Waterpower
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| Aerial over New Post Creek Diversion Photo: Mitch Miller/MNR |
The Government recognizes that waterpower projects are unique compared to other types of renewable energy projects. The process for waterpower project approvals is outlined in the Class Environmental Assessment for Waterpower Projects approved by the Ministry of the Environment. The document provides clear requirements for considering environmental impacts and working with communities to design better projects in cooperation with government.
Waterpower projects 200 Megawatts and larger are subject to an Individual Environmental Assessment through the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
To find out more about waterpower in Ontario, follow the link (PDF 264Kb).
Guidelines and Resources
In addition to involvement in an environmental assessment process, MNR also has other legislative responsibilities related to the approval of a project including:
- Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act (LRIA) - Section 14 Approval required for the location and plans and specifications is required to construct a dam, considering other users of the water and riparian owners, the protection of persons of property, as well as other environmental values Technical Guidelines
- Water Management Planning Guidelines for Waterpower (PDF, 6 MB) set out a planning process to prepare enforceable plans for the management of flows and levels at waterpower facilities.
- Fisheries Act approvals - authorization is required if the project is likely to harmfully affect fish or fish habitat
- Referral Protocol - A Protocol Detailing the Fish Habitat Referral Process in Ontario
