Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project

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Attachment Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Kaitlyn Philip
  • Reference number: 90
  • Submitted: 2024-12-11 - 3:31 AM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • Dear Hon. Steven Guilbeau,   I am writing today to request that you designate Coalspur’s Vista coal mine expansion projects for a Federal impact assessment. I am concerned that the environmental risks of this mine expansion render any other benefits that could come from the project meaningless.   As you are aware Canada, among the international community, is facing a biodiversity crisis and a climate crisis. Projects like Coalspur’s Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project and the Vista Underground Mine Project must be carefully evaluated for impacts on areas of federal jurisdiction.   The Coalspur Vista mine has not yet undergone a federal review. Prior assessments have found that the expansion projects warranted federal review due to their unacceptable environmental effects.   The Vista mine expansion is a threat to two at-risk native trout species in Alberta: Athabasca Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout. Both populations in the area are in decline. The mine expansion includes a proposal for open pit thermal coal extraction directly in habitat for Athabasca Rainbow Trout, a native trout species that is listed as Endangered under the Species At Risk Act. Habitat disturbance from industrial development is one of the primary threats to the recovery of this species. Additionally, current water usage, run-off, and waste management plans from the Vista mine expansion project proposal raises concerns regarding contamination risks of downstream sub ...

Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Indigenous Services Canada

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada
  • Reference number: 36
  • Submitted: 2024-12-11
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • GCDOCS # 129572396 GCDOCS # 129353576 ATTACHMENT Federal Authority Advice Record: Designation Request under the IAA Response due by October 1, 2024 Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project (the Project) Department/Agency Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Lead Contact Greg Bosse, Lands and Economic Development (ISC Alberta Region) Graham Irvine, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (ISC-FNIHB Alberta Region) 9700 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4G2 Email Gregory.Bosse@sac-isc.gc.ca Graham.Irvine@sac-isc.gc.ca Telephone 780-232-1721 Alternate Departmental Contact ISC-LED: Jan Triska, Environmental Management Officer Jan.Triska2@sac-isc.gc.ca ISC-FNIHB: Constantine Tikhonov, Section Head, Impact Assessment and Health Service constantine.tikhonov@sac-isc.gc.ca 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the Project; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the Project; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistance) that would allow the Project to proceed in whole or in part? Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) will not be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project as it is not responsible for approving or issuing licences, permits or authorizations for projects that are not on reserve lands. 2. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project to enable it to proceed? ISC does not anticipate to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project. 3. If your department ...
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Attachment Brandt Tractor Ltd. - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Brandt Tractor Ltd
  • Reference number: 19
  • Submitted: 2024-12-11
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Brandt Tractor Ltd. Head Office Box 3856, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK S4P 3R8 Phone (306) 791-3333 Fax (306) 791-5986 Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 9700 Jasper Avenue, Suite 1145 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 Telephon: 780-495-2037 Email: vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca The Honorable Steven Guibeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacre’-Coeur Boulevard Gateneau QC K1A 0H3 September 20, 2024 Dear Honorable Mr. Guibeault, Minister of Environment & Climate Change, Canada, I am writing to express my support of Coalspur’s Vista Mine and the Phase II expansion project. The Vista Mine is one of Canada’s most progressive and environmentally friendly mining operations. From our observations, site remediation and overall impact minimization have been a top priority. Mined areas receive progressive reclamation, effectively minimizing the overall disturbance footprint and ensuring that it does not expand as production continues at the site. Speculation around potential negative aspects of Phase II discounts the best practices of the current mining operation and Coalspur’s environmental performance since mining commenced more than five years ago. Phase II is not a new mining project; it is a westward extension of the current operation. A federal assessment is unnecessary and a waste of resources. There are other means already in place, both provincially and federally, to address any potential adverse effects from the expansion of a project that has already met the high regulatory standard. Any actions relating to potential risks from Phase II should come as the result of a careful analysis of the outcomes ...
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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Women and Gender Equality Canada

