Should Hydro-Québec Add a Third Turbine to the Sainte-Marguerite-3 Dam?

Official title: Adding Capacity to Sainte-Marguerite-3 Generating Station Project Public Notice Participant Funding Available

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Indigenous & Northern Natural Resources
Hydro-Québec wants to install a third turbine at its existing dam near Sept-Îles, Quebec. This would boost the station's power output. The federal government is assessing environmental impacts and offering funding to help people participate in the review.

Why This Matters

Live near Sept-Îles or on the Côte-Nord? This project could affect local waterways and wildlife. Indigenous communities in the area have a direct stake in how this expansion proceeds. Even if you're far away, this is part of Quebec's push to generate more clean energy.

What Could Change

If approved, Hydro-Québec could add a third generating unit and build an underground penstock at the existing dam. The federal impact assessment will determine what environmental conditions must be met before construction can proceed.

Key Issues

  • What environmental impacts could the expansion have on local waterways and ecosystems?
  • How will Indigenous communities be consulted and their concerns addressed?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Initial Project Description summary to understand what's being proposed.
  2. Visit the project home page on the Registry to submit comments and apply for participant funding.
  3. Contact the Participant Funding Program at fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca or call 1-866-582-1884 for help with your application.