44th Parliament223Government response tabledMay 3, 2023441-01185441-01185 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMarch 20, 2023May 3, 2023March 20, 2023Petition to the Member of Parliament for Bruce—Grey—Owen SoundWhereas:The negative impacts of TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, local landscape and environment, community, property values and emotional wellbeing must be addressed.We the undersigned, as concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns, call upon all levels of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Government, to stop TC Energy from building a pumped storage facility on the shores of Georgian Bay and nearby residents of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA). The federal process for assessments includes the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health and social effects.The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the project by the proponent.Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities and all other interested participants including provincial officials.Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html.Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to the Agency’s Ontario Region office via email at ontarioregion-regiondontario@iaac-aeic.ca.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayNational Defence manages more than 2,000,000 hectares of land and over 20,000 buildings across Canada. As a custodian of Crown land, National Defence is responsible for considering third-party access to its real property upon request.Situated on 7,685 hectares of land next to Georgian Bay, the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford (4 CDTC) is a training facility for the Regular and Reserve Forces. TC Energy has proposed the construction of a hydroelectric facility in the area, and subsequently requested access to 200 hectares of National Defence’s land in Meaford. The electricity generated by the proposed hydroelectric facility would be sold to the Ontario power grid.In July 2021, National Defence signed an Agreement in Principle with TC Energy which determined that the project can be operationally accommodated at 4 CDTC subject to assurances that its construction and operation will not cause negative impacts on Canadian Armed Forces operations, and that all necessary provincial and federal assessments are completed. The Agreement In Principle allows TC Energy to pursue an Impact Assessment under the federal Impact Assessment Act. The Impact Assessment will evaluate a wide range of potential issues including environmental, health, social, and economic impacts and benefits, as well as potential impacts on Indigenous peoples.Consultation and engagement will continue as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals.National Defence has undertaken the following steps as part of its decision making process:
  • Initial feasibility testing and review:
    • In August 2020, National Defence approved a temporary access agreement to allow TC Energy to complete its engineering and environmental feasibility testing and studies at 4 CDTC Meaford. This follows a temporary access agreement that National Defence issued to TC Energy in May 2019.
    • In June 2019 and July 2021, National Defence notified local Indigenous groups that the temporary access agreement may be extended for further study, and that a review of TC Energy’s testing results will be conducted as a part of National Defence’s decision making process.
  • Internal Assessment and Public Consultations:
    • From May 2019 to September 2020, National Defence consulted Indigenous groups, municipalities, the provincial government, and external stakeholders. These consultations included an online forum and participation at three TC Energy town halls. During these consultations, National Defence heard concerns regarding the possible impact on the environment, the economy, community safety, health, as well as the importance of the land and its historical ties to community members. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will assess and review these concerns under the Impact Assessment process.
    • From 2019 to 2021, National Defence conducted its own comprehensive internal assessment to determine the project’s potential impact on operational readiness, personnel training, the environment, and Indigenous groups. The assessment raised potential concerns regarding the impact of the project on training and operations conducted at 4 CDTC. National Defence will continue to assess and update these concerns as the project evolves, and as results from the Impact Assessment are received.
    • In July 2021, following National Defence’s internal assessment, the department signed an Agreement In Principle with TC Energy, allowing the company to proceed to an Impact Assessment.
    • National Defence will also conduct an Environmental Effects Determination, as stipulated in the Impact Assessment Act, related to the proposed relocation of Base infrastructure. Wildlife at risk studies to support this determination have begun, and additional support studies are anticipated to commence in May 2023. The Agreement in Principle commits TC Energy to pay all costs associated with this work.
National Defence anticipates that TC Energy will pursue Impact and Environmental Assessment processes with both the federal and provincial governments. Should these assessments be positive, TC Energy may then seek a licence for the project under the Dominion Water Power Act. The project will not move forward unless it is approved by provincial and federal regulatory agencies, and National Defence determines that the project will not negatively impact the conduct of operations and training at 4 CDTC Meaford.National Defence and TC Energy will continue consultation and engagement as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the project through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, as well as through relevant federal and provincial government stakeholders.National Defence will continue to remain open and transparent as the department, Government of Canada, and TC Energy conduct these assessments, and will continue to provide updates, when available, at: http://Canada.ca/Meaford-energy-consultation.
Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 30, 2022441-00179441-00179 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONFebruary 14, 2022March 30, 2022February 7, 2022Petition to the Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen SoundWhereas:The negative impacts that TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, our landscape, our community, our property values and our emotional well being must be addressed.We, the undersigned, concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns, call upon all levels of government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal to stop TC Energy from building a Pumped Power Storage Plant on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Army Base in Meaford Ontario.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA). The federal process for assessments include the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health and social effects.The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the project by the proponent.Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities and all other interested participants, including provincial officials.Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html.Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to the Agency’s Ontario Region office via e-mail at iaac.ontarioregion-regiondontario.aeic@canada.ca.  
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayNational Defence manages more than 2,000,000 hectares of land and over 20,000 buildings across Canada. As a custodian of Crown land, National Defence is responsible for considering third-party access to its real property upon request.Situated on 7,685 hectares of land next to Georgian Bay, the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford (4 CDTC) is a training facility for the Regular and Reserve Forces. TC Energy has proposed the construction of a hydroelectric facility in the area, and subsequently requested access to 200 hectares of National Defence’s land in Meaford. The electricity generated by the proposed hydroelectric facility would be sold to the Ontario power grid.In July 2021, National Defence signed an Agreement in Principle with TC Energy which determined that the project can be operationally accommodated at 4 CDTC subject to assurances that its construction and operation will not cause negative impacts on Canadian Armed Forces operations, and that all necessary provincial and federal assessments are completed. The Agreement In Principle allows TC Energy to pursue an Impact Assessment under the federal Impact Assessment Act. The Impact Assessment will evaluate a wide range of potential issues including environmental, health, social, and economic impacts and benefits, as well as potential impacts on Indigenous peoples.Consultation and engagement will continue as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals.National Defence has undertaken the following steps as part of its decision making process:
  • Initial feasibility testing and review:
    • In August 2020, National Defence approved a temporary access agreement to allow TC Energy to complete its engineering and environmental feasibility testing and studies at 4 CDTC Meaford. This follows a temporary access agreement that National Defence issued to TC Energy in May 2019.
    • In June 2019 and July 2021, National Defence notified local Indigenous groups that the temporary access agreement may be extended for further study, and that a review of TC Energy’s testing results will be conducted as a part of National Defence’s decision making process.
  • Internal Assessment and Public Consultations:
    • From May 2019 to September 2020, National Defence consulted Indigenous groups, municipalities, the provincial government, and external stakeholders. These consultations included an online forum and participation at three TC Energy town halls. During these consultations, National Defence heard concerns regarding the possible impact on the environment, the economy, community safety, health, as well as the importance of the land and its historical ties to community members. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will assess and review these concerns under the Impact Assessment process.
    • From 2019 to 2021, National Defence conducted its own comprehensive internal assessment to determine the project’s potential impact on operational readiness, personnel training, the environment, and Indigenous groups. The assessment raised potential concerns regarding the impact of the project on training and operations conducted at 4 CDTC. National Defence will continue to assess and update these concerns as the project evolves, and as results from the Impact Assessment are received.
    • In July 2021, following National Defence’s internal assessment, the department signed an Agreement In Principle with TC Energy, allowing the company to proceed to an Impact Assessment.
National Defence anticipates that TC Energy will pursue Impact and Environmental Assessment processes with both the federal and provincial governments. Should these assessments be positive, TC Energy may then seek a licence for the project under the Dominion Water Power Act. The project will not move forward unless it is approved by provincial and federal regulatory agencies, and DND determines that the project will not negatively impact the conduct of operations and training at 4 CDTC Meaford.National Defence and TC Energy will continue consultation and engagement as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the project through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, as well as through relevant federal and provincial government stakeholders. The Department of National Defence will also begin an Environmental Effects Determination, as stipulated in the Impact Assessment Act, related to the proposed relocation of Base infrastructure. The Agreement in Principle commits TC Energy to pay all costs associated with this work.National Defence will continue to remain open and transparent as the department, Government of Canada, and TC Energy conduct these assessments, and will continue to provide updates, when available, at: http://Canada.ca/Meaford-energy-consultation 
Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 25, 2022441-00163441-00163 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONFebruary 9, 2022March 25, 2022February 7, 2022Petition to the Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen SoundWhereas:The negative impacts that TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, our landscape, our community, our property values and our emotional well being must be addressed.We, the undersigned, concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns, call upon all levels of government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal to stop TC Energy from building a Pumped Power Storage Plant on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Army Base in Meaford Ontario.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Steven GuilbeaultThe Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). The federal process for assessments include the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health and social effects.The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the project by the proponent.Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities, and all other interested participants, including provincial officials.Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html. Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to its Ontario Region office via email at iaac.ontarioregion-regiondontario.aeic@canada.ca. 