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Women and Gender Equality Canada
  • Reference number: 37
  • Submitted: 2024-12-11
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • ATTACHMENT Federal Authority Advice Record: Designation Request under the IAA Response due by October 1, 2024 Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project (the Project) Department/Agency Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) Lead Contact Denise Gareau, Director, GBA Plus Directorate, Research, Data, and Intersectionality (RDI) Branch Full Address 22 Eddy Street, 10th Floor Gatineau, QC J8X 2V6 Email FEGC.EvaluationImpacts-ImpactsAssessment.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca Telephone 819-938-1132 Alternate Departmental Contact Jessica Bialek, A/Senior Analyst, GBA Plus Directorate, Research, Data, and Intersectionality (RDI) Branch Jessica.Bialek@fegc-wage.gc.ca 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the Project; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the Project; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistance) that would allow the Project to proceed in whole or in part? Specify as appropriate. No. WAGE does not hold any regulatory power, functions, or duties. 2. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify that power, duty or function and its legislative source. WAGE does not hold any regulatory power, functions, or duties. 3. If your department or agency will exercise a power or perform a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the Project, will it involve public and Indigenous consultation? No. Specify as appropriate. 4. Is your department or agency in possession of ...
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Attachment Kelly Lake Cree Nation Society - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Kelly Lake Cree Nation Society
  • Reference number: 25
  • Submitted: 2024-12-11
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Oct 1, 2024 The Honorable Steven Guilbeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacre’-Coeur Boulevard Gatineau QC K1A 0H3 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 Sent via email: ministre-minister@ec.gc.ca Information@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Re: Response to designation request on underground and Vista Coal Mine Phase 2 Dear Minister Guilbeault, KLCN has been in consultation with Coalspur Mines (Operations) Limited regarding the Phase 2 application and the current operation. We will continue to work with them to work through concerns of impacts to its Treaty and Aboriginal rights. We have toured the current operation of the mine site and have received benefits from the mine. Coalspur has sponsored since 2019 our yearly Summer Cultural Camp and our Christmas Hamper Drive. We will be consulting with Coalspur Mines (Operations) Limited on the mine’s operation and do not see a benefit from a designation of the Phase 2 application. We ask the minister to not designation the mine. Sincerely, Okimaw Cliff Calliou KLCN Chief 780-518-3439 <Original signed by> mailto:ministre-minister@ec.gc.ca mailto:Information@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

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Attachment Climate Action Newmarket Aurora - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Climate Action Newmarket Aurora
  • Reference number: 62
  • Submitted: 2024-12-10 - 5:20 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • <personal information removed> <personal information removed> 1 September 3, 2024 Dear Honourable Minister Guilbeault and Minister Lebouthillier, Climate Action Newmarket Aurora recognizes the complexities you face in transitioning from fossil fuels amidst provincial resistance and legal challenges, such as the court ruling affecting the Vista thermal coal expansion in Alberta. Despite international commitments, Canadian coal exports surged by 7% in 2023, marking a 20% increase since our pledge to phase out coal and doubling exports compared to 2015. This is unacceptable. Current policies are inadequate for meeting our 1.5°C climate goal and insufficient for effective climate financing. Bold action is necessary to address climate change, protect endangered species, safeguard Canada’s water resources, and respect Indigenous Peoples' rights. We urge you, as Climate and Fisheries Ministers, to: 1. Enforce Legislation: Maintain the commitment to reduce domestic coal production and exports by 2030, halt thermal coal projects, and ensure no public funds are used for such initiatives. 2. Protect Aquatic Species: Use the revised Impact Assessment Act to protect threatened Rainbow and Bull trout. 3. Safeguard Water Resources: Leverage the Canada Water Agency and relevant legislation to restore and protect critical water bodies like the West Athabaska watershed. 4. Address Environmental Racism: Implement Bill C-226, The Environmental Justice Strategy Act, to confront environmental racism affecting Indigenous communities, beyond the Ermineskin Cree Nation. 5. Cap Fossil Fuel Emissions: Follow through on promised legislation to cap emissions from the domestic fossil fuel ...
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Attachment Comment posted in error / Commentaire publié par erreur

