More than 200 species of plants and animals are at risk of disappearing from Ontario. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides a science-based assessment to classify species as endangered or threatened. When a plant or animal is classified as such, the species and their habitat will automatically receive legal protection. There are tools to help reduce the impact of human activity on species and their habitats, and to encourage protection and recovery activities. The government protects species at risk by restricting activities that may affect these plants, animals or their habitats.
In some cases, a broad restriction may not be practical or even possible, as with the Wataynikaneyap Project. Under the Endangered Species Act, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks can grant different types of permits or other authorizations for activities that would otherwise not be allowed. These authorizations are intended to ensure that Ontario’s businesses and residents continue to prosper while protecting and recovering the province’s at-risk animals and plants.
In connection with the ESA approval process, Wataynikaneyap Power prepared and submitted a comprehensive assessment related to caribou to the MECP, as required by Condition 10.2 of the Phase 1 EA Notice of Approval.
The Wataynikaneyap Project has received authorization under the ESA to engage in activities for the purpose of carrying out the Project. The permit applies to the following species that are listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario List in Ontario Regulation 230/08 and their respective habitats:
• Caribou (Boreal population) (Rangifer tarandus), listed as threatened;
• Wolverine (Gulo gulo), listed as threatened;
• Northern Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis), listed as endangered; and
• Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus), listed as endangered.
The authorization applies to the Wataynikaneyap Project and their contractors as is necessary in order to carry out the Project at the Site and fulfill the conditions of the permit.