Quebec Wind Farm to Funnel $198M into Local and Indigenous Communities

MONTMAGNY, Québec – February 18, 2026 – A landmark renewable energy project has received the final green light from the Quebec government, setting a new national standard for how clean energy development can directly fuel regional and Indigenous prosperity. The Forêt Domaniale wind farm, a 185.6-megawatt (MW) project in the Montmagny region, is now authorized for construction, unlocking a partnership model poised to deliver nearly CAD $198 million in profits to local communities over the next three decades.

The project is the result of an equal partnership between international energy developer EDF solutions électriques and the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est, a regional coalition representing 209 communities and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. This structure ensures that half of the project's long-term financial success will be reinvested directly into the territories of Eastern Quebec.

"We are pleased to receive the official authorization for the Forêt Domaniale wind project," said Stephane Desdunes, Vice-President of Development for EDF solutions électriques in Canada and the Northeastern United States. "This project is the result of the shared vision between EDF solutions électriques and Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est, and represents an important project for the region, combining clean energy and significant economic benefits for the host communities."

A New Blueprint for Community Prosperity

At the heart of the Forêt Domaniale project is a groundbreaking financial arrangement designed to ensure the host region is a primary beneficiary, not just a bystander. Beyond the creation of approximately 250 construction jobs and five permanent operational roles, the project establishes a multi-layered stream of revenue for the local population.

First, the four host municipalities—Cap-Saint-Ignace, Montmagny, Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire, and Sainte-Apolline-de-Patton—will receive annual payments of CAD $5,700 per megawatt installed. This translates to over CAD $1.1 million in the first year alone and is projected to total more than CAD $30 million over the project's 30-year lifespan, indexed to inflation.

More significantly, the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est’s 50% ownership stake is projected to generate nearly CAD $198 million in profits. This entire sum will be redistributed among the Alliance's 16 member Regional County Municipalities (RCMs) and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, providing a substantial and reliable source of funding for local initiatives, infrastructure projects, and community services for a generation.

Michel Lagacé, President of the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est, highlighted the project's dual impact. "The Forêt Domaniale Wind Farm will make it possible to produce clean energy and actively participate in Quebec's energy transition," he stated. "This project illustrates how the energy transition can become a concrete lever for regional development and prosperity for the partner regions, all while respecting the environment and the host communities."

Powering Quebec's Ambitious Green Transition

The 30-turbine wind farm is a critical component of Quebec's broader strategy to decarbonize its economy and meet rising electricity demand. With the province aiming to add 10,000 MW of new wind power capacity by 2035, projects like Forêt Domaniale are essential building blocks. Its 185.6 MW capacity will contribute directly to this goal, helping to solidify Quebec's status as a North American leader in renewable energy.

Quebec's energy landscape, already dominated by hydropower, is increasingly turning to wind as a complementary resource. Wind power's variable nature can be effectively balanced by the province's vast network of hydroelectric reservoirs, creating a stable and reliable clean energy grid. The provincial government and its utility, Hydro-Québec, have actively promoted partnerships with municipalities and First Nations as the preferred model for developing this new wave of wind projects, emphasizing the importance of social acceptability and shared economic benefits.

Balancing Progress with Environmental Stewardship

Located within forested public lands, the Forêt Domaniale project has undergone extensive environmental scrutiny. The developers have emphasized their commitment to minimizing the project's footprint, a process that included a detailed environmental impact assessment and public hearings conducted by the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) in 2025.

The project's design was refined through this process to optimize turbine placement and protect sensitive ecosystems. According to the developers, the protection of biodiversity and natural habitats was a key consideration at every stage, supported by comprehensive environmental studies and the implementation of specific mitigation measures required by the government's authorization decree. To maintain transparency, an active monitoring committee has been established to ensure continuous dialogue between the project developers, local stakeholders, and residents.

With preparatory work set to begin in the coming weeks, major construction is scheduled to commence in the winter of 2026. The wind farm is expected to be fully commissioned and feeding clean energy into the grid by the end of 2027, marking a significant milestone for Quebec's energy future and a powerful example of community-centered development.