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of the IAAC / AEIC
  • Reference number: 40
  • Submitted: 2024-12-04 - 11:11 AM
  • Updated: 2024-12-12 - 1:19 PM
  • Rationale: Comment updated for administrative purposes
  • La version française suit: Administrator Note: This comment was posted as an error on this assessment page and has been corrected to appear on the assessment of the Bruce C Nuclear Project (reference number 138). Note de l'administrateur : ce commentaire a été publié par erreur sur cette page d'évaluation et a été corrigé pour apparaître sur l'évaluation du Projet de centrale nucléaire Bruce C (numéo de référence 138).  

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Attachment Comment posted in error / Commentaire publié par erreur

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of the IAAC / AEIC
  • Reference number: 42
  • Submitted: 2024-11-19 - 4:05 PM
  • Updated: 2024-12-12 - 1:39 PM
  • Rationale: Comment updated for administrative purposes
  • La version française suit: Administrator Note: This comment was posted as an error on this assessment page and has been corrected to appear on the assessment of the Boat Harbour Remediation Project (reference number 70). Note de l'administrateur : ce commentaire a été publié par erreur sur cette page d'évaluation et a été corrigé pour apparaître sur l'évaluation du Projet de remise en état de Boat Harbour (numéo de référence 70).  

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Attachment Comment posted in error / Commentaire publié par erreur

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of the IAAC / AEIC
  • Reference number: 41
  • Submitted: 2024-11-14 - 3:11 PM
  • Updated: 2024-12-12 - 1:27 PM
  • Rationale: Comment updated for administrative purposes
  • La version française suit: Administrator Note: This comment was posted as an error on this assessment page and has been corrected to appear on the assessment of the Boat Harbour Remediation Project Project (reference number 69). Note de l'administrateur : ce commentaire a été publié par erreur sur cette page d'évaluation et a été corrigé pour apparaître sur l'évaluation du Projet de remise en état de Boat Harbour Projet (numéo de référence 69).  

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Attachment Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Ashley Morin
  • Reference number: 86
  • Submitted: 2024-10-04 - 7:12 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe  
  • Attachment included
  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 9700 Jasper Avenue, Suite 1145 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 Telephone: 780-495-2037 Email: vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca The Honourable Steven Guibeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacre’-Coeur Boulevard Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3 September 26, 2024 Dear Minister Guibeault, We write today as residents and/or business owners in Hinton, Alberta, to express our support for the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project. Hinton is a rural community that has a long history centered around the extraction of natural resources, including more than a century of coal mining in and around our town. The Hinton area relies on these industries to sustain our communities and we strongly encourage the federal government to not designate for assessment this project and the estimated 10 years of mining activity and economic impact. Vista Coal directly employs 460 people with high-paying jobs, and countless other positions through their contractors and suppliers, most of whom call Hinton home. Hinton has around 10,000 people and an estimated 3,000 households and we ask the Minister to consider the impact of potentially losing more than 400 families in a town our size, which is a looming reality as Phase 1 progresses to completion and Phase II faces additional delays. Back in 2020, Vista Coal’s kick off of Phase I helped mitigate the community impacts from the closure of the Teck Coal Cheviot Mine operation, absorbing much of that operation’s work force and continuing the community support that the coal industry has shown since the early 1900s. Cheviot was closed because it had run its ...
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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Environment and Climate Change Canada

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Reference number: 32
  • Submitted: 2024-10-02 - 3:13 PM
  • Updated: 2024-12-11 - 1:46 PM
  • Rationale: Comment updated for administrative purposes
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • ATTACHMENT Federal Authority Advice Record: Designation Request under the IAA Response due by October 1, 2024 Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project (the Project) Department/Agency Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Lead Contact Marcus Edino Full Address 9250 49 St., Edmonton, AB, T6B 1K5 Email Marcus.edino@ec.gc.ca and EASouthPNR@ec.gc.ca Telephone 587-338-7051 Alternate Departmental Contact Leah Dirk Leah.Dirk@ec.gc.ca 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the Project; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the Project; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistance) that would allow the Project to proceed in whole or in part? Specify as appropriate. ECCC has not exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the Vista Coal Mine Expansion (the Project), nor has ECCC taken any course of action that would allow the Project to proceed in whole or in part. 2. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify that power, duty or function and its legislative source. ECCC does not expect that it will be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project to enable it to proceed. Once the scope of the Project and of the assessment are established by the Agency, this may change as additional activities or Project components could come into scope. Please note the following requirements that may apply to this Project: ...
  • Attachment included
  • Environmental Protection Operations Directorate Prairie & Northern Region 9250 49 Street ECCC File: 4194-10-3/6351 Edmonton, AB T6B1K5 IAAC Registry: 88876 October 2, 2024 via email at: vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca; sarah.thacker@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Sarah Thacker Project Manager Impact Assessment Agency of Canda / Prairie and Northern Region 1145-9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton AB, T5J4C3 Dear Sarah, RE: CIAR #88876 – IAAC Request for Input - Designation Request of the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project ECCC has reviewed the information provided for the above noted project (the Project) as requested by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s (the Agency) September 11, 2024 letter. Our advice is based on ECCC’s mandate under the Species at Risk Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act, and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. If you need more information, please contact Marcus Edino at marcus.edino@ec.gc.ca. Please also address electronic correspondence to the ECCC Prairie and Northern Region EA Generic Inbox at EASouthPNR@ec.gc.ca. Sincerely, Jody Small Regional Director, Environmental Protection and Operations Directorate Prairie and Northern Region Attachments: 1. 20241002_Cover_Letter_VistaCoalMinePhaseIIExpansion_DR_FAAR_Response 2. 20241002_ ECCC_ VistaCoalMinePhaseIIExpansion_DR_FAAR_Response <Original signed by> mailto:vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca mailto:sarah.thacker@iaac-aeic.gc.ca mailto:marcus.edino@ec.gc.ca mailto:EASouthPNR@ec.gc.ca cc: Leslie Yasul, A/Manager, PNR EA-South, ...
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Attachment Louis Bull Tribe - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Louis Bull Tribe
  • Reference number: 9
  • Submitted: 2024-10-02 - 2:59 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Louis Bull Tribe PO Box 130 Maskwacis, AB T0C 1N0 Tel: (780) 585-3978 Fax: (780) 585-3799 October 1, 2024 VIA EMAIL TO: MINISTRE-MINISTER@EC.GC.CA INFORMATION@IAAC-AEIC.GC.CA The Honourable Steven Guilbeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard Gatineau QC K1A 0H3 cc: Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 Attention: The Honourable Steven Guilbeault MP Re: Comments of Louis Bull Tribe (“LBT”) in response to the recent designation request for Vista Phase II Expansion Project (the “Project”) I write in my capacity as Consultation Director of Louis Bull Tribe. I am aware of requests to the Minister that the Project be designated for review under the Impact Assessment Act, SC 2019, c 28, s 1 (the “Act”). As the Minister should be aware, in May 2020 LBT also made a request that the Project be designated for review under the Act. We note that the recent requests for designation make reference to LBT’s concerns about the Project’s potential impacts to the rights of LBT and its citizens. It is important to note that, since the time of LBT’s designation request in 2020, LBT has concluded a Relationship Agreement with Coalspur through which Coalspur and LBT have worked productively to address concerns about impacts to LBT’s rights. -2- Should the Minister have any additional concerns, please feel free to contact me by email at shaleigh@louisbulltribe.ca. Sincerely, Shaleigh Raine Lands and Consultation Manager Louis Bull Tribe cc: Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, information@iaac-aeic.gc.ca <Original signed by>

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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Natural Resources Canada

