Peace River Nuclear Power Project

Public Participation Plan

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Document reference number: 253

Peace River Nuclear Power Project
June 9, 2025
Draft version

Contents

Glossary

Term

Definition

Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (Registry)

The Canadian Impact Assessment Registry is an internet site established and maintained by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and will be the official record of the integrated assessment process for the Project.

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)

As a lifecycle regulator, the CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment in accordance with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The CNSC also implements Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.

Hearing Procedures

Review panel document that provides an overview of how the public hearings will be conducted and explains how the public can participate in the hearings.

Integrated Impact Assessment (integrated assessment)

Review of the proposed project, led by a review panel that will meet the federal requirements for an integrated assessment under the Impact Assessment Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Impact Assessment Act (IAA)

The Impact Assessment Act and its regulations form the legal framework for federal impact assessments.

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC)

IAAC is a federal body accountable to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. IAAC provides high-quality impact assessments that contribute to informed decision-making, in support of sustainable development. IAAC is the responsible authority for all federal impact assessments.

Integrated Review Panel (review panel)

An Integrated Review Panel is a group of independent experts appointed by the president of IAAC to conduct an integrated assessment. At least one review panel member is appointed from the CNSC's roster. The members are selected based on their knowledge or experience relative to the potential effects of the project or knowledge of Indigenous issues and must be free from bias or conflict of interest relative to the project.

Impact Statement

Detailed technical document prepared by the proponent as per the requirements set out in the Integrated Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines which would include CNSC's requirements for the initial licence.

Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated Impact Assessments Under the Impact Assessment Act Between the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (MOU)

The Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated Impact Assessments Under the Impact Assessment Act Between the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission creates an administrative framework within which IAAC and the CNSC can cooperatively allow for the exercise of the powers and duties established by the Impact Assessment Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, as necessary, and as reflected in those Acts. The Memorandum of Understanding confirms the commitment of IAAC and the CNSC to work collaboratively to ensure that integrated assessments are conducted in an efficient manner.

Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA)

The Nuclear Safety and Control Act establishes the CNSC and sets out its mandate, responsibilities and powers.

Review Panel Secretariat

Staff members from IAAC and CNSC who support the review panel in fulfilling its work and responsibilities and who operate within its deliberative privilege. In the case of a joint review panel, the secretariat may also include staff from another jurisdiction.

Participant

Broadly defined to mean anyone appearing at or participating in an integrated assessment process, including public hearings, consistent with the CNSC's Rules of Procedures.

Integrated Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (Integrated Guidelines)

Document that provides direction and requirements for the proponent in preparing an Impact Statement.

1. Introduction

This document is a draft version of the Public Participation Plan for the integrated assessment of the Peace River Nuclear Power Project (the project).

The project includes physical activities regulated under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), so the assessment process, if an IA is determined to be required, will be undertaken in an integrated manner to include regulatory requirements from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Pursuant to section 43 of the IAA, the Minister must refer to a review panel designated projects that include physical activities regulated under the NSCA. The review panel will conduct an integrated impact assessment (integrated assessment) that follows the framework outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated Impact Assessments Under the Impact Assessment Act between the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (MOU).

IAAC and the CNSC will cooperate with the common objective that both legislative requirements are achieved in a single integrated assessment, with an assessment outcome including both a federal decision under the IAA, and an initial licensing decision under the NSCA.

The Government of Canada is committed to providing the public with the opportunity and information needed to participate in an informed and meaningful way in the integrated assessment process. During the public comment period on this document, IAAC and the CNSC invite all participants to submit their comments on the draft Public Participation Plan.

The Public Participation Plan for the assessment of the project is developed by IAAC and the CNSC to set out opportunities for participation during the integrated assessment process. The Public Participation Plan is intended to be flexible and does not preclude IAAC, the CNSC or the review panel from making changes to the approaches described in this Plan to adjust and develop engagement activities that are inclusive and responsive to the public needs, and to encourage meaningful public participation during the integrated assessment process.

For more information on public participation under the IAA, please see the Framework: Public Participation Under the Impact Assessment Act and Guidance: Public Participation Under the Impact Assessment Act.

A distinct and separate draft Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan for the assessment of the proposed project is also available, outlining opportunities and methods for meaningful consultation and engagement with potentially affected Indigenous Nations and communities.

