Consulting with you
The Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) regulation requires project applicants (developers) to engage the public, municipal governments and Aboriginal communities in consultation about proposed energy projects.
In their application packages, developers must document concerns that have been raised by local groups and individuals, and they must describe how these concerns have been addressed.
There are a number of ways you can strengthen your community's relationship with a local energy developer. A tip sheet offers suggestions on how you can become more involved.
Posting Environmental Registry notices
When an application for a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) is submitted, the ministry conducts an initial assessment. If the application meets the information requirements set out in the REA regulation, the ministry will then post a proposal notice on the Environmental Registry, which indicates that the application is under review.
This is an opportunity for community members to submit comments on the proposal directly to the ministry. The ministry takes all comments received during this period into account when making decisions on project applications.
- To view current proposal notices, go to the Environmental Registry home page and type "approval for a renewable energy project" in the search bar
- See a list of all renewable energy projects operating and in development
Aboriginal Consultation
The Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) regulation is progressive in that it explicitly requires effective consultation with Aboriginal communities as a condition of approval to proceed with a project, and with local communities and municipalities.
The Ministry of the Environment has posted an interim guidance document entitled Draft Aboriginal Consultation Guide for preparing a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) Application to serve as interim guidance to assist proponents of renewable energy projects in consulting effectively with Aboriginal communities, and to give communities themselves some idea what to expect in the event they are approached by developers.