Major nuclear projects are subject to an integrated impact assessment led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) alongside the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), the nuclear lifecycle regulator.

An Impact Assessment (IA) is a phased planning process spanning over multiple years, which involves Indigenous, municipal and public engagement, environmental and socioeconomic studies. If the Government of Canada determines that the Bruce C Project is of public interest, and is approved, a license to prepare site will be issued as part of the integrated assessment process. Should the Province of Ontario and Bruce Power choose to proceed with a new build on Bruce Power’s existing site, additional permitting and licensing activities will be required.

Impact System Chart

The goal of the IA is to help identify and assess the potential positive and negative effects of the Bruce C Project prior to any decision to build new nuclear and considers a wide range of factors including protecting the environment, ensuring respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and proposing measures to mitigate the project’s anticipated adverse effects.

The work completed throughout the impact assessment process is an important step to inform future electricity planning and will allow for timely implementation if a decision is made to advance a new build at the Bruce Power site.

Visit the IAAC Website

Impact Assessment Milestones

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Pre-Planning

    July 2023 – July 2024

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Planning Phase

    July 2024 – August 2025

    Involves collecting socio-economic and environmental data and engagement with Indigenous Nations and Communities, local municipalities and the public to determine issues relevant to the project.

  • Timeline item 3 - active

    Impact Statement Phase

    Bruce Power prepares Impact Statement to meet requirements in the Integrated Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines. Engagement with Indigenous Nations and Communities, municipalities and the public continues.

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Impact Assessment Phase

    The IAAC and the CNSC consider potential environmental, health, social and economic impacts and the benefits of the proposed project. Potential impacts on Indigenous and treaty rights are also assessed and consulted on. The integrated review panel uses the information to develop an Impact Assessment report.

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Decision-Making Phase (includes decision on Licence to Prepare Site)

    The impact assessment report and Crown consultation outcomes informs the Governor in Council decision on whether a project's adverse impacts are in the public interest. If yes, the Minister must establish conditions for the proponent. Decision statements set out the rationale for the decision, providing transparency and accountability. This phase also includes a decision by the CNSC on a Licence to Prepare Site.

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    Post Decision Phase

    The integrated review panel issues applicable licenses. CNSC undertakes required follow-up and ongoing compliance monitoring.