Overview
On March 23rd, 2023, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced the creation of two Regional Assessment (RA) Committees for both Nova Scotia (NS) and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), respectively.
The purpose of the Regional Assessments was to provide information, knowledge and analysis regarding future offshore wind development activities in the study areas and their potential effects, to inform and improve future planning, licencing and impact assessment processes for these activities in a way that helps protect the environment and health, social and economic conditions while also creating opportunities for sustainable economic development.
Each Regional Assessment was led by an independent 5-person Committee (the Committees) named by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, with expertise in a range of fields relevant to future potential offshore wind development.
For more information on Regional Assessments, please visit the following Impact Assessment Agency of Canada webpage – Policy and guidance - Canada.ca
Activities and milestones
Over the course of 22 months, the Committees gathered information and engaged with the public, Indigenous groups, fishers, other stakeholders, and governments.
Following 12 months of engagement and data gathering, the Committees published their Interim Reports in March 2024, which made preliminary recommendations on areas in the Canada-Nova Scotia and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador offshore areas where offshore wind development may be suitable, and recommendations to governments to support potential future responsible and efficient offshore wind development.
To obtain a copy of the Interim Reports please visit:
- Interim Report - Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
- Interim Report: Preliminary Recommendations - Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador
In October 2024, the Committees published their Draft Final Reports for a public comment period, in advance of submitting their Final Reports to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in January 2025. These reports reflected new input and feedback obtained through further data gathering and engagement.
To obtain a copy of the Draft Final Reports please visit:
- Draft Final Regional Assessment Report of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia
- Draft Final Regional Assessment Report of Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador
In January 2025, the Committees submitted their Final Reports to Ministers which refined their recommendations to governments on offshore wind development and recommended areas for potential future offshore wind development. Links to these reports are provided below.
To obtain a copy of the Final Reports please visit: