Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — May 29, 2026 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has determined that the Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Project (the project) proposed by TC Energy (the proponent), located in Ontario, will move to the next step in the planning phase. 

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, 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 designated project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction or direct or incidental adverse effects, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, changes to the environment on federal lands, effects due to activities on federal lands, and changes to the health, social, economic and environmental conditions of Indigenous Peoples.

As a result, IAAC has determined that the designated project will move to the next step in the planning phase. The next step is the development of the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans for the project, which IAAC will issue to the proponent as part of the Notice of Commencement.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:

Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
55 York Street, Suite 600
Toronto, ON M5J 1R7
416-952-1576
Nottawasaga@iaac-aeic.gc.ca