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Natural Resources Canada
  • Reference number: 35
  • Submitted: 2024-10-02 - 1:12 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • October 2, 2024 Sarah Thacker A/ Project Manager Prairie and Northern Region Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Submitted by email: vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Subject: NRCan Designation Request Response – Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project and Vista Underground Mine Project On September 13, 2024, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) requested that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) complete a Federal Authority Advice Record, to support the designation request process for the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion project. NRCan is submitting this response pursuant to the amended Impact Assessment Act (IAA 2019) for a request to designate an activity. NRCan is participating in the designation request process of the (Project) as a subject matter expert providing expertise in manufacturing and storage of explosives, hydrogeology, geological hazards, mining economics, mining waste management and forestry. NRCan has reviewed the Request for Designation of the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion and Vista Underground Mine Project, submitted on August 7, 2024, by the Water Society and the West Athabasca Watershed Bioregional Society (together “Keepers). NRCan’s responses are included in the attached Federal Authority Advice Record-Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by email at Natalie.Robinson@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Sincerely, Natalie Robinson Impact Assessment Officer, Impact Assessment Division, Office of the Chief Scientist CC: Peter Unger, Director of Impact Assessment Division, Christina Clarke, Team Lead Regional and Strategic Assessment Attachment: ...
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Attachment Montana First Nation - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Montana First Nation
  • Reference number: 43
  • Submitted: 2024-10-02 - 1:13 AM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • October 1, 2024 Sent via email: vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 Dear Minister Guilbeault, Re: Request for Designation of the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project and Vista Underground Mine Project I am writing on behalf of the Montana First Nation in response to the designation request for the two expansions related to the Vista Coal Mine near Hinton, Alberta: the Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project and the Vista Underground Mine Project (the Expansions). We respectfully request that the Minister designate the Expansions under section 9(1) of the Impact Assessment Act (SC 2019, c 28, s 1). To date, Coalspur Mines (Operations) Ltd. (the Proponent) has not engaged or consulted with the Nation or its citizens regarding the Expansions. Due to this lack of consultation, the Nation seeks designation to ensure our Treaty, Aboriginal, and Inherent Rights are protected. A federal impact assessment would provide a clear consultation process and enable the Nation to thoroughly evaluate the Project. It is crucial that we fully understand the potential impacts on our rights, as recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, before any further progress is made. We strongly recommend that the Project undergo a federal review before advancing any further. Additionally, we would like to remind the Agency of the Crown’s duty to consult and the importance of upholding this responsibility. The Montana First Nation is committed to fostering respectful dialogue and relationships, and we hope the Agency will embrace these principles as well. MaM MONTANA ...
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Attachment Foothills First Nation Heritage Society - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Foothills First Nation Heritage Society
  • Reference number: 23
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 10:22 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Page 1 of 2 Enclosure 2: Guiding Questions for Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project Designation Request Please respond by October 1, 2024 Designation Request for the Proposed Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project under the Impact Assessment Act Potential Effects and Impacts 1. Please describe whether and how the potential adverse effects of the Project could result in changes to your community’s: (a) physical and cultural heritage (e.g. ceremonial sites, burial sites, cultural landscapes) This area is very significant to the physical and cultural heritage of FFN. FFN has a deep connection with this territory since time immemorial. FFN has not extinguished title and rights to lands and resources in this area. (b) current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes (e.g. hunting, fishing, trapping) This area is significant as a current and historical use of lands and resources for traditional and modern day uses. FFN has not extinguished title and rights to lands and resources in this area. (c) structures, sites or things of historical, archaeological, paleontological or architectural significance (e.g. artifacts, important historic buildings or symbols) This area has structures, sites, of historical, archaeological, paleontological and architectural significance. FFN has not extinguished title and rights to lands and resources in this area. 2. Please describe how the Project may result in changes (both positive and negative) to your community’s : (a) health, social or economic conditions (e.g. employment opportunities, easier access to goods and services, economic development, accessibility to health-care services); This project will have ...
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Attachment Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce
  • Reference number: 72
