Regulatory Process

Prior to any construction activities or operations, TC Energy will need to successfully complete rigorous and comprehensive environmental assessment processes to fully understand any potential environmental, health, social and economic impacts, as well as potential impacts on Indigenous or Treaty Rights or interests, and to demonstrate that the proposed project will be in the public interest.

Due to the nature of the proposed project, both provincial and federal assessment processes and approvals are required.

Federal Impact Assessment process

The Ontario Pumped Storage Project is undergoing the federal Impact Assessment process due to its proposed location on federal lands. The Impact Assessment process is the mechanism through which the Government of Canada evaluates major projects to understand their potential effects within federal jurisdiction on the environment, people, and the economy. The assessment considers potential environmental, social, and economic effects prior to any federal decisions or approvals, supporting transparent and informed decision making.

TC Energy has formally initiated the federal Impact Assessment process, representing an important milestone in the project’s regulatory review.

Public participation is a key component of the Impact Assessment process. From March 6 to April 6, 2026, the public is invited to review the Initial Project Description and submit comments to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. To learn more about the process and how to participate, visit the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry.

Additional opportunities for public input will be available throughout the Impact Assessment, including additional comment periods and community engagement activities.

For further information, review Frequently Asked Questions.

Provincial Environmental Assessment Process

Project components located outside of federal lands will be subject to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. At this time, it is anticipated that the transmission connection is anticipated to be subject to a Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities (Class EA for TF) – Ministry of Energy and Mines and would be regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. Visit the Ontario Government website to learn more. Additional information will be provided here once the provincial process begins.