Should the Point Rousse Port Expand to Handle Larger Ships?

Official title: Point Rousse Port Expansion Project Public Notice

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Natural Resources Transportation
A company wants to expand the port at Point Rousse on Newfoundland's Baie Verte Peninsula. The plan includes adding a second berth for ships up to 80,000 tonnes, building a new access road, and filling in part of the shoreline. This would boost aggregate exports and allow bulk mineral shipments.

Why This Matters

Live on the Baie Verte Peninsula? This expansion could bring jobs and economic activity to your community. But shoreline infilling and larger ships mean potential impacts on local fishing grounds and marine habitat. If you care about the balance between development and coastal ecosystems in rural Newfoundland, this is your chance to weigh in.

What Could Change

If approved, the port could handle ships nearly twice the current capacity. Shoreline infilling would permanently alter the coastline. New staging areas and an access road would change land use in the area. The project could set a precedent for future industrial expansion on the peninsula.

Key Issues

  • What are the environmental impacts of shoreline infilling on marine habitat?
  • How will increased ship traffic affect local fishing and coastal communities?
  • What measures should be required to mitigate construction and operational impacts?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Summary of the Initial Project Description to understand what's being proposed.
  2. Read the full Initial Project Description for detailed technical information.
  3. Submit your comments through the online comment form or email PointRousse@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

What Happened

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada provided a Summary of Issues to the proponent on January 26, 2026. The proponent will now prepare a response to the Summary of Issues and a Detailed Project Description if required. Six public comments were received during the consultation period.