health, social or economic conditions.

As a result, IAAC has decided that a comprehensive impact assessment is required for the project. Decisions like these ensure that Canada's impact assessment process is efficient by determining at an early stage whether a comprehensive assessment is required.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Peace River Nuclear Power Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
160 Elgin Street, 22^nd floor,
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3
Telephone: (613) 699-6778
Email: peacenuclear-nucleairepaix@iaac-aeic.gc.ca