Reviews and Licences

Key dates in the license application process for the Wuskwatim generation & transmission projects:

• 2006 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada issues authorization for stream crossings required for the construction of the access road. Other federal authorizations are issued as required for construction of the generating station. Construction of the access road begins.
• 2005 – The comprehensive study report from Fisheries and Oceans Canada is released for public comment in November. It recommends that the project proceed.
• 2004 – Manitoba Clean Environment Commission's report and recommendations, supporting the development of the Wuskwatim Project, is forwarded to the Manitoba Minister of Conservation in September.
• 2004 – Public hearings are conducted by the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission between March and June.
• 2003 – The environmental impact statement is filed in April.
• 2001 – The Environment Act Proposal Form is filed in December. Under The Environment Act (Manitoba) and the Canada-Manitoba agreement on environmental assessment cooperation, this starts the official regulatory process.
• 2001 – Agreement in principle is signed between Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Manitoba Hydro that, among other things, established a collaborative framework for undertaking the environmental impact assessment.
• 1999 – Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Manitoba Hydro select a team of environmental consultants to work with them on the environmental assessment. The team began to plan and undertake studies required for the assessment.