Topic:"Stakeholder Engagement" in M11927

CI 50518 CA IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 19 of 35 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Sheet Harbour Hydro System Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project and Environmental Description providing six project updates, the project was deferred t...

AI summary The Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project was deferred to 2019 as NS Power reviewed design options. Updates were provided to KMKNO through meetings and monthly communications, with construction planned for May to November 2020.

9. Please update and provide further information on public engagement and consultation as related to these works that may now be available. NS Power initiated Mi'kmaq engagement regarding the Ruth Falls Main Dam project with the KMKNO in D...

AI summary NS Power has engaged with the K'jipuktuk Mi'kmaq Nation and the Millbrook Mi'kmaw community regarding the Ruth Falls Main Dam project, providing updates and planning for public engagement activities such as an open house and resident communications.

CI 50518 CA IR-5 Attachment 6 Page 3 of 3 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) - 7. In order to monitor and address potential impacts, monitoring pre‐, active, and post construction periods will be needed. Water quality monitoring i...

AI summary The document outlines several requests for information related to a project, including water quality monitoring, impacts on