Notice of Early Decision with Reasons

Ottawa – March 4, 2026 – The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has conducted an assessment of the Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project (the project) and on March 3, 2026, decided at an early stage that no further assessment is required for the project proposed by TransAlta Corporation (the proponent), located in 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 Indigenous Peoples, the public, 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.

IAAC is satisfied that the carrying out of the project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or direct or incidental adverse effects. 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, the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the Alberta Historical Resources Act, the Alberta Hydro and Electric Energy Act, and the Alberta Water Act.

As a result, IAAC decided that no further assessment under the IAA 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 further assessment is required or not.

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