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 7:34 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Hinton & District Chamber of Commerce Association 309 Gregg Avenue, Hinton, AB T7V 2A7 Phone: (780) 865-2777 Email: info@hintonchamber.com www.hintonchamber.com October 1, 2024 Re: Vista Coal Mine Phase II Dear Honorary Mr. Guilbeault, The Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce writes to you today in support of the Vista Coal Mine Phase II and asking you to not designate this project for assessment and delay the economic impact the estimated 10 years of additional mining activity would bring to our region. Hinton is a rural community that has a long history centered around the extraction of natural resources, including more than a century of coal mining in and around our town. The Hinton area relies on these industries to sustain our community. Vista Coal directly employs 460 people with high-paying jobs, and supports countless other positions through their contractors and suppliers, most of whom call Hinton home. Hinton has around 10,000 people and an estimated 3,000 households and we ask the Minister to consider the impact of potentially losing more than 400 families in a town our size. Besides the previously outlined economic impacts, please also consider the countless non-profit and community groups – from Indigenous groups, to sports and social supports – to which Vista Coal has provided critical corporate donations. mailto:info@hintonchamber.com Hinton & District Chamber of Commerce Association 309 Gregg Avenue, Hinton, AB T7V 2A7 Phone: (780) 865-2777 Email: info@hintonchamber.com www.hintonchamber.com In the absence of Phase II, the mine would cease to operate when Phase I resources are depleted and there would be an associated decline in revenue and employment in the Town of ...
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Attachment Town of Hinton - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of The Town of Hinton
  • Reference number: 47
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 7:02 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • 2nd Floor, 131 Civic Centre Road p: 780.865.6005 Hinton, AB T7V 2E5 c : 780-816-0272 www.hinton.ca e: mayor@hinton.ca October 1, 2024 Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 9700 Jasper Avenue, Suite 1145 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 Telephone: 780-495-2037 Email: vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca The Honorable Steven Guilbeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacre’-Coeur Boulevard Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3 Steven.Guilbeault@parl.gc.ca Dear Honorary Mr. Guilbeault, Minister of Environment & Climate Change, Canada, Hinton is a small community that was established many years ago around the coal mining and forestry industries. The Town of Hinton and our surrounding communities have relied heavily on these industries to sustain our growth and survival. These Albertan industries also helped other provinces by providing equalization payments during financially strained times throughout Canadian history. As a result, I hope you can see the importance of these industries as contributing to the Canadian economy as a whole - not just that of Alberta. There have been many good years of work in these sectors here in Hinton. However, we have also endured our share of ups and downs, especially recently. In the last 10 years, two coal mines have closed, and we have witnessed a drastic decline in both the forestry and the oil and gas sectors. The Vista Mine has brought some much-needed optimism back to the citizens of this region, those who rely on the jobs and the economic stimulation this project has provided. Hinton is an extremely “natural resource reliant” community and threatening to prevent ...
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Attachment Alexander First Nation - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Alexander First Nation
  • Reference number: 21
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 6:31 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Page 1 of 3 Enclosure 2: Guiding Questions for Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project Designation Request Please respond by October 1, 2024 Designation Request for the Proposed Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project under the Impact Assessment Act Potential Effects and Impacts 1. Please describe whether and how the potential adverse effects of the Project could result in changes to your community’s: (a) physical and cultural heritage (e.g. ceremonial sites, burial sites, cultural landscapes) Alexander is concerned about the Projects’ potential adverse impacts on the archaeological sites, ceremonial sites, burial sites, and cultural landscapes connected to Alexander’s Indigenous teachings. Of the 45 precontact and historical sites associated with the project area (and 38 located in Phase I), Alexander was provided capacity and an opportunity to conduct a fulsome Traditional Land and Resource Use Study in the RSAs and LSAs for these projects, Alexander’s information should help inform any mitigation strategies proposed by the proponent for the HRI Assessment Area. Alexander requests the proponent engage with the Historical Resources Branch in relation to these sites, as there are up to four significant historical resource sites recorded and the 179 archaeological sites mentioned in the IPD that are significant to Alexander, so these are the sites Alexander is currently mitigating with the proponent to avoid. Alexander’s ancestors are connected to the Foothills Ojibway First Nation (FOFN) and their ancestors. Members of the Foothills Ojibway First Nation includes families that have engaged with in the past and continue to engage with today with members and families of ...
  • Attachment included
  • September 30, 2024 The Honorable Steven Guilbeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacre’-Coeur Boulevard Gatineau QC K1A 0H3 Sent via email: ministre-minister@ec.gc.ca Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 Sent via email: Information@iaac-aeic.gc.ca Re: Response to designation request on expansions of the existing Vista Coal Mine Phase 1 (Phase 1) Dear Minister Guilbeault and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, Alexander First Nation is aware of the August 7, 2024 request for designation with regards to the Vista Coal Mine Phase 1 (“Phase 1”) expansion which includes: • the westward expansion of Phase 1 (“Vista Coal Mine Phase 2 Expansion”), and • an underground coal mine (“Vista Underground Mine”). Further, Alexander First Nation is also aware that the IAAC Vice-President has responded to the Vista Underground Mine portion of the expansion (updated September 11, 2024) and made a decision that this is a non-designated project for the following reason: Pursuant to subsection 9(7) of the IAA, the Minister must not exercise their power to designate if a) the carrying out of the physical activity has substantially begun; or b) a federal authority has exercised a power or performed a duty or function conferred on it under any Act of Parliament other than the IAA that could permit the physical activity to be carried out, in whole or in part. Therefore, the Minister cannot designate the Project for the following reason: • The Vista Underground Mine Project has substantially begun as physical undertakings have been carried out that have a direct linkage to the Project, are an essential ...
