An environmental assessment includes consultation and engagement with
Indigenous communities, government officials and agencies, and interested persons and organizations.
The process is designed to assess the existing environment and mitigate potential effects before
decisions are made about proceeding with a proposed project. Waasigan requires completion of a
comprehensive environmental assessment under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act.
A comprehensive environmental assessment has two parts: first, the
development of a Terms of Reference and then the environmental assessment. The Terms of Reference is
a document which provides the framework for how the environmental assessment will be completed,
including outlining studies and consultation activities that will be completed, as well as
identifying viable alternative routes.
Hydro One received approval from the Ministry of the
Environment, Conservation and Parks for the amended Terms of Reference in February 2022. With this
approval, Hydro One and First Nation partners began the environmental assessment in March 2022, as
outlined in the approved Terms of Reference.
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