HALIFAX – A wind energy project proposed for Antigonish County has cleared a crucial hurdle.
Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Minister Tim Halman – in a decision issued April 9 – granted an environmental approval (EA), with conditions, for the Eigg Mountain Wind Inc. renewable energy project.
“Following a review of the information provided by Eigg Mountain Wind Inc. and the information provided by the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, and the public during consultation on the environmental assessment, I am satisfied that any adverse effects or significant environmental effects of the undertaking can be adequately mitigated through compliance with the attached terms and conditions,” Halman wrote in a letter to Peter Clibbon, senior vice president of Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RES) – the sole owner of Eigg Mountain Wind Inc.
Halman also advised that – prior to altering applicable wetlands or watercourses in the study area – the company must apply from approval from his department.
“To best protect human health, please be advised that operational noise levels from the project shall not exceed 40 decibels at any permanent or seasonal receptor,” the provincial minister wrote.
Halman added, when it comes to old-growth forest, species at risk and their habitats, “It is important that you work with Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Environment and Climate Change Canada to address or mitigate impacts such that your project meets requirements under provincial and federal legislation related to species at risk…”
He reminded the company that it is expect to continue to consult with its community liaison committee.
The renewable energy project must comply with 57 terms and conditions “designed to protect the environment and human health.”
In an RES press release, Clibbon said, “We applaud the Minister and the assessment, which found that through compliance with the terms of conditions of the approval, we will mitigate any adverse or significant environmental effects related to the proposed wind project.”
Through community feedback and an independent environmental assessment, he added that RES has taken action to address concerns related to species habitat.
Clibbon indicated their mitigation actions include – with their proposed turbine layout – “avoiding placement in wetlands, watercourses, and old-growth forests to avoid disturbing species’ natural habitats.”
He noted, “We have kept two turbines as alternates after reviewing their placement.”
Clibbon said, “We will begin baseline monitoring for certain species prior to construction,” adding that they will complete additional wildlife studies and monitoring – including birds, bats, and mainland moose – before and after construction, sharing results with regulators.
He added, once operational, the company will continue monitoring species and provide reports for two additional years.
“We will use existing roads and avoid creating new ones,” Clibbon noted.
The Journal did not received responses to follow-up questions from RES as of press time.
The nuts and bolts
In a project update and overview provided during a March 10 council meeting in the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, company representatives indicated the planned 154 mega-watt wind energy development, which signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Nova Scotia Power (NSP) in June 2025, will include 22 seven-megawatt turbines will be limited to producing a maximum power output of just under 150 MW at the point of interconnection on the NSP grid – equivalent to providing electricity to 55,000 homes.
The initiative will also feature a substation, access roads, a collector system, an operations and maintenance (O&M) building, a temporary laydown yard, and a 20-kilometre transmission line built to connect the project to the provincial grid interconnection point near Addington Forks.
Company officials noted that late-stage development activities, including permitting with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, were underway to support a start of construction in fall 2026 – including tree clearing – followed by a full construction start in spring 2027, which is excepted to employ 200 to 250 people. Once operational in 2028, it is expected to employ between four and 12 people for about 35 years and generate $1.3 million in annual tax revenue for the municipality.
As part of the provincial environmental approval, construction must begin within two years of the date of the decision (April 9), unless the minister grants a written extension.
Prior to road construction and/or upgrades, the approval holder must provide the provincial department with an updated shadow flicker assessment, noise modelling (including background and baseline noise), and the final turbine selection-placement and transmission line route. The updated modelling must include specifications from final selected turbines and demonstrate compliance with this approval, along with a wastewater management plan.
The company must also submit a detailed sediment and erosion control plan, one that includes all clearing, grubbing, and stripping required for the project, which – like the wastewater management plan – must be carried out by a qualified professional licensed to practice in the province.
‘Incredibly disappointing’
As part of the EA process, Environment and Climate Change received 176 anonymous comments that are posted on the department website. In compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the names of individuals who make submissions are redacted.
“It is incredibly disappointing,” Al Muir – president of the Moose Conversation Association of Nova Scotia (MCANS) – told The Journal of the EA approval.
As for what he described as the “support side” of the project, Muir said they are primarily focusing on fossil fuels and economic benefits, while neglecting the potential environmental effects.
“There are alternatives,” Muir offered, such as erecting the proposed towers at a lower elevation, which would mean the need for more; but, it would also mitigate the threat against the moose, which make their home at higher elevations.
MCANS described the provincial minister’s decision as contravening the government’s legislated 2021 Mainland Moose Recovery Plan.
Muir indicated that they are consulting with other interested groups and individuals “to determine the appetite for and resources available for a legal challenge.” Because they are only a “small volunteer organization,” he noted that going to court would not be something MCANS could finance on its own.
“I have serious concerns that the environmental assessment registration document (EARD) underestimates the environmental and cumulative impacts of this project, particularly with respect to the mainland moose, habitat fragmentation, water systems, and the scale of permanent infrastructure proposed adjacent to the Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area,” an Antigonish County resident wrote in their submission.
Another offered, “I am not against renewable energy – but this wind farm isn’t the right solution for this area,” noting the disruption such projects bring to local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. They added, “We need smart energy solutions, but not at the expense of wildlife, habitat, and local communities. Location and long-term impact matter.”
One supporter offered that the project “will provide considerable renewable green energy to Nova Scotia…. As a country and province we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”
They added that RES has “shown care and concern” for county residents, while providing “numerous financial benefits for the community…”
Noting the project “will be mainly on private land,” the writer offered, “RES met with landowners on numerous occasions before going over land lease agreements. Landowners were well informed. These leases will provide income to numerous local landowners. Income that will stay here in Antigonish.”
They concluded, “This is a winning project for Antigonish and will provide jobs and financial benefits … well into the future. I see no downside.”
A landowner in neighbouring Maple Ridge voice their support, noting the project “will not only help the province meet its renewable green energy goals, but also opens the door to create jobs and income to Antigonish.”
They added, “Also what better way to help wean ourselves off fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint… Other countries are ahead of us, but we have the resources to catch up and this project is one of them.”
