Quebec Approves Major Wind Farm, Championing Local Partnership Model

SAINT-DAMASE, QC – January 07, 2026 – The Government of Québec has officially authorized the construction of the Canton MacNider Wind Farm, a significant 122.32-megawatt project in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region that stands as a testament to the province's ambitious energy transition and a novel approach to community-centric development.

The project, a 50/50 partnership between North American renewable energy giant Clearlight Energy and the locally-rooted Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est, will see 20 wind turbines rise between the municipalities of Saint-Damase and Saint-Noël. With construction slated to begin in the coming weeks, the approximately $400 million project is on a fast track to begin commercial operations and deliver power to Hydro-Québec's grid by December 2026.

A Key Piece of Quebec's 2035 Energy Puzzle

The Canton MacNider project is not an isolated development but a crucial component of Hydro-Québec’s Action Plan 2035. The provincial utility is bracing for a massive surge in electricity demand, projected to increase by 25 terawatt-hours by 2032, driven by widespread electrification and industrial decarbonization. To meet this challenge, Hydro-Québec aims to integrate 10,000 MW of new wind power capacity by 2035, effectively quadrupling the province's current wind generation.

This project emerged from a 2021 call for tenders (A/O 2021-02) specifically designed to procure clean energy in partnership with local and Indigenous communities. The 122.32 MW of capacity from Canton MacNider will directly contribute to these targets, complementing Quebec's vast hydroelectric resources and enhancing the grid's resilience.

"The authorization of Canton MacNider marks an important milestone for Clearlight Energy and for Québec's energy transition," said Jeff Norman, Chief Executive Officer of Clearlight Energy, in a statement. "We are proud to contribute... to unlocking the wind energy potential of the Bas-Saint-Laurent through this significant project for the regional economy, which directly supports the objectives of Hydro-Québec's 2035 Action Plan."

A New Model for Community Ownership

What sets the Canton MacNider project apart is its foundational partnership structure. The Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est, a co-owner of the project, is a unique entity representing 209 municipalities and territories across Eastern Québec, as well as the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. This model moves beyond simple consultation, embedding community and Indigenous interests directly into the project's ownership and governance.

The Alliance's mandate is to ensure that the economic benefits of renewable energy projects are retained locally, fostering regional vitality and giving communities a direct stake in their energy future. The profits distributed to its members are intended to fund local initiatives and support economic development across the region.

"We are pleased that the Government of Québec has authorized the Canton MacNider project, which once again demonstrates the relevance and benefits of the partnership model implemented by the Alliance," stated Michel Lagacé, President of the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est. He noted the project is vital for the region and will "strengthen regional expertise in the development of wind energy projects, for the benefit of Québec as a whole."

This innovative approach did not escape the notice of the province's environmental review board. The Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), in its favorable report published last September, acknowledged the model's potential but also recommended that the Alliance publicly disclose its financial statements to enhance public trust and transparency regarding the distribution of project benefits.

Forging a Local Green Economy

The immediate economic impact of the Canton MacNider project will be significant, with an estimated 150 workers employed on-site during the peak of construction. Once operational, the wind farm will support 5 to 10 permanent, skilled jobs for its 25-year lifespan.

However, the project's economic ripple effect extends deep into Québec's industrial sector. In a major commitment to local content, the developers have contracted MARMEN inc., a globally recognized manufacturer, to produce all 20 wind turbine towers at its facility in Matane. This decision not only secures high-value manufacturing work within the Bas-Saint-Laurent region but also reinforces Québec's capacity to build a domestic supply chain for its green energy transition.

By ensuring key components are "made in Québec," the project helps cultivate a specialized industrial ecosystem, creating a virtuous cycle where provincial energy projects directly fuel local manufacturing jobs and expertise. This strategy aligns with broader government goals to leverage climate action as a driver for industrial growth and regional development.

Balancing Progress with Environmental Stewardship

The government's authorization followed a rigorous environmental assessment process managed by the BAPE, which included extensive public hearings throughout 2025. During these consultations, citizens and groups raised valid concerns about the project's potential impacts on local ecosystems, including wetlands, bird and bat populations, and ecological connectivity.

In response, the BAPE's final approval came with specific conditions aimed at mitigating these impacts. The developers must adhere to a "zero landfill" policy for waste generated during construction and operation. Furthermore, the Alliance de l'énergie de l'Est has been tasked with contributing to research and development aimed at finding viable recycling and recovery solutions for decommissioned wind turbine blades—a growing challenge for the industry worldwide.

Crucially, the government also mandated the implementation of a specialized "brigade" upon commissioning, a team dedicated to monitoring and protecting bat populations in the project's vicinity. These binding conditions demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that the push for renewable energy does not come at the expense of environmental protection, reflecting a more nuanced and responsible approach to large-scale infrastructure development. As construction crews prepare to break ground, the Canton MacNider project is poised to become a closely watched example of how Québec can harness its natural resources while empowering its local communities and building a sustainable industrial future.