Project notifications

Projects that have characteristics near the threshold that would make a project automatically reviewable under the Reviewable Projects Regulation are required to submit a project notification to the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

On this page

• Introduction to project notifications
• Project notification poliicy
• Where to find in-progress and past project notifications 

Introduction to project notifications

The 2018 Environmental Assessment Act requires certain projects to submit a project notification to the Environmental Assessment Office. For example, a person who proposes a project must submit a project notification if the project is within a set margin below the thresholds that make a project automatically reviewable. A reviewable project needs an environmental assessment certificate or exemption order before they can be constructed.

The project notification contains information about the proposed project, including information about the type of activities and facilities, the history of engagement with First Nations and the public, and the approvals or permits needed for all phases of the project (e.g. construction and operation). Once the EAO receives the project notification, the EAO:

• Posts the project notification on the EAO project information centre (EPIC)
• Engages with First Nations and other parties as required, including the public, local governments, and provincial and federal permitting agencies Conducts any necessary information gathering to prepare a report and recommendation for the chief executive assessment officer

Note: Project notifications do not require a public comment period. However, the EAO will carefully consider the following factors to determine if a public comment period would add value to the review:

• Previous public interest in public comment periods with similar projects in the same region,
• The likelihood of potential impacts to communities near the project, and
• Public engagement activities already undertaken or planned by the proponent, local authorities or regulators that could inform the review.

The EAO uses the project notification and any engagement activities to consider whether it may be appropriate to bring the project to the Minister of Environment & Climate Change Strategy’s attention. After considering a variety of factors, the Minister may or may not designate the project as reviewable.

Within 60 days of receiving the project notification, the chief executive assessment officer must do one of the following:

1. Submit the project notification to the Minister for consideration whether to designate the project as reviewable
2. Require further review of the project notification
3. Determine that no further review of the project notification is needed and that the project may proceed to permitting with other agencies

If the project is designated a reviewable project by the Minister, the project would need an environmental assessment certificate before it can be constructed.

Project notification policy

Find more information about the process in the Project Notification Policy.

The policy:

• Provides an overview of the relevant sections of the Environmental Assessment Act (2018) and the Reviewable Projects Regulation
• Provides guidance on the typical process conducted by the EAO
• Sets out the Project Notification information requirements

Where to find in-progress and past project notifications

Project notifications are available on the EAO Project Information Centre (EPIC).