Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project

Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project

PDF Version 442 KB

Document reference number: 54

Public Participation Plan

April 2023

Table of Contents

List of Tables

1. Introduction

On December 16, 2022, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) determined that an impact assessment was required for the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project (the Project), pursuant to section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA).

The draft Public Participation Plan (the Plan) was developed by the Agency taking into account the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide opportunities for public participation during the impact assessment process. The Plan is also designed to be flexible, so that the Agency can modify the approaches described therein to take into account the progress of the assessment. This Plan could also be modified as the pandemic evolves. If this is the case, the Agency will inform the public and stakeholders.

For more information on implementing meaningful public participation, please refer to the Framework: Public Participation Under the Impact Assessment Act and the Guidance: Public Participation under the Impact Assessment Act. A separate Overview: Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan is also available. It describes opportunities for Indigenous engagement and related approaches.

2. Project description

QSL International Ltd. is proposing the construction and operation of a new port terminal in the industrial-port zone of Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. As proposed, the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project would include a new floating wharf and related intermodal infrastructures. The project would support the transportation of agricultural goods, fertilizers, road salt and oversized steel parts and would accommodate up to 35 ships per year.

3. Objectives of public participation

The Public Participation Plan was developed as a result of consultations conducted during the planning phase and outlines the various ways in which a participant can provide input and be involved in the process, including those participants who will be most affected by the project. The following public participation objectives reflect the views heard during the planning phase. The public participation plan describes how a stakeholder can provide input and contribute to the impact assessment process. The Agency has the following public participation objectives:

  • Members of the public who wish to participate in the impact assessment have the opportunity to do so in an informed manner, with the necessary information.
  • The Agency wishes to put in place conditions conducive to the participation of a range of people, including youth, women, seniors and groups with diverse identity profiles.
  • The public participates from the outset. Its participation continues on a regular and frequent basis, at each key stage of the process.
  • The public participates in the development of key documents, including the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, the proponent's Impact Statement, the Impact Assessment Report and potential conditions.
  • Engagement opportunities and mechanisms, selected according to identified needs and interests, include public comment periods, in-person activities and virtual information sessions at key stages of the process.
  • The Agency informs the proponent of concerns raised by interested parties.
  • Public views heard throughout the process are documented and inform decision-making.

All comments received to date on the Project can be found on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry).

4. Identifying stakeholders

The Agency has compiled a preliminary list below that includes communities, associations and other stakeholders whose interests may warrant participation in this Project's impact assessment:

  • Aire faunique communautaire du lac Saint-Pierre
  • Association des chasseurs et pêcheurs de Sainte-Anne-de-Sorel
  • Association des retraités de QIT-QMP inc.
  • Association féminine d'éducation et d'action sociale, Afeas St-Joseph De Sorel
  • Association vivre et vieillir chez-soi du Bas-Richelieu
  • Biophare
  • Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de Pierre-De Saurel
  • Centre québécois du droit de l'environnement (CQDE)
  • Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Sorel-Tracy
  • City of Sorel-Tracy
  • Club cycliste les 2HP
  • Club de Golf Sorel-Tracy Les Dunes
  • Club d'ornithologie de Sorel-Tracy inc.
  • Club nautique de Berthierville
  • Coalition Eau Nature Air Purs - Pierre-De Saurel
  • Colonie des Grèves
  • Colonie Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc
  • Comité de concertation et de valorisation du bassin de la rivière Richelieu (COVABAR)
  • Comité pour la protection des berges du St-Laurent (CPBSL)
  • Comité ZIP des Seigneuries
  • Comité ZIP du lac Saint-Pierre (ZIPLSP)
  • Conseil régional de l'environnement de la Montérégie (CRE Montérégie)
  • Corporation de développement communautaire Pierre-De Saurel (CDC)
  • Développement économique Pierre-De Saurel (DÉPS)
  • Eau Secours / Coalition Chevaliers de la Table ronde
  • Escadrille nautique richelieu
  • Excursions Kayakalo
  • Fondation Rivières / Coalition Chevaliers de la Table ronde
  • Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
  • Greenpeace / Coalition Chevaliers de la Table ronde
  • Groupe d'entraide Le Geste
  • Kildair Services ULC
  • L'Orienthèque – centre d'orientation et services d'intégration de la main-d'œuvre
  • Marina de Saurel inc
  • MRC - Pierre-de-Saurel
  • Nature Québec / Coalition Chevaliers de la Table ronde
  • Office de tourisme de la région de Sorel-Tracy
  • Organisme de bassin versant de la Yamaska
  • Parc régional des Grèves
  • Regroupement des Sauvaginiers du lac Saint-Pierre (RSLSP)
  • Regroupement indépendant pour la relance économique de la région de Sorel-Tracy (RIRÉRST)
  • Regroupement pour la santé des aînés Pierre-De Saurel
  • Regroupement QuébecOiseaux (RQO)
  • Société d'agriculture de Richelieu
  • Société d'aménagement de la baie Lavallière - La Maison du marais (SABL)
  • Société de conservation, d'interprétation et de recherche de Berthier et ses îles - SCIRBI
  • Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section Québec (SNAP Québec) / Coalition Chevaliers de la Table ronde
  • Stratégies Saint-Laurent
  • Voilévolution

The Agency has developed this list based on:

  • Communities, associations and other stakeholders who have expressed an interest in the assessment of the Trois-Rivières port facilities expansion project (Terminal 21) or the Contrecoeur port terminal expansion project;
  • Communities, associations and other stakeholders active in the project area (City of Sorel-Tracy, MRC Pierre-de-Saurel, river corridor in the Lake Saint-Pierre sector and the Yamaska and Richelieu River watersheds) who may have an interest in the process and the project.
  • The Agency also included participants who had already submitted comments during the two consultation periods on the Initial Project Description.

A distribution list will be maintained throughout the impact assessment. Individuals and organizations on this list will receive project updates throughout the process. If you would like to be added to this list, please use the "Submit a Comment" function on the Registry's Project page and request to be added to the Public Participation Plan distribution list.

5. Public participation tools

The Agency has identified a series of potential ways to ensure meaningful participation in the impact assessment process:

  • Direct telephone line for the Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project to facilitate access to information and receipt of public comments (1- 418-649-6444);
  • Public consultation periods, including question and answer sessions;
  • Virtual training on the impact assessment process and how to participate effectively during the process;
  • Community meetings, in person or virtual;
  • Public notices;
  • Notices on the Registry;
  • Social media updates (e.g., the Agency's Twitter feed);
  • Email distribution;
  • Community radio announcements;
  • Publication in local newspapers; and
  • Distribution of flyers in local grocery stores or community centers.

Note that this list is not exhaustive. It may be modified based on comments received to provide additional opportunities for meaningful participation and engagement. The Agency would like to hear from you:

  • What do you think of the communication tools listed above? Do you have any preferences or suggestions for tools to facilitate your participation?
  • Do you, your community or your organization face any challenges, whether economic, technical or linguistic, that could restrict or even prevent your participation in this project? If so, please specify.

6. Public participation activities and approach

The following table presents, for each of the phases in the impact assessment process, the engagement activities led by the Agency and, to the extent possible, the activities planned by the proponent.

Table 1. – Table of Public Participation Approaches and Activities

Objectives of the Phase

Expected Activities

Time Frame

Public Participation Tools

Phase 2: Impact Statement (up to three years)
  • Raise awareness among the public about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.
  • Engage the public by giving them the opportunity to participate and comment on the impact statement.
  • Review the proponent's Impact Statement information and address any outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.
  • The Agency will post the proponent's Impact Statement, the Impact Statement Summary and corresponding schedules on the Registry. The Agency will seek public comment on these documents.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Notices in the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • In-person and/or virtual community meetings.
  • Email and phone.
  • The Agency will ask the proponent to present the impact assessment to stakeholders.
  • To be determined.
  • The Agency will advise the public of the availability of funding to support public participation in the impact assessment process. The public is encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Programs office for information. See Section 7 for contact information.
  • Announcement of funding availability in April 2023.
  • The Agency will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

Phase 3: Impact Assessment (up to 300 days)
  • Review information on the Agency's draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions, address outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.
  • Raise awareness among the public about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.
  • The Agency will post the draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions on the Registry. The Agency will seek public comments on these documents.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Notices in the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • In-person and virtual presentations.
  • Email and phone.
  • The Agency will hold community meetings for the public on the draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions. The meetings will include question and answer sessions. The Agency will also be able to conduct information sessions for target groups upon request.
  • Meetings held following the posting of the draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions.
  • The Agency will ask the proponent to make a presentation focusing on identifying issues, addressing project concerns and explaining mitigation measures.
  • The Agency administers the Participant Funding Program to support participation in the impact assessment process. The public is encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Programs office for information. See Section 7 for contact information.
  • Announcement of funding availability in April 2023.
  • The Agency will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

Phase 4: Decision-making (up to 30 days)
  • Inform the proponent and the public about the decision of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change or the Governor in Council on the project.
  • Increase awareness in relation to the decision process.
  • The Agency will post the following on the Registry:
  • the final Impact Assessment Report; and
  • the Minister's Decision Statement, including any conditions associated with the project and the rationale for the decision.
  • The Agency will post the Minister's Decision Statement, including any conditions and the rationale for the decision, on the Registry.
  • Notices in the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • Emails.
  • The Agency will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

Phase 5: Post-decision (if the project is approved)
  • Inform the public about follow-up and monitoring activities and the results of the follow-up program.
  • Inform participants of possible changes to the Decision Statement and request comments on the proposed changes.
  • The Agency will post the results of follow-up and monitoring activities on the Registry.
  • According to the timeline set out in the Decision Statement.
  • Follow-up results posted on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period, if applicable.
  • Notices on the Registry, if applicable.
  • If the proponent submits a change to the project and the Agency determines that it would alter the Decision Statement, the Agency will post a notice inviting the public to comment on the proposed change analysis report and potential changes to the Decision Statement.
  • Where appropriate, the Agency will then post a Notice of decision amending the Decision Statement, along with reasons for the changes.
  • If applicable, the consultation would be for 30 days following posting on the Registry.
  • The Agency will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Any updates will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.

7. Participant Funding

Funding is available to support public participation. For information on activities eligible for funding or to apply for funding, please refer to the National Program Guidelines: https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/services/public-participation/participant-funding-application-environmental-assessment.html.

To contact the Financial Aid Programs Office:

Telephone: 1-866-582-1884
Email: fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

8. Information

The Agency office that will manage the project's impact assessment is as follows:

Sorel-Tracy Port Terminal Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Quebec Regional Office
901-1550 Avenue d'Estimauville
Québec (Québec) G1J 0C1
Telephone: 418-649-6444
Email: Sorel-Tracy@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Report a problem on this page
Date modified: