Public Statement from Council Regarding the Proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project

Council wishes to provide clarification regarding the Peace River Nuclear Power Project (#89430) in response to recent public discussions and inquiries.

A private company, Energy Alberta (EA), has submitted an Initial Project Description (IPD) to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC). This submission marks the beginning of a Federal Integrated Assessment in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) under the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Two potential sites, approximately six kilometres apart, have been identified:

• Site 1 – ~30 km north of the Town of Peace River, within the County of Northern Lights.
• Site 2 – ~30 km north of the Town of Peace River, within Northern Sunrise County.

The IAAC has officially commenced its review of the project. This initial phase is expected to take two to three years, during which public input from individuals, organizations, Indigenous communities, and municipalities will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

For complete and current project information, residents are encouraged to visit the IAAC Registry: Peace River Nuclear Power Project #89430.

Council’s Mandate and Role

Council’s mandate is outlined in the Municipal Government Act and includes:

• Fostering economic development,
• Fostering the well-being of the environment,
• Providing services desirable for all or part of the County,
• Developing and maintaining safe and viable communities, and
• Working collaboratively with neighbouring municipalities.

In the federal process, municipalities are classified as “public participants” because they are provincial entities without constitutional recognition in federal jurisdiction. This makes it even more important for municipalities, residents, and neighbouring councils to engage fully at every opportunity.

To fulfill this mandate, the County will:

• Review and comment on relevant project documents;
• Lobby for and help facilitate provincial-led public engagement sessions;
• Provide input on potential infrastructure, housing, and service impacts;
• Participate in public hearings and request meetings with IAAC/CNSC;
• Forward written comments from residents without internet access to the IAAC registry.

Federal Integrated Assessment

The Federal Integrated Assessment Roadmap (Impact Assessment Act & Nuclear Safety and Control Act, June 5, 2025) outlines a five-phase process:

1. Planning – Submission of the Initial Project Description, public engagement, and development of project-specific guidelines.
2. Impact Statement – The proponent studies and documents potential impacts and proposes mitigation measures.
3. Impact Assessment – An integrated review panel conducts analysis, holds public hearings, and prepares an assessment report.
4. Decision – The federal Cabinet decides whether the project may proceed, issuing a legally binding Decision Statement with conditions.
5. Post-Decision – Follow-up, monitoring, enforcement of conditions, and licensing by the CNSC.

Residents may cross-reference the process directly at the IAAC Registry link above.

Public Participation

The most effective way to stay informed and participate is to subscribe directly to the IAAC project page: Peace River Nuclear Power Project #89430. Subscribers will receive notifications of opportunities to provide input and key deadlines.

Council emphasizes that our role in this process is to act as a Community Knowledge Holder — ensuring that local concerns, knowledge, and perspectives are submitted into the record where they must be considered by IAAC and the review panel.

Provincial Context

On July 7, 2025, the Premier of Alberta announced that the Province plans to hold province-wide consultations on nuclear power. Details are pending, but this will be important as Alberta currently does not have a provincial regulatory framework for nuclear energy. Council will provide updates and links when official consultation details are released.