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayNational Defence manages more than 2,000,000 hectares of land and over 20,000 buildings across Canada. As a custodian of Crown land, National Defence is responsible for considering third-party access to its real property upon request.Situated on 7,685 hectares of land next to Georgian Bay, the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford (4 CDTC) is a training facility for the Regular and Reserve Forces. TC Energy has proposed the construction of a hydroelectric facility in the area, and subsequently requested access to 200 hectares of National Defence’s land in Meaford. The electricity generated by the proposed hydroelectric facility would be sold to the Ontario power grid.In July 2021, National Defence signed an Agreement in Principle with TC Energy which determined that the project can be operationally accommodated at 4 CDTC subject to assurances that its construction and operation will not cause negative impacts on Canadian Armed Forces operations, and that all necessary provincial and federal assessments are completed. The Agreement In Principle allows TC Energy to pursue an Impact Assessment under the federal Impact Assessment Act. The Impact Assessment will evaluate a wide range of potential issues including environmental, health, social, and economic impacts and benefits, as well as potential impacts on Indigenous peoples.Consultation and engagement will continue as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals.National Defence has undertaken the following steps as part of its decision making process:
  • Initial feasibility testing and review:
    • In August 2020, National Defence approved a temporary access agreement to allow TC Energy to complete its engineering and environmental feasibility testing and studies at 4 CDTC Meaford. This follows a temporary access agreement that National Defence issued to TC Energy in May 2019.
    • In June 2019 and July 2021, National Defence notified local Indigenous groups that the temporary access agreement may be extended for further study, and that a review of TC Energy’s testing results will be conducted as a part of National Defence’s decision making process.
  • Internal Assessment and Public Consultations:
    • From May 2019 to September 2020, National Defence consulted Indigenous groups, municipalities, the provincial government, and external stakeholders. These consultations included an online forum and participation at three TC Energy town halls. During these consultations, National Defence heard concerns regarding the possible impact on the environment, the economy, community safety, health, as well as the importance of the land and its historical ties to community members. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will assess and review these concerns under the Impact Assessment process.
    • From 2019 to 2021, National Defence conducted its own comprehensive internal assessment to determine the project’s potential impact on operational readiness, personnel training, the environment, and Indigenous groups. The assessment raised potential concerns regarding the impact of the project on training and operations conducted at 4 CDTC. National Defence will continue to assess and update these concerns as the project evolves, and as results from the Impact Assessment are received.
    • In July 2021, following National Defence’s internal assessment, the department signed an Agreement In Principle with TC Energy, allowing the company to proceed to an Impact Assessment.
National Defence anticipates that TC Energy will pursue Impact and Environmental Assessment processes with both the federal and provincial governments. Should these assessments be positive, TC Energy may then seek a licence for the project under the Dominion Water Power Act. The project will not move forward unless it is approved by provincial and federal regulatory agencies, and DND determines that the project will not negatively impact the conduct of operations and training at 4 CDTC Meaford.National Defence and TC Energy will continue consultation and engagement as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the project through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, as well as through relevant federal and provincial government stakeholders. The Department of National Defence will also begin an Environmental Effects Determination, as stipulated in the Impact Assessment Act, related to the proposed relocation of Base infrastructure. The Agreement in Principle commits TC Energy to pay all costs associated with this work.National Defence will continue to remain open and transparent as the department, Government of Canada, and TC Energy conduct these assessments, and will continue to provide updates, when available, at: http://Canada.ca/Meaford-energy-consultation 
Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01010432-01010 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to the Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen SoundWhereasThe negative impacts of TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, local landscape and environment, community, property values and emotional wellbeing must be addressed.We the undersigned, as concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns, call upon all levels of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Government, to stop TC Energy from building a pumped storage facility on the shores of Georgian Bay and nearby residents of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre.Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01012432-01012 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to Member of Parliament Alex RuffWhereas
  • The negative impacts that TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, our landscape, our community, our property values and our emotional well being must be addressed.
We the undersigned are concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns. Call upon all levels of government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal to stop TC Energy from building a Pumped Power Storage Plant on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Army Base in Meaford Ontario.
Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel
43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01013432-01013 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021Petition to the Parliament of CanadaWe the undersigned are concerned about the negative impacts that TransCanada Energy "Pumped Hydroelectric storage project" will have on our family's health, our property values, Hydro rates and environmental impacts on our community.We hereby call upon the 3 levels of Government to stop the above project, due to the fact that project will use 500 acres of expropriated farm land.Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel43rd Parliament291Not answered before dissolutionAugust 15, 2021432-01011432-01011 (Environment)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 31, 2021May 26, 2021Petition to the Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen SoundWhereasThe negative impacts that TC Energy's project will have on our pristine water, our landscape, our community our property values and our emotional well being must be addressed.We the undersigned are concerned residents of the Municipality of Meaford and neighbouring towns call upon all levels of government, Municipal, Provincial and Federal to stop TC Energy from building a Pumped Power Storage Plant on the shores of Georgian Bay at the Army Base in Meaford Ontario.Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel43rd Parliament229Not certifiedNovember 30, 2020e-2860e-2860 (Environment)JoanneDevaneyAlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONSeptember 29, 2020, at 2:33 p.m. (EDT)November 28, 2020, at 2:33 p.m. (EDT)November 30, 2020Petition to <Addressee type="5" affiliationId="253104" mp-riding-display="3">Alex Ruff, Member of Parliament for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound</Addressee>Whereas:TC Energy is proposing to build a 1000 MW hydroelectric pumped storage plant at the Department of National Defense's military training base in Meaford, Ontario. Approximately 23 million cubic metres of water will be drawn from the Georgian Bay into a partially excavated reservoir surrounded by an embankment dam approximately 20 metres high with a footprint of approximately 375 acres atop the escarpment. This is being proposed to be built over an existing community of approximately 300 homes, farms and cottages, putting hundreds of people and livestock in harm's way and displacing wildlife;The nearest home resides 0.67 km directly below the embankment dam. The furthest home directly below is approximately 2 km. In the event of a catastrophic failure (sudden breach with uncontrolled release of water) there will be little to no warning to avoid injury, loss of life and property. We consider this a public safety issue;What are the long-term consequences of man-made seismic activity due to artillery detonation on the dam structure? What are the consequences should there be a catastrophic accident such as wayward munitions or an intentional act of malice? This will be a unique setting for a PSP;Local residents will endure four or more years of construction, causing noise, water and air pollution; andThe water supply may be contaminated or destroyed.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens, call upon the Government of Canada to deny approval of this dangerous project should the dam not be relocated to an area away from the underlying community and to an area where it can be completely excavated without the need of an embankment dam.Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel43rd Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 16, 2020e-2803e-2803 (Environment)ShariRichardsonAlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONAugust 25, 2020, at 3:10 p.m. (EDT)September 24, 2020, at 3:10 p.m. (EDT)September 28, 2020November 16, 2020September 25, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:TC Energy has proposed an open-loop system. In an open-looped system, there is an ongoing hydrologic connection to a natural body of water, in this case, Georgian Bay. This type of system maximizes the potential environmental harm since it causes an enormous cycling of water to and from the natural body of water. This cycling of water impacts the aquatic environment;The plant requires electricity to operate even though it produces electricity so it is not as "green" as TC Energy boasts; andThis project puts much wildlife and fish at risk of being harmed. In the Action Plan of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the federal government has committed to protect wildlife species at risk and also the federal government has committed to implement the new pan-Canadian approach to wildlife health.We, the undersigned, concerned taxpayers, call upon the Government of Canada to deny this environmentally devastating proposal and protect our lands and water; deny TC Energy’s proposed project to go forward and protect our local wildlife habitat; and adhere to the highest level of protection of this land as stated under the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSON
  • The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA).
  • The federal process for assessments include the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health and social effects.
  • The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the project by the proponent.
  • Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities and all other interested participants, including provincial officials.
  • Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html
  • Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to the Agency’s Ontario region office via email at iaac.ontarioregion-regiondontario.aeic@canada.ca.
  
Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 16, 2020e-2670e-2670 (Environment)JIMMYBRUNOWAlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONJune 15, 2020, at 2:56 p.m. (EDT)July 15, 2020, at 2:56 p.m. (EDT)September 25, 2020November 16, 2020July 15, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment are crown jewels - UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves;These pristine environments, home to species at risk, are potentially threatened by a proposed $3.3 billion pumped storage plant to be built on Department of National Defense land that will use Georgian Bay as a reservoir;TC Energy claims that this will be one of Canada's largest climate change initiatives, reducing CO2 emissions by 465,000 tonnes; The plant will use significantly more electricity than it produces, clean electricity that may be diverted from U.S. States that rely on coal and gas generation;The Fisheries Act states: Thou shall not cause death to fish or destroy fish habitat;It is well documented that a pumped storage plant on Lake Michigan has killed millions of fish;Disturbance of the clay bottom will discolour the crystal clear waters of the Bay and affect the drinking water and economy of the Municipality of Meaford;Better renewable energy technologies exist that cost much less and have real carbon emission benefits, without the need for new transmission corridors and without destroying fish, fish habitat and habitat for species at risk;These include closed loop pumped storage, smart energy controllers, compressed air storage and small modular nuclear reactors that cannot melt down, cannot be used to make weapons and produce minimal waste; andThe project is opposed by the Georgian Bay Association, the Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation and a large number of community members.We, the undersigned, concerned citizens, call upon the House of Commons to deny approval of this harmful project.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONIMPACT ASSESSMENT AGENCY OF CANADA
  • The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA).
  • The federal process for assessments include the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health, and social effects.
  • The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the Project by the proponent.
  • Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities, and all other interested participants, including provincial officials.
  • Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html.
  • Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to the Agency’s Ontario Region office via email at iaac.ontarioregion-regiondontario.aeic@canada.ca.
Environmental protectionGeorgian BayRenewable energy and fuel
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledSeptember 24, 2020e-2575e-2575 (Environment)ShariRichardsonAlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservativeONMay 7, 2020, at 3:24 p.m. (EDT)June 6, 2020, at 3:24 p.m. (EDT)June 17, 2020September 24, 2020June 8, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:A proposed $3.3 billion hydroelectric pumped-storage plant by Trans Canada Energy in Meaford, Ontario, on Department of National Defence government land, if allowed to proceed, will change the lives of Georgian Bay residents and visitors, disrupting the natural beauty of the Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment for decades or more, interrupting the natural movement of sediment along the shoreline, clouding our beautifully clear waters, and smothering fish spawning and rearing habitats with massive stone breakwaters and concrete structures;The electricity supplied to and from the plant will potentially require new high-voltage transmission lines running through the beautiful residential properties and farmlands of many townships. This extends the area impacted by the proposed plant far beyond the shoreline of Georgian Bay; andThe pipeline that conveys water to and from the man-made reservoir will potentially extend approximately 1.7 kilometres inland, cutting a corridor up the Niagara Escarpment—one of the world’s natural wonders that it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.We, the undersigned, concerned taxpayers, call upon the House of Commons to stop TC Energy from building on Department of National Defence land which was land expropriated for military use; investigate new technologies that are compatible with the environment and can be built at smaller scales and located closer to the distribution grid, as with small nuclear reactors; and protect taxpayers and Georgian Bay from this project.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable JONATHAN WILKINSONIMPACT ASSESSMENT AGENCY OF CANADA
  • The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA).
  • The federal process for assessments include the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health, and social effects.
  • The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the Project by the proponent.
  • Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, federal authorities, and all other interested participants, including provincial officials.
  • Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html.
  • Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to the Agency’s Ontario Region office via email at iaac.ontarioregion-regiondontario.aeic@canada.ca.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mr. Paul LefebvreWhen developing new clean electricity infrastructure, such as the Trans Canada Energy pumped-storage plant in Meaford, Ontario, a wide range of issues must be considered, including local impacts. That is why major projects are subjected to extensive reviews that provide opportunities for input from those that could be affected. The issues identified in the petition are examples of factors that would need to be considered during the course of federal and provincial reviews. Trans Canada Energy is in the very early stages of introducing and developing this project and no approvals have been granted.Making increased use of clean electricity is an excellent way to leverage our clean power advantage to both fight climate change and drive clean growth.In 2017, the Government of Canada formed the Generation Energy Council with a mandate to advise how Canada can continue to transition to a reliable, affordable, low-carbon economy. The results of this work, summarized in the Generation Energy Council Report, highlighted the importance of many of the innovations mentioned in the petition, including small modular reactors (SMRs).To capture the opportunities of SMRs, Natural Resources Canada convened a pan-Canadian dialogue, which resulted in a SMR Roadmap, containing 53 recommendations. Building on the momentum of the Roadmap, the Minister of Natural Resources Canada announced that the department would work with partners from across the country to turn the recommendations into reality through the very first SMR Action Plan.In all, the Government of Canada has committed $2.3B in clean technologies since 2016. This includes significant investments in clean and renewable energy through the Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF), such as:
  • $220 million to transition rural and remote communities from diesel-powered generation to clean electricity;
  • Over $300 million to support the demonstration and deployment of electric-vehicle and alternative-fuel infrastructure, including a coast-to-coast network of electric vehicle charging stations;
  • $200 million to support the deployment of emerging renewable energy technologies;
  • $100 million to fund R&D related to smart grids, storage and clean electricity technologies; and
  • $1 billion to increase energy efficiency in residential, commercial and multi-unit buildings and expand on existing programs that include the EnerGuide Rating System, the ENERGY STAR® program and the Energy Manager Program.
Other important measures under the PCF include pricing carbon pollution, phasing out coal-fired electricity, introducing new building codes (Build Smart) and investing in the production and use of low-carbon fuels. Further information on investments being made under the PCF are available in the annual synthesis reports.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anita VandenbeldNational Defence manages more than 2,000,000 hectares of land and over 20,000 buildings across Canada. As a custodian of Crown land, National Defence is responsible for considering third-party access to its real property upon request.Situated on 7,685 hectares of land next to Georgian Bay, the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford is a training facility for the Regular and Reserve Forces. TransCanada Energy has proposed the construction of a hydroelectric facility, and subsequently requested access to 200 hectares of National Defence’s land in Meaford. The electricity generated from the proposed pump station would be sold to the Ontario power grid.National Defence is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the request and has not yet determined a position on the proposed project.National Defence has undertaken the following steps as part of its decision making process.
  • Initial Feasibility Testing and Review:
    • National Defence issued TransCanada Energy a 1-year temporary access agreement to the land in order to complete the initial engineering and environmental feasibility testing in May 2019. National Defence is contemplating issuing another access agreement with TransCanada Energy to complete their initial studies and may include activities related to the Impact Assessment should the project be accepted as a designated project under the Impact Assessment Act.
    • National Defence has notified Indigenous groups that it is contemplating signing another agreement, and will independently review TransCanada Energy’s testing results, as a part of its decision making process.
  • Internal Assessment and Public Consultations:
    • National Defence is currently conducting its own comprehensive internal assessment to determine the project’s potential impacts on operational readiness, personnel training, the environment, Indigenous groups, and local communities.
    • As part of this assessment, National Defence consulted Indigenous groups, municipalities, the provincial government and external stakeholders, starting in May 2019. These consultations have included an online forum and three town halls. National Defence heard concerns regarding the proposed possible impacts on the environment, economic advantages, community’s safety, health concerns, and the importance of the land and its historical ties to community members. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, National Defence has extended the consultation period until September 30, 2020, to ensure all voices are heard. National Defence would like to thank all individuals and organizations who participated in the consultation process to date.National Defence must finalize its comprehensive internal assessment which includes the review of TransCanada Energy’s feasibility studies before rendering its decision on the proposed project in the coming months.Should National Defence decide to accommodate the use of National Defence land at Training Centre Meaford for the proposed project, TransCanada Energy will be required to seek an Impact Assessment by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, according to the requirements of the Impact Assessment Act.
Regardless of the outcome, National Defence will engage again with stakeholders, Indigenous groups and local communities regarding the decision.
Energy storageEnvironmental protectionGovernment landsMeafordPower plantsTC Energy Corporation