Wind Power Licensing
Environmental Assessment and Licensing Process for Wind Projects Part of Manitoba Hydro’s Call for Proposals
Environment Act licence proposal submission timeline
Manitoba Hydro has issued a call for proposals to generate wind power in Manitoba. Projects selected by Manitoba Hydo will be subject to the environmental assessment and licensing process under The Environment Act if they generate the following amounts of power:
- Class 2 development licence - capacity between 10 and 100 megawatts
- Class 3 development licence - capacity exceeds 100 megawatts
The Manitoba’s Environmental Assessment (EA) process is an opportunity to assess the risks of the proposed project on the environment and public health to identify ways to prevent harmful effects from occurring. The EA aims to provide a high level of environmental protection and ensures appropriate measures are in place to avoid or reduce potential environmental and public health impacts before decisions are made.
Submission of Intent to Apply and Environment Act Proposal Process
Step #1 - When the project is approved by Manitoba Hydro, the project proponent will submit an Intent to Apply form to the Environmental Approvals Branch by April 3, 2026. Visit again soon to see the Intent to Apply form.
Once received, this form is checked for completeness, and the proponent may be required to submit additional information. The Environmental Approvals Branch can start Crown-Indigenous consultations as required earlier, before a formal request for an Environment Act Licence is made. This will allow more time for a meaningful process allowing for construction of the wind power projects to begin in spring 2027.
The Government of Manitoba recognizes its legal duty to consult in a meaningful way with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities when any proposed provincial law, regulation, decision or action may infringe upon or adversely affect the exercise of an Aboriginal right or treaty right of a specific Indigenous community.
Step #2 – The project proponent submits a formal Environment Act Proposal to the Environmental Approvals Branch no later than November 6, 2026, to increase the success of receiving a licensing decision prior to the construction timelines provided by Manitoba Hydro. New guidelines are being developed to provide information on the requirements for submitting a complete application for an Environment Act licence for the selected projects selected through Manitoba Hydro's call for proposals. Come back shortly to view the guidelines.
Upon receipt of a proposal, a contact person will be assigned to help answer any questions that proponents or public might have. The proposal is checked for completeness, and the proponent may be required to submit additional information. The proposal will also further inform the Crown-Indigenous consultations that may be currently underway.
Once a complete proposal is received, a 30-day public engagement will begin, where the project proposal is posted on the department’s existing Public Registry for public review and input to inform any potential environmental concerns. A technical review by experts across government is also started to further assess potential environmental impacts. Based on these reviews, the proponent may be asked to provide additional information.
Licensing
At the conclusion of the environmental assessment process, a decision is made to either issue a licence with limits, terms and conditions, or to refuse a Licence. Where a licence is refused, written reasons for the decision shall be provided to the proponent, the Minister, First Nations and Indigenous communities that were consulted on the project, and the public registry within such time as may be specified in the regulations.
Where a licence is issued, First Nations and Indigenous communities that were consulted on the project will be notified, including a description of how what was learned during the consultation process informed the licencing decision.
Licence Administration - Compliance and Enforcement
Environment Act Licences clauses are legal requirements and restrictions that are enforceable under the law. If a licence is issued, the compliance and monitoring stage begins.
Contact
For more information on the process, contact the Environmental Approvals Branch at:
Address:
Environmental Approvals Branch
Environment and Climate Change
Box 35, 14 Fultz Boulevard
Winnipeg MB R3Y 0L6
Phone No.: 204-945-8321
Email: EABDirector@gov.mb.ca
