As legislative amendments continue, including the Fisheries Act, the Conservation Authorities Act, and Migratory Birds Convention Act, practitioners modernize to meet new requirements. This presentation will explore new innovations in field studies (such as Environmental DNA (eDNA)), and how these can benefit the EA/IA process, and discuss how to strike the correct balance of ensuring robust, high-quality, and meaningful IA/EAs.

As new nuclear development proposals emerge, impact assessment for nuclear projects have both opportunities and challenges in order to integrate the requirements, where applicable, of the Impact Assessment Act, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission licensing requirements. Case studies from across Canada will focus on technical challenges related to greenfield nuclear development.

Few studies have assessed efficacy of climate adaptation in mine closure plans. This presentation would highlight best practices in the Canadian context on the adaptive response to climate change during closure and elucidate climate risks associated with post-closure mine sites. * Student Bursary Winner

Following the environmental assessment (EA), EA commitments are transferred to designers, permitting conditions, and then subsequently to a contractor; and there is a time lag that creates uncertainties. Using case studies, this presentation will emphasize the vital role of adaptive management and continuous improvement to manage uncertainties in the long-term effectiveness of EAs.

The Province of Ontario is proposing to replace the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) with a streamlined Municipal Project Assessment Process (MPAP) regulation under the provincial Environmental Assessment Act (EA Act), which would not apply to roads. While creating flexibilities for municipalities, the proposed regulation would not hold municipalities accountable for environmental planning principles in transportation design. To compensate and maintain environmental accountability, Peel Region and the City of Mississauga have adopted a multi-modal integrated approach to transportation planning. Having an integrated plan reduces cost and minimizes disruption to the community.

The York Region Sewage Works Project Report is a case study for what Environmental Assessments for municipal infrastructure in Ontario could look like in the future. This streamlined program-level impact assessment process was driven by the provinces' aggressive housing targets and the Supporting Growth in York and Durham Region Act, which directed York and Durham Regions to undertake a program-level impact assessment for over 20 individual projects.

Engagement with regulators, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities is essential for the critical path of project delivery, as well as the overall viability of projects. Projects have always been politicized; however, due to the rise of social media, changes in media consumption patterns, and the general availability of information, the perception of projects matters more than ever before. This presentation will examine some of the trends that are taking place in consultation, engagement, and long-term relationship development, and how the EA and IA industry needs to adapt in order to meet the expectations of the public, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities.

Webequie First Nation is a remote community located in the Ring of Fire area of Ontario’s Far North. The Community has been undertaking an Indigenous-led assessment for the Webequie Supply Road (WSR) Project, a proposed all-season road connecting Webequie First Nation to the Ring of Fire area. This supply road will enable Webequie to improve its community well-being and socio-economic opportunities. The presentation will highlight community-based and innovative methods of engagement with its community members and neighbouring communities. Overall, this presentation will showcase how Indigenous-led principles have been implemented in the Indigenous and public review process.

Mushkegowuk Council responds to the collective will of the Omushkego Nation. Omushkego communities are experiencing development pressures and are involved in impact assessments for the Webequie Supply Road, Marten Falls Community Access Road, and the Northern Road Link, as well as the Regional Assessment for the Ring of Fire. These assessments involve an immense amount of western scientific data and Indigenous knowledge. These assessments are complex and challenging because they are occurring concurrently and within the context of sustained socio-economic inequality, and climate change impacts on community life. To build confidence and capacity in IA, Omushkego communities propose to establish community and external IA expert advisory groups, draft an Impact Assessment Toolkit and Certification Program, and deliver information and training through art and a GeoHUB.

The Waasigan Transmission Line, a proposed 360 km line connecting Lakehead Transformer Station (TS) in the Municipality of Shuniah to Mackenzie TS in the Town of Atikokan, and on to Dryden TS in the City of Dryden, is Hydro One’s first comprehensive EA in over 15 years. This presentation will highlight participation opportunities for Indigenous communities, as well as the natural environment field program. Engagement with Indigenous communities was key and there were many lessons learned related to incorporating Indigenous perspectives and how to remove barriers to participation.

This presentation will shed light on identifying what needs to be assessed (i.e., scoping). This presentation will highlight opportunities and challenges with survey tools and shed thoughts on 1) the questions that should be asked; 2) how we should ask these questions and of whom; 3) when we need to start asking questions; 4) the information we should be prepared to share with communities; and 5) the mindset we should bring to the table.