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Attachment Foothills Ojibway First Nation - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Foothills Ojibway First Nation
  • Reference number: 29
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 4:30 PM
  • Updated: 2025-01-29 - 8:59 AM
  • Rationale: Comment updated at the author's request
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Foothills Ojibway First Nation Box 6395 STN MAIN Hinton, AB, T7V 1R2 The Honourable Steven Guilbeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard Gatineau QC K1A 0H3 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 22nd Floor, Place Bell 160 Elgin Street Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 Dear Minister Guilbeault, October 1, 2024 RE: Foothills Ojibway First Nation (FOFN) Statement for IAAC Designation Request for the Coalspur Vista Mine Phase II Expansion Overview FOFN is aware that this expansion for Vista Mine Phase II is only a small representation of a larger area of coal deposits in the region that are being targeted for future development. FOFN is aware that coal seams run all along the Eastern Slopes and from the Nordegg area all the way up to Grande Prairie where the core of FOFN cultural sites are located. There are enough coal mines that have not yet been reclaimed in the immediate Hinton area, that no new expansions or developments can be permitted until the existing sites are reclaimed, that reclamation must be done in partnership with FOFN who know the immediate areas and how to reconnect the spiritual components that the mining has disrupted. The adverse effects from Phase I have already been significant. When they were proposing Phase 1 FOFN already had expressed concerns that were ignored at that time. During Phase 1 there were no formal consultations with Foothills Ojibway First Nation. The original approvals for Phase I should not have been given without FOFN consent. There should be records from Peter Hutchins on behalf of FOFN who sent communications to Coalspur’s lawyer during the Phase I approval process. Destruction or disturbance has occurred ...
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Attachment Federal Authority Advice Record - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
  • Reference number: 31
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 3:59 PM
  • Updated: 2024-12-11 - 1:47 PM
  • Rationale: Comment updated for administrative purposes
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • GCDOCS # 129427734 ATTACHMENT Federal Authority Advice Record: Designation Request under the IAA Response due by October 1, 2024 Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project (the Project) Department/Agency Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Lead Contact Felexce Ngwa Full Address 25 Eddy Street, 6th Floor Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4 Canada Mail Stop 25E-14, Floor 6 Email felexce.ngwa@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca Telephone (343) 630-6765 Alternate Departmental Contact Claire Murphy claire.murphy@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca and Michael Rowan michael.rowan@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca 1. Has your department or agency considered whether it has an interest in the Project; exercised a power or performed a duty or function under any Act of Parliament in relation to the Project; or taken any course of action (including provision of financial assistance) that would allow the Project to proceed in whole or in part? Specify as appropriate. CIRNAC does not have an interest in the Project, and has not taken any course of action that would allow the Project to proceed. 2. Is it probable that your department or agency may be required to exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project to enable it to proceed? If yes, specify that power, duty or function and its legislative source. It is improbable that Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) will exercise a power or perform a duty or function related to the Project to enable it to proceed as CIRNAC is not a regulatory department with respect to the proposed project. CIRNAC does not have a regulatory function relative to the proposed project but can offer subject matter ...
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Attachment Westshore Terminals - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Westshore Terminals
  • Reference number: 60
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 2:47 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Westshore Terminals Limited Partnership 1 Roberts Bank Delta, British Columbia Canada V4M 4G5 Telephone: (604) 946-4491 The Honourable Steven Guibeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacre’-Coeur Boulevard Gateneau, QC K1A 0H3 September 27, 2024 Re: Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project Dear Minister Guibeault, We would like to take this opportunity to recommend Coalspur as an outstanding partner to Westshore Terminals. Since 2020, Coalspur has been a vital contributor to our business, representing 20% of our overall operations. Westshore employs approximately 350 local residents, providing high-quality jobs and supporting the local economy which depend on the Vista Coal Mine. Our partnership has been highly successful, and Coalspur's commitment to operational excellence and community engagement has made them a valuable asset to Westshore and the region. We are writing as a business partner of Vista Coal Mine to express our support for the Phase II Expansion Project. The Vista Mine operates in a community with a rich history rooted in natural resource extraction, including over a century of coal mining. Industries like these are vital for sustaining communities in rural Canada, and Vista Coal directly employs 460 people in well-paying jobs, in addition to supporting numerous contractors and suppliers, many of whom reside in Hinton. In 2020, when the Teck Coal Cheviot Mine closed, Vista played a critical role in absorbing much of the displaced workforce, continuing the community support that the coal industry has provided since the early 1900s. However, despite the benefits, the Phase II Expansion has faced significant delays. The ...
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Attachment Universal Rail Systems - Input on Request for Designation

  • Vista Coal Mine Phase II Expansion Project
  • Author: Administrator on behalf of Universal Rail Systems
  • Reference number: 63
  • Submitted: 2024-10-01 - 2:47 PM
  • Project phase: Planning
  • See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe   
  • Attachment included
  • Universal Rail Systems 3403 74 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 3B8 Tel: 780.400.4104 Fax: 780.449.3800 www.universalrail.com Vista Coal Mine Phase II Project Impact Assessment Agency of Canada 9700 Jasper Avenue, Suite 1145 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4C3 Telephone: 780-495-2037 Email: vistamine-minevista@iaac-aeic.gc.ca The Honorable Steven Guibeault MP Minister of Environment and Climate Change 200 Sacre’-Coeur Boulevard Gateneau QC K1A 0H3 September 26, 2024 Dear Honorary Mr. Guibeault, Minister of Environment & Climate Change, Canada, Universal Railway Operations (URO) is a relatively small third-party provider of railway services to seven different clients located at 10 sites in Alberta and British Columbia. Coalspur is one of these clients. Since 2019, URO has inspected, repaired and loaded with coal all 1,139 trains that entered and departed the site. We are writing this letter to lend our voice of support to Coalspur’s Vista Mine and the Phase II extension project. The Canadian National Railway is the service provider responsible for delivering and pulling trains from the site. Everything that happens to the trains while they are at the site is performed by one of the 10 employees working for URO. We are the only company Coalspur has trusted to handle their trains. We believe they engaged our services in the first place because we proposed a superior operating model at a fair rate and continue to use our services because they appreciate our reliability for which we charge a fair rate. We value Coalspur as a client because they genuinely see us a partner in their supply chain. Rather than treat us as a contractor performing a service they could easily have somebody else ...
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