Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Project

Public Participation Plan
Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Project

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Document reference number: 351

September 1, 2026

1. Introduction

Public participation is an essential part of transparent, inclusive and informed impact assessments. The Government of Canada is committed to providing the public with the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the process and the information they need to do so in an informed way.

This Public Participation Plan explains how the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) provides the public with opportunities to participate meaningfully in impact assessments. It describes how the public can provide input and how IAAC communicates during the process. The plan is flexible and may be updated to reflect project-specific circumstances, timelines, or stakeholder needs.

For more information, see IAAC's Policy for public participation in impact assessments. To respect the unique rights and protocols of Indigenous Peoples, IAAC has a dedicated Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan.

2. Objectives

The key objectives of public participation include:

  • Give the public an opportunity to provide input on decisions that affect them
  • Seek diverse perspectives from all stakeholders, especially those most affected
  • Foster inclusivity and accessibility in engagement activities
  • Provide clear information so participants can engage meaningfully
  • Ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making
  • Show how public input informs decisions

3. Identification of stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals, groups, and organizations that may be affected by or have an interest in the project assessment. Examples include:

  • Local residents and communities
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups
  • Industry representatives and business associations
  • Academic and research institutions
  • Independent experts
  • Local governments

Before formally starting the impact assessment process, IAAC develops and maintains an evergreen contact list to support public outreach and communication activities. The list, included in Appendix I, identifies individuals, groups, and organizations that may be affected by the project, or have relevant knowledge, expertise, or perspectives to contribute to the impact assessment process.

IAAC uses this list to conduct targeted outreach and support meaningful engagement throughout the impact assessment process.

The contact list is dynamic and may be updated over time to reflect new information or project-specific considerations.

4. Participation methods

Participation methods will be accessible, inclusive, and tailored to stakeholder needs. Common methods include, but are not limited to:

  • Online consultations and comment periods on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry)
  • Written submissions by email or traditional mail
  • Surveys and feedback forms
  • Public meetings
  • Virtual meetings
  • Plain language materials in multiple languages, when appropriate

IAAC is committed to providing advance notifications of engagement activities. Common communication tools include, but are not limited to:

5. Participant funding

Funding is available to support public participation, such as attending meetings or preparing submissions. For details on eligibility and the application process, see the Participant Funding Program page.

6. Participation activities

The impact assessment process has continuous opportunities for public participation. This plan remains flexible and may be adapted based on project circumstances or stakeholder needs.

Table 1 – Table of Public Participation Approaches and Activities

Phase

Overview

Planning

The Government of Canada (GC) engages the public, identifies required permits, and decides if an assessment is required.

Activities

  • Launched a project assessment webpage on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry that includes an on-line commenting feature, key information and documents pertaining to project and assessment, option to register for notifications
  • Announced a public comment period inviting comments on Initial Project Description and key issues
  • Invited applications for participant funding
  • Shared information and updates through notices, email and other communication tools
  • Hosted public information sessions (February 2026 and June 2026) to update the public about the project, the impact assessment process and key milestones.

Impact Statement

Proponent provides required information for the project assessment and permitting, as it becomes available.

Activities

  • Engagement with the public by GC
  • Share information and updates through public notices, email and other communication tools

Impact Assessment

The GC assesses the project by evaluating effects, informed by input from the public.

Activities

  • Continue to engage the public
  • Announce the public comment period inviting comments on the draft Impact Assessment Report
  • Announce the participant funding application period
  • Share information and updates through public notices, email and other communication tools
  • Conduct information sessions (if required)
  • Publish a summary of the final Impact Assessment Report

Decision

The GC's decision is issued.

Activities

  • Publish the project decision statement for the assessment and, if applicable, authorizations
  • Publish the final Impact Assessment Report

Post–Decision

The GC monitors the project's follow-up programs and ensures compliance and enforcement activities on conditions, as needed.

Activities

  • Inform the public of monitoring and follow-up activities
  • Invite comments on proposed amendments to the decision statement (if applicable)
  • Publish amended decision statement (if applicable)
  • Share information and update through notices, email and other communication tools

Note: All comments received throughout engagement activities will be made publicly available on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry at Canada.ca/CIAR, unless they are confidential. A summary of comments received will also be included in the Impact Assessment Report.

7. Contact Information

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Ontario Regional Office
55 York Street, Suite 600
Toronto, ON M5J 1R7
Phone: 416-952-1576
Email: Nottawasaga@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Appendix I

Public Participation Plan Distribution List

Municipalities

  • Bruce County
  • City of Owen Sound
  • Grey County
  • Municipality of Meaford
  • Town of Collingwood
  • Town of the Blue Mountains
  • Township of the Archipelago
  • Township of Tiny

Members of the public

Commerce and economic development
  • Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce (BMCC)
  • Collingwood Chamber of Commerce
  • Meaford Chamber of Commerce
  • Ontario Chamber of Commerce
  • Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce
Social services and healthcare organizations
  • M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre
  • Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)
Employment, skills training and labour organizations
  • Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board (HAAMB)
  • Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA)
Recreation, cottage and tourism
  • South Georgian Bay Tourism
  • Sunnyside Beach Cottager's Association
Environment and wildlife
  • Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation (BMWT)
  • Climate Action Now Network
  • Escarpment Corridor Alliance
  • Georgian Bay Association (GBA)
  • Georgian Bay Biosphere
  • Georgian Bay Forever
  • Grey Highlands Climate Action Group
  • Lake Huron Coastal Centre (LHCC)
  • Nottawasaga Steelheaders
  • Ontario Clean Air Alliance
  • Ontario Rivers Alliance
  • Owen Sound Field Naturalists (OSFN)
  • Save Georgian Bay
  • The Wasteland Plan Foundation
  • Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team
Energy
  • Association of Power Producers of Ontario
  • EV Society of Canada
  • Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA)
  • Waterpower Canada
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