Maritime Link Transmission Project
The Minister of the Environment has designated this project and the environmental assessment will continue under the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The Maritime Link Transmission Project, as proposed by ENL Maritime Link Inc. (the proponent), involves the construction and operation of a new electrical power transmission system, including a proposed 500-megawatt (MW), +/- 200 to 250-kilovolt high voltage direct current (HVDC) and high voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission line between the Island of Newfoundland and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The scope of the project includes a new overhead HVAC transmission line from the existing substation at Granite Canal, to the Burgeo Highway along approximately 30 kilometres of new right-of-way (RoW) and proceeding 68 kilometres along existing transmission corridor to a proposed converter station at Bottom Brook. From Bottom Brook the new line would proceed along an existing transmission corridor of approximately 135 kilometres to Cape Ray, Newfoundland. The HVDC transmission line would then cross the Cabot Strait via two subsea cables spanning approximately 180 kilometres from Cape Ray, Newfoundland to Point Aconi, Nova Scotia. From Point Aconi the new line would proceed along an existing transmission corridor for approximately 46 kilometres to the existing Woodbine substation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. A shore grounding system is proposed in the general vicinity of Woodbine, Nova Scotia and Bottom Brook, Newfoundland. The converter station at Woodbine is considered to be the end of the Project where the HVDC will be converted to 345-kilovolt alternating current and integrated into the existing Nova Scotia electricity grid. The main elements of the project include: transmission corridors (HVDC transmission, HVAC transmission, grounding system transmission lines); subsea cables; shore grounding facilities; two converter stations and adjoining substations; two transition compounds (for converting underground subsea cables to overhead transmission conductors); and other potential infrastructure, as required.
An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Natural Resources Canada may provide financial assistance to the proponent. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, and Public Works and Government Services Canada are participating as they may also be required to conduct an environmental assessment of the project.
As per the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is responsible for managing the federal environmental assessment process for major resource projects.
Disclaimer
This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.
Latest update
Participate
External Links
Please note that access to external websites is provided solely as a courtesy. Users should be aware that the information offered by non‑Government of Canada websites that are not subject to the Official Languages Act might be available in only one language.
- Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Assessment Website
- Nova Scotia Environmental Assessment Website
Contacts
Environmental Assessment DivisionNatural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street, 11th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E4
Fax: 613-943-5811
Email: NRCan.nrcan_questions-questions_rncan.RNCan@canada.ca
-
Location
- Cabot Strait (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Cape Ray Cove (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Point Aconi (Nova Scotia)
- Woodbine (Nova Scotia)
-
Nature of Activity
- Hydroelectric Energy
-
Assessment Status
Completed -
Start Date
2012-01-19 -
Proponent
ENL Maritime Link Inc. -
Authorities
- Natural Resources Canada
-
Assessment Type
Screening-type assessment under CEAA 1992 -
Reference Number
65713
Nearby assessments
...within 200 kilometres-
Wharf Removal and Shoreline Reinstatement, Sydney, NS
Sydney Harbour -
Membertou Realty Expansion - Proposed Gas Bar, Car Wash, Restaurant
Membertou First Nation -
Membertou Realty Expansion - Equipment Retail Facility
Membertou First Nation -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Membertou Lanes -
New Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall Pipeline - Sydney, NS
Sydney, NS -
Fuel Storage Tank Replacement - Cabot Building
The fuel storage tank is located adjacent to the Cabot Building located at the DFO - Canadian Coast Guard College Campus in Westmount, Nova Scotia. -
Crawley Creek Pedestrian Bridge Repairs
The Crawley Creek Pedestrian Bridge is located at the DFO - Canadian Coast Guard College Campus in Westmount, Nova Scotia. The Bridge is accessible from Campus Road at the college or from Gulf Crescent off Point Edward Hwy -
Gilholmes Lake Flow Control Structure
Gilholmes Lake, Sydney -
ECMF Marine Infill Project - Sydney, NS
Sydney -
Eskasoni 10 Unit Housing Project
Eskasoni First Nation -
Eskasoni Lakeside Drive Housing Development
Eskasoni First Nation -
Sydney Harbour Aids to Navigation Project
Sydney Harbour, Sydney, NS -
Removal of Mooring Dolphins - Marine Atlantic Terminal, North Sydney, NS
Marine Atlantic -
Eskasoni Watermain Contact Loop - Spencer's Lane Well House
Eskasoni First Nation -
Eskasoni First Nation - John Paul's Lane Replacements, Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia
Eskasoni First Nation -
Lakeview Well Development - Eskasoni First Nation
Eskasoni First Nation -
Spencer Lane Water Tank - Eskasoni First Nation
Eskasoni First Nation -
Freshwater Brook Bridge Replacement - Kensington Cove Road, Fortress of Louisbourg
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada -
Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail Upgrade Proposal (2022)
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site -
Rocky Point Subdivision - Eskasoni First Nation
Eskasoni First Nation -
Lighthouse Trail Reroute - Post Hurricane Fiona Upgrades
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada -
Man of War Range Easement Clearing and Minor Earthworks
Boularderie Island -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Eskasoni Kiknu Long Term Care Facility -
Lingan Dredge Material Management Site Cell Expansion, Cape Breton County, NS
The Lingan site is located on lot 2014-2 Hinchey Avenue, New Waterford, NS. It is on the northeast shore of Cape Breton Island along the Atlantic Coast of Nova Scotia. -
Dredging at Glace Bay Small Craft Harbour, Cape Breton County, NS
Glace Bay Harbour -
Skidway Replacement at Main A Dieu Small Craft Harbour, Cape Breton County, NS
Main A Dieu SCH is located in the community of Main A Dieu, Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia. It is accessible via Main A Dieu Road from Louisbourg Highway, egress from NS Highway 125. -
Proposed Trail - Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site -
Donkin Export Coking Coal Project
Cape Breton -
Wagmatcook First Nation Elder's Housing Project
Wagmatcook First Nation -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Wagmatcook First Nation School -
Potlotek First Nation Passenger Ferry Wharf Replacements (Mainland and Chapel Island)
Potlotek First Nation -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Potlotek First Nation WWTP -
Potlotek First Nation Rapid Housing Subdivision
Potlotek First Nation -
Marginal Wharf Reconstruction at Little Harbour L'Ardoise Small Craft Harbour, Richmond County, NS
Little Harbour L'Ardoise SCH is located in the community of Little Harbour, Richmond County, on the southeast coast of Cape Breton Island. -
Proposed Dredge Material Management Site, Little River, Victoria County, NS
The proposed site is located on a parcel of federal land in Birch Plain, Victoria County, NS (PID #85140846). -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Waycobah Fire Hall -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Waycobah Band Office -
Reservation Road Subdivision Development
We'koqma'q First Nation -
Ingonish Beach Day Use Area Washroom Replacement Project
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
Improvements to Beach Access - Ingonish Beach Day Use Area
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
Keltic Loop Road Rehabilitation - Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
Keltic Road Infrastructure Upgrades (East)
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
Septic Tank Replacement at D'Escousse Post Office
3280 Highway 320, D'Escousse -
Wharf Reconstruction at MacLeod Point's (Ingonish) Small Craft Harbour, Victoria County, NS
MacLeod Point SCH is located in the community of Ingonish, Victoria County, Nova Scotia. It is located on the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island. It is accessible from Wharf Road via Highway #30. -
Broad Cove Mountain Trail Redevelopment
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada -
Middle Head Trail Redevelopment
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada -
Fish Fence Installations - Cheticamp and Clyburn Rivers - Cape Breton Highlands
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada -
Chéticamp River Restoration - Below Bridge Phase of Development
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada -
Halfway Brook Bridge Replacement
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada -
Black Brook Day Use Area Reconstruction
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada -
Harbour Improvements at Cheticamp Small Craft Harbour, Inverness County, NS
Cheticamp SCH is located on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is accessed directly from the Cabot Trail highway -
Franey Trail Redevelopment
Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada -
Launching Ramp Improvements, Mabou Harbour, Inverness County, NS
Mabou Harbour is located near the town of Mabou, Inverness County, and is accessible from Mabou Harbour Road, leading from the Ceilidh Trail. -
Le Buttereau Parking Lot Redesign, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
Breakwater Reconstruction at Finlay Point Small Craft Harbour, Inverness County, NS
Finlay Point Harbour -
Wharf Repair and Removal, New Haven Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Small Craft Harbour, Victoria County, Nova Scotia
New Haven DFO-SCH, 428 New Haven Road, Victoria County, Nova Scotia -
Wharf Reconstruction at Fisherman's and Whitman's (Canso) Small Craft Harbour, Guysborough County, NS
Fisherman's and Whitman's (Canso) SCH is located in the community of Canso, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, on the southeast coast. It is accessible from Main Street via Highway #316. -
Trout Brook Culvert Rehabilitation, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
Kiosk Construction, Skyline Trail Parking Lot
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
Highway Reconstruction - Trout Brook to French Mountain, Cape Breton Highlands
Cape Breton Highlands National Park -
CCG Canso Canal Radar Site
Northeast side of Canso Canal Locks, 1 km from Port Hastings, Nova Scotia -
Northwest Roundhead Wall, Northeast Canal/Entrance Wall Reconstruction at Canso Canal DFO-RPSS, Inverness County, NS
The Canso Canal is located in the Strait of Canso, separating Cape Breton Island from Mainland Nova Scotia, and connects Chedabucto Bay to the Northumberland Strait -
Wharf reconstruction at Little Judique harbour
Little Judique harbour -
Containment Cell Construction at the Little Judique Ponds Fisheries and Oceans Canada Small Craft Harbour, Inverness County, Nova Scotia
Little Judique Ponds DFO-SCH, Pig Cove Wharf Road, Inverness County, Nova Scotia -
Bridge Replacement, Pirate Harbour, NS
Pirate Harbour, Nova Scotia -
Black Point Quarry Project
Black Point -
Containment Cell Construction at Pleasant Bay, Small Craft Harbour, Inverness, N.S.
Pleasant Bay Small Craft Harbour is located in the community of Pleasant Bay, Inverness County, on the northwest coast of Cape Breton Island. It is accessible from the Cabot Trail Road, Route 30, via Harbour Road. -
Breakwater Repair and Replacement of Slipway at Pleasant Bay, Small Craft Harbour, Inverness, N.S.
Pleasant Bay Small Craft Harbour is located in the community of Pleasant Bay, Inverness County, on the northwest coast of Cape Breton Island. It is accessible from the Cabot Trail Road, Route 30, via Harbour Road. -
North Arrowhead Breakwater Repair, Dingwall Harbour Small Craft Harbour, Victoria County, NS
Dingwall DFO-SCH (Harbour Code 1088) is located on the northeastern shore of Victoria County, on Cape Breton Island, within the community of Dingwall, NS. -
Wharf Reconstruction at Upper Whitehead Small Craft Harbour, Guysborough County, NS
Upper Whitehead SCH is located in the community of Whitehead, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, on the southeast coast. It is accessible from Whitehead Road via Highway #316. -
Paqtnkek Subdivsion - Phase I
Paqtnkek-Niktuek IR 23 -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Paq'tnkek Gym Ground Mount -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Paq'tnkek School -
Paqtnkek Bayside Business Centre
Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation -
Solar Microgrid for Bayside Travel Centre
Bayside Travel Centre -
Construction of a temporary ramp for the new ferry Villa de Teror at Cap-aux-Meules wharf
Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine -
Emergency dredging at the commercial wharf of Cap-aux-Meules
Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine -
Goldboro Gold Mine Project
Goldboro -
Ballast Material Removal and Wharf Improvements Drum Head Small Craft Harbour, Guysborough County, NS
Drum Head SCH is located in Drum Head, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, and can be accessed from Drum Head Wharf Road via Nova Scotia Highway #316. -
Country Island, Nova Scotia - Wildlife Research Field Station construction
Country Island -
North Lake Dredge Zone Expansion
North Lake Harbour is accessible off the Wharf Road, a secondary road off Route 16 in the community of North Lake, Kings County -
Souris Ferry Terminal Fixed Stern Ramp, Souris, PE
Souris Ferry Terminal -
Souris Ferry Terminal Dredging and Parking Lot Extension
Souris Ferry Terminal -
Proposed Dredge Material Management Site, Lismore, Pictou County, NS
The Lismore property is located on Shore Road (Hwy 245) in Lismore, Nova Scotia (PID #01040492). -
Breakwater Reconstruction at Baileys Brook Small Craft Harbour, Pictou County, NS
Baileys Brook SCH is located in the community of Lismore, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, on the Northumberland Strait. It is accessible from Factory Road via Highway #245. -
Cochrane Hill Gold Project
145 kilometres northeast of Halifax -
Bay Fortune Wharf & Launching Ramp Reconstruction (Structures 410 and 503)
Bay Fortune SCH -
Shoreline Protection at Bay Fortune Small Craft Harbour, PEI
Bay Fortune Small Craft Harbour -
Graham Pond Basin Dredge
Graham Pond Harbour is located at the end of Maclure Pond Road in the community of Gaspereaux, Kings County -
Canso Canal - Northwest Roundhead Wall and Northeast Canal/Entrance Wall Repairs
The Canso Canal (DFO-RPSS) is located in Port Hastings at the eastern extremity of the Canso Causeway. The Canso Canal connects Chedabucto Bay to the Northumberland Strait and is accessed from Highway 104. -
McAuleys Shore Wharf 401 and 404 Reconstruction
522 McAuley's Shore Road in Mount Buchanan, Queens County, at the mouth of the Pinette River estuary. -
Naufrage SCH Slip Replacement Project
Naufrage SCH is located in Naufrage, Kings County, Prince Edward Island. -
Mink River SCH Wharf Reconstruction
Mink River SCH is located in Prince County, Prince Edward Island. -
Temporary Floating Docks at Georgetown SCH, Kings County, PEI.
Georgetown Harbour is located at the base of Kent Street in the Town of Georgetown, Kings County, PEI. -
Georgetown Small Craft Harbour Wharf Re-construction and Service Area Creation
Georgetown Harbour is located at the base of Kent Street in the Town of Georgetown, Kings County. -
Pictou Landing New Subdivision Development
Pictou Landing First Nation -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Pictou Landing First Nation Fisheries Building -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Pictou Landing First Nation Fire Hall -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Pictou Landing First Nation 156 Shore Road -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Pictou Landing First Nation 8 Abbey Lane -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Pictou Landing First Nation 112 Maple Street -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Pictou Landing First Nation 40 Birch Street -
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Net Metering Solar Projects
Pictou Landing First Nation Old School -
Boat Harbour Remediation Project
Five kilometres east of Pictou -
Reconstruction of the unloading station of wharf 402 and riprap protection of wharf 401 at Millerand Fishing Harbour
Millerand Fishing Harbour -
Maintenance Dredging at Millerand Fishing Harbour
Millerand Fishing Harbour -
Maintenance Dredging at Millerand Fishing Harbour
Millerand Fishing Harbour -
Connect Emergency Backup Generator at Government of Canada Building, New Glasgow, Pictou County, Nova Scotia
New Glasgow Government of Canada Building -
Pictou County Detachment (PCD)
Stellarton -
Abegweit Watermain Upgrades
Morell -
New well installation, Greenwich Beach Complex in Prince Edward Island National Park
Prince Edward Island National Park -
Northern Pulp Project
Abercrombie Point -
Northern Pulp Effluent Treatment Facility Project
Abercrombie Point -
Construction of a Modular Lobster Holding Facility, Red Head, Prince Edward Island
Red Head Small Craft Harbour -
Red Head SCH Breakwater Reconstruction
Red Head SCH is located in Red Head, Kings County, Prince Edward Island. -
Emergency dredging at the commercial wharf of Cap-aux-Meules (phase 2)
Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine -
Work Modification to the anchoring system of the floating docks at Cap-aux-Meules fishing harbor
Cap-aux-Meules fishing harbor -
Dredging at the Commercial Port of Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Quebec) -
Cap-aux-Meules - Consolidation and extension of the wharf
Cap-aux-Meules -
Cap-aux-Meules Wharf - Defense system upgrade at commercial docks no. 2 and 11
Cap-aux-Meules Wharf -
Installation of a crane - Cap-aux-Meules Wharf
Cap-aux-Meules -
Cap-aux-Meules Wharf - Replacement of bollard
Cap-aux-Meules -
Cap-aux-Meules Port - Temporary Dock
Cap-aux-Meules Port -
Riprap rehabilitation at the Cap-aux-Meules terminal, Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec.
Cap-aux-Meules -
Cap-aux-Meules Port - Parking Lot
Cap-aux-Meules Port -
Cap-aux-Meules Airport - Refueling station
Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport -
Cap-aux-Meules Port - Installation of a new ramp - STQ
Cap-aux-Meules Port -
Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport - Installation of a shelter and parking lot
Iles-de-la-Madeleine Airport -
Cap-aux-Meules - Removal of a crane
Cap-aux-Meules -
Storm Damage Repairs, Margaree, NL
The DFO-SCH project site is located in Margaree, Newfoundland. -
Storm Damage Repairs, Channel-Port aux Basques, NL
Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland -
Storage Tank Installation - Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Inspection station - Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland
Channel-Port aux Basques -
Maintenance Dredging at Grande-Entrée Harbour
Grande-Entrée Fishing Harbour -
Fifteen Mile Stream Gold Project
95 kilometres northeast of Halifax -
Wharf / Breakwater Reconstruction, Fox Roost, NL
Fox Roost, Newfoundland -
Maintenance of the Minimal Trails Network at Pointe de l'Est National Wildlife Area
Pointe-de-l'Est National Wildlife Area -
Installation of culverts
Magdalen Islands -
Redevelopment of parking areas, Pointe-de-Est National Wildlife Area
Magdalen Islands -
Savage Harbour Wharf Reconstruction
3388 Savage Harbour Road (Route 218), Savage Harbour, Kings County -
Wharf Reconstruction and Launchway, Isle aux Morts, NL
Isle aux Morts, Newfoundland -
Reorganisation of the Grosse Île Harbour, Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Grosse-Île, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC -
Storm Damage Repairs, Burnt Islands, NL
Burnt Islands, Newfoundland -
Storm Damage Repairs, Rose Blanche, NL
Rose Blanche, Newfoundland -
Storm Damage Repairs, Harbour Le Cou, NL
Harbour le Cou, Newfoundland -
Storm Damage Repairs, Codroy, NL
Codroy, Newfoundland -
Cape Ray Gold Project
Channel-Port aux Basques -
Corridor Resources Inc. Exploration Well on the Old Harry Prospect - EL 1105
Gulf of St-Lawrence -
Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project
Codroy area wind farm -
Harbour Cleanup, St. David's (Crabbes River), NL
St. David's (Crabbes River), NL -
Burgeo Search and Rescue Floating Dock Construction
Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador -
Burgeo Search and Rescue Floating Dock Construction
Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador -
VHF tower construction, Burgeo, Newfoundland Labrador
Burgeo -
Helicopter Pad Replacement, Northwest Head (Ramea), NL
The DFO-RPSS project site is located in Northwest Head (Ramea), Newfoundland. -
Storm Damage Repairs, Ramea, NL
Ramea, Newfoundland -
Wharf Reconstruction, Cape St. George, Newfoundland
Cape St. George -
Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project
Port au Port wind farm -
Slipway Construction, Lourdes, Newfoundland
Lourdes -
Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project
Ammonia and hydrogen production facility -
Harbour Entrance Improvements, Fox Island River, NL
The DFO-SCH project site is located in Fox Island River, Newfoundland. -
Valentine Gold Project
Valentine Lake -
Lark Harbour Search and Rescue Wharf Extension
Main Road, Lark Harbour -
Harbour Development, Lark Harbour, NL
Lark Harbour, Newfoundland -
Wharf Replacement, Frenchmans Cove, Newfoundland
Frenchmans Cove