2. Description of the proposed project

Energy Alberta (the proponent) is proposing the construction of two twin CANDU MONARK (four in total) nuclear reactors, located approximately 30 kilometres north of the town of Peace River, Alberta. As proposed, the Peace River Nuclear Power Project would cover 1,424 hectares in area and provide up to 4,800 megawatts of nuclear power in Alberta, with an operational lifespan of approximately 70 years. The generated energy would be sold to Alberta consumers and industry through the Alberta electrical grid.

As part of the impact integrated assessment process Energy Alberta will be submitting the balance of the required information to complete the application for a licence to prepare site application. The proponent may pursue subsequent licences to construct, operate, decommission at later stages, should the project be approved. The assessment is being conducted in collaboration with the CNSC.

For more information on the integrated assessment of the project or to view the information and comments received, visit the Peace River Nuclear Power Project page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry) at https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/89430 .

3. Objectives of Public Participation

The Public Participation Plan outlines the various ways participants may provide input and engage in the process. The following are IAAC's and CNSC's objectives for public participation throughout the integrated assessment process:

  • PublicFootnote 1 participation is meaningful. This means that the public is provided with:
    • opportunities to take part in the integrated assessment;
    • the information they need to participate, in a timely manner and in a format that is accessible; and
    • the capacity and resources to participate in an informed manner.
  • The public is engaged early and often, especially in each key phase of the integrated assessment process.
    • The public brings forward key issues early in the process to inform the proponent's Impact Statement.
    • The proponent is continually informed about the concerns raised by participants.
    • The public is involved in the development and/or revision of key documents, including this Plan, the draft Integrated Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (Integrated Guidelines), the draft review panel's Terms of Reference, the proponent's Impact Statement, and the draft potential conditions.
    • In this case, with the assessment conducted by a review panel, a key opportunity for public participation includes participation in the public hearings.
  • The selection of participation opportunities and mechanisms at each key phase in the process is based on the needs, interests, and values of the public, which will include, but are not limited to, comment periods, public hearings, and in-person or virtual information or consultation events.
  • Public views heard throughout the process are tracked and inform decision-making.
  • The objectives of this Plan inform the review panel's Terms of Reference.

4. Identification of participants

IAAC and the CNSC invite all individuals, groups and organizations with an interest in the assessment of the project to participate in the process and related engagement activities.

Distribution List

During the integrated assessment process, IAAC and the review panel, once established, will maintain a distribution list for the integrated assessment of the project. Participants on the distribution list will receive updates and notices about the integrated assessment for the project as the process progresses.

If you indicated that you would like to be added to the distribution list when at an information session, please do not sign up again. In the event that your contact information changes, please contact us using the coordinates below to update your contact details.

If individuals or organizations would like to be on the distribution list, they can send an email to peacenuclear-nucleairepaix@iaac-aeic.gc.ca with their full name and email address; or write a letter to IAAC at the address below with their name and mailing address. Individual's names will not be published.

Please consult the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan for a list of the Indigenous Nations and communities that are identified for engagement and partnership as part of the integrated assessment of the project. This list may be updated throughout the consultation and engagement process as IAAC and the CNSC receive and gather more information on the potential impacts of the project and Indigenous and treaty rights that may be affected.

5. Public participation tools

IAAC and the CNSC plan to use the following communication and engagement methods to ensure meaningful participation throughout the integrated assessment process. The methods listed include feedback received from the public during engagement events conducted by IAAC and the CNSC in April 2025.

Increase awareness

To convey information and updates on the process, announce public participation opportunities, objectives of comment periods, and funding opportunities:

  • Public notice(s) and key documents in plain language published on the Registry, in public viewing centres (see Appendix), newspapers, news websites, television and radio broadcasts, and mailouts;
  • Plain language emails to the distribution list;
  • In-person and virtual interactive community and information sessions;
  • In-person pop-up information booths;
  • Social media updates.

Build understanding

  • Training opportunities about the integrated assessment process (as requested);
  • Information sessions and open houses to learn more about the project, the integrated assessment process and how to submit comments (held virtually and in-person);
  • If appropriate, meetings, focus groups, presentations, and workshops;
  • Sharing plain language summaries of key documents, fact sheets, infographics, and presentation materials in an accessible format;

Participate and Review

  • Public comment periods at key stages of the process;
  • Posting of written comments and all other materials relevant to the assessment on the Registry during public comment periods and throughout the process;
  • Sharing summaries of what we heard following public comment periods;
  • Public hearings held by the review panel. This can include submitting written comments or coming in person to hearings to share information that could help with the assessment.

Note that this list is not exhaustive and may be adjusted during the course of the integrated assessment to facilitate public participation and to ensure efficient execution of the integrated assessment.

6. Activities and public participation approach

The following table provides a description of the main phases in the integrated assessment process, and an outline of engagement opportunities in each phase, including events led by IAAC, the CNSC, and the review panel. The table describes the objectives of each phase, the anticipated engagement activities that will be used, and the engagement methods that will support the activities.

The objectives of the Public Participation Plan will be considered for incorporation into the review panel's Terms of Reference. The review panel will select engagement activities that align with any rules or procedures it develops or adopts.

Table 1: Table of public participation approaches and activities

Phase 1: Planning - The Planning phase is a maximum of 180 calendar days, excluding any time limit suspension.

This Phase commenced on April 14, 2025, with the acceptance of the Initial Project Description (IPD).

Objectives of the Phase Expected Activities and timelines Public Participation Tools
  • Support understanding of the project and its potential impacts. The integrated assessment process allows for early identification of issues and concerns.
  • Provide an opportunity for participants to apply for funding to support their participation in the Planning phase of the integrated assessment.
  • Raise public awareness of the integrated assessment process, including opportunities for meaningful participation.
  • Gather public input and views on the draft Integrated Guidelines and the draft Public Participation Plan, prior to finalizing these documents.
  • From April 14 to May 14, 2025, IAAC and the CNSC invited comments on the Summary of the Initial Project Description. Comments received were used to prepare the Summary of Issues, which was provided to the proponent on May 23, 2025.
  • Virtual information sessions were held on April 23 and 24, 2025.
  • IAAC and the CNSC will invite comments on the draft Integrated Guidelines and the draft Public Participation Plan.
  • Information sessions (virtual), open house and meetings will be held in communities in June 2025, to:
    • Inform participants about the Project and the integrated assessment process; and
    • Provide the opportunity to comment on the draft Integrated Guidelines and draft Public Participation Plan
  • This phase ends with the posting of the Notice of Commencement of the Impact Assessment and related documents.
  • IAAC and the CNSC continue to respond to any inquiries received via the Registry, by email or phone.
  • IAAC continues to administer participant funding to support participation in the integrated assessment process.
  • Notices on the Registry, newspaper and radio, and social media updates
  • Online comment periods (via the Registry)
  • Meetings, information sessions, open house and/or workshops/ focus groups/ pop-up information booths (virtual or in- person)
  • Community sessions, virtual or in-person, held in the communities most likely to be affected by the Project
  • Copies of key documents will be placed in the viewing centers indicated in Appendix 1
  • IAAC and the CNSC continue to respond to any inquiries via the Registry, by mail, or by phone.

Phase 2: Impact Statement - The Impact Statement Phase is a maximum of 3 years (excluding any time limit extension).

This phase commences upon posting the Notice of Commencement of the Integrated Assessment and related documents.

Objectives of the Phase Expected Activities and Timelines Public Participation Tools
  • Increase public awareness and understanding of the integrated assessment process and how to meaningfully participate.
  • Notify participants of key steps in the process such as the receipt of the Impact Statement, the appointment of the review panel and the comment period on the Impact Statement.
  • Seek public and community knowledge related to environmental, social, health and economic impacts of the project.
  • Obtain feedback on the potential effects of the project and proposed mitigation measures to help the review panel understand views about the project and inform its assessment of potential effects (during the Impact Assessment Phase).
  • Obtain feedback on whether the information and studies submitted by the proponent in the Impact Statement is complete, as outlined in the Integrated Guidelines, or if more information is required before conducting the integrated assessment.
  • IAAC and the CNSC will invite comments on the draft Terms of Reference for the review panel.
  • IAAC and the CNSC will review the Impact Statement to determine whether all information and studies requested in the Integrated Guidelines have been provided.
  • IAAC and the CNSC will invite comments on the Impact Statement (once they are satisfied the Impact Statement contains the requested information and studies). The Impact Statement will be posted to the Registry and a notification email will be sent to the distribution list.
  • IAAC and the CNSC will engage with the public to prepare for the Impact Assessment phase.
  • If applicable, IAAC and the CNSC will invite comments on any agreement with other jurisdictions pertaining to the establishment of a review panel or the coordination of assessment procedures.
  • IAAC and the CNSC will hold information sessions to explain the process and to provide an opportunity to comment on the Impact Statement.
  • The review panel members may be appointed and may attend cultural training with Indigenous Nations and communities and orientation activities.
  • This phase is complete when IAAC and the CNSC are satisfied that the proponent submitted all the information and studies required in the Integrated Guidelines.
  • Public notices announcing participation opportunities on the Registry, emails to the distribution list and updates on social media.
  • Emails to the distribution list informing participants of key steps in the process.
  • Posting of documents relevant to the integrated assessment and comments received on the Registry.
  • Comment periods (via the Registry) on the proponent's Impact Statement.
  • Copies of key documents will be placed in the viewing centers in Appendix 1.
  • Information sessions (virtual or in-person) or open houses in the communities of those most likely to be affected by the project.

Phase 3: Impact Assessment - The time limit for the Impact Assessment Phase is 300 days up to 600 days (excluding any time limit suspension)

The Impact Assessment phase is led by the review panel and occurs, immediately after IAAC issues the notice under s.19(4) of the Impact Assessment Act indicating that it is satisfied that the proponent has submitted all necessary information and studies

IAAC will establish the time limits for this phase including the time limit for the submission of the review panel report and for the posting of IAAC's recommendations on potential conditions on the Registry.

Objectives of the Phase Expected Activities & Timelines Public Participation Tools
  • Increase public awareness and understanding of the integrated assessment process, including opportunities for meaningful public participation, and encourage participants to participate in the public hearings.
  • Obtain the views of participants on the information contained in the Impact Statement and the draft procedures for the conduct of the public hearings to ensure the review panel sets up meaningful and accessible hearings for all participants.
  • In advance of the hearings, seek the following to inform the review panel's rationale, conclusion and recommendations:
  • Views or information on any topic that has been covered in the Impact Statement or is part of the scope of the assessment; and
  • Obtain information via the hearings.
  • Establishment of the review panel and its mandate in the Terms of Reference.
  • The review panel may organize information sessions to explain activities and timelines related to the review panel process.
  • Public comment period(s), information sessions and opportunities to submit written hearing submissions are held by the review panel, in accordance with its Terms of Reference.
  • The review panel will be mandated to hold meaningful and accessible public hearing sessions in the communities most likely to be affected by the project. Participation timelines, dates, locations and duration for the public hearings will be determined by the review panel and will be announced in a Notice of Public Hearing.
  • Following the close of the review panel record, the review panel will prepare its report. The report will contain the review panel's rationale, conclusion and recommendations.
  • IAAC will post a notice and email the distribution list to notify participants when the review panel's report has been submitted to the Minister and is posted on the Registry.
  • IAAC will continue to administer funding to support participation in the integrated assessment process.

  • Information sessions (virtual or in-person) preceding the public hearings.
  • Public hearing sessions to discuss the project's potential effects, mitigation measures, and follow-up program.
  • Written or oral submissions by participants during the public hearings.
  • Public notices announcing the participation opportunities, emails to the distribution list and updates on social media.
  • Once the review panel record is closed, IAAC and the CNSC will continue to receive and post comments on the Registry, but these will not be considered by the review panel and will not be part of the record.

Phase 4: Decision Making - The Decision-Making phase is a maximum of 90 days, which starts following the posting of IAACs recommendations on potential additional conditions and ends with Governor in Council's decision.

Objectives of the Phase Expected Activities and Timelines Public Participation Tools
  • Governor in Council will decide whether the project is in the public interest. This will be the decision under the Impact Assessment Act. The decision, including reasons for that decision, will be communicated to the public.
  • Inform the public on the project conditions under the IAA as described in the Minister's decision statement.
  • No engagement activities during this phase
  • IAAC will post the Decision Statement on the Registry, including the reasons for the public interest determination and, if the project is allowed to proceed, the conditions with which the proponent must comply.
  • Where applicable, the Government of Canada issues a response to the review panel's recommendations that relate to federal mandates and interest.
  • Decision Statement will be posted on the Registry.
  • Public notices, email sent to the distribution list and updates on social media.

Phase 5: Post Decision - The Decision Statement will expire if the proponent does not substantially begin to carry out the project within a certain period. This period is established by the Minister in Phase 4, considering views provided by the proponent.

If Project receives a positive IA decision

Objectives of the Phase Expected Activities and Timelines Public Participation Tools
  • Inform the public on the review panel's licensing decision, including the project's conditions under the NSCA.
  • The public can comment at any time if they have concerns about a proponent not complying with the conditions of the project as set out by IAAC or the CNSC.
  • Inform the public of follow-up and monitoring activities and results from follow-up program.
  • Inform participants of potential amendments to the Decision Statement.
  • Inform participants on potential licensing amendments
  • Any potential opportunities for participants to take part in follow-up and monitoring activities, where relevant and applicable.
  • The review panel makes the licensing decision, and if a licence is granted, issues the licence to prepare site.
  • IAAC and/or the CNSC post required follow-up and monitoring documents on the Registry and/or the CNSC's website, according to the schedule identified in the Decision Statement.
  • The duration of a potential public comment period on potential amendments to the Decision Statement will be determined by IAAC and will be announced during the post-decision phase, on an as-needed basis.
  • IAAC transfers the lead role for public engagement in the regulatory oversight of the project to the CNSC.
  • Post-decision communications activities related to nuclear licensing and regulatory oversight will be led by the CNSC. These include communications on participant funding, Commission proceedings and decisions, and compliance.
  • CNSC administers participant funding to support public participation in future licensing processes throughout the lifecycle of the project.
  • CNSC is responsible for conducting compliance verification activities to confirm the licensee is meeting the conditions set out in their licence.
  • Public notices, website postings, email sent to the distribution list and updates on social media.
  • Comment period (via the Registry) on potential amendments to the Decision Statement.

7. Participant funding

Funding to support public participation is available. For information about who is eligible for funding or to apply for funding, visit IAAC's Participant Funding Program.

For more information, contact IAAC's Funding Program by telephone at 1-866-582-1884 or by email at fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Should the project be allowed to proceed after the integrated assessment process is complete, funding will be available in the post-decision phase through CNSC's Participant Funding Program to support public participation in future licensing processes throughout the lifecycle of the project.

8. Submitting comments

For the review panel to consider comments, they must be part of the project record and posted to IAAC's Registry. Therefore, during the assessment, IAAC and the CNSC will rely primarily on the Registry as the public record for comments. IAAC and the CNSC will work to streamline the collection and public dissemination of information while ensuring their respective legislative requirements are satisfied.

Comments may be submitted at any time during the integrated assessment by using the "Submit a comment" feature on the proposed project's page on the Registry (reference number 89430, at Peace River Nuclear Power Project). Attachments can be uploaded using this feature.

If you have any difficulties with the submission process, please contact IAAC and, when the review panel is appointed, the review panel's secretariat, using the contact information below. Comments may also be submitted by email or by regular mail. Note that the "Submit a comment" feature may be disabled from the time the review panel closes the record and prepares its report until the submission of the report to the Minister. Should IAAC conduct a comment period after the release of the report, the function would be reactivated, and a notice will be sent out to the distribution list.

Comments and other documents received by IAAC or the review panel will be part of the public project file and will be posted on the Registry website. IAAC's Submission Policy determines what information can be shared publicly and what information should remain private. For more information on how we protect your privacy, please refer to IAAC's Privacy Notice. If you do not want your comment to be posted on the Registry, please contact IAAC before submitting your comment.

9. Contact information

The IAAC office designated for administering the integrated assessment of the project in collaboration with the CNSC is:

Integrated Assessment for the Peace River Nuclear Power Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Review Panel Division
160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3
Email: peacenuclear-nucleairepaix@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Appendix

Table 2 - Addresses of viewing centres containing copies of key documents

City or Town

Address

Peace River Municipal Library

9807 97 Ave

Peace River, Alberta

Peace River Town Hall

9911 100 St

Peace River, Alberta

Peace River & District Chamber of Commerce

10032 99 St

Peace River, Alberta

County of Northern Lights Municipal Office

600 - 7 Ave NW

Manning, Alberta

Northern Sunrise County Municipal Office

135 Sunrise Road

Peace River, Alberta

M.D. Of Peace No. 135 Municipal Office

5240 - 52 Avenue

Berwyn, Alberta

Town of Grimshaw Municipal Office

4612 50 Street

Grimshaw, Alberta
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