Notice of Determination

Ottawa (ON), Québec (QC)– September 15, 2025 – Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada and Indigenous Services Canada have determined that the project to Modify Hydro-Québec's facilities, including the construction of a new sectioning substation to optimize and integrate energy produced from a cogeneration plant with forest biomass in Opitciwan (Obedjiwan), is not likely to cause significant adverse effects on the environment.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• Impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• Community knowledge;
• Comments received from the public; and
• Mitigation measures that are technically and economically feasible.

The mitigation measures considered in this determination are as follows:

• Water: several measures to protect watercourses and shorelines near the work and to manage surface water and sediments during the work and subsequent site restoration;
• Air: clauses to ensure the management of dust and emissions during the work and subsequent site restoration;
• Noise: measures to limit noise during work;
• Soils : several measures to ensure the management of excavated soils, fuel handling and stabilization of surfaces to be restored following the work;
• Wildlife: several measures to limit the impact on wildlife during the work, including for birds and aquatic fauna;
• Residual or hazardous materials: several measures to ensure the management of these materials.

The various environmental impact mitigation measures planned for this project are detailed in the following documents (in French):

• Hydro-Québec's standard environmental clauses dated July 19, 2024, 31 pages;
• The measures identified in the Request for Review of the Project filed with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for the installation of a culvert, dated April 23, 2025, 12 pages;
• The measures identified in Technical Note #1, dated May 8, 2025, 17 pages;
• The Environmental Effects Assessment Report, dated June 27, 2025, 43 pages;
• Environmental review form completed and filed by Hydro-Québec on September 4, 2025, 12 pages. 

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada and Indigenous Services Canada are satisfied that the project is unlikely to cause adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada and Indigenous Services Canada may exercise their powers, duties or provide financial assistance to enable the project to proceed, in whole or in part.