Notice of further assessment decision with reasons

Ottawa — October 27, 2025 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has conducted an assessment of the Fording River Extension Project (the project) and decided that a further assessment is required for the project proposed by EVR Operations Limited (the proponent), located in British Columbia.

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

• the Initial Project Description, the Detailed 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 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;
• any study that is conducted or plan that is prepared by a jurisdiction — in respect of a region that is related to the designated project — and that has been provided to IAAC; 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 satisfied that the carrying out of the designated project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or direct or incidental adverse effects. These effects include, among others, potential effects to fish and fish habitat including fish species at risk, migratory birds, to boundary waters, international waters, or interprovincial waters that would be caused by pollution, and changes to the health, social, economic, and environmental conditions of Indigenous Peoples. The project may also adversely impact the exercise of rights of Indigenous Peoples.

As a result, IAAC has decided that a further assessment is required for the project.

For more information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Fording River Extension Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
1800–1138 Melville Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4S3
Telephone: 604-666-2431
Email: fording@iaac-aeic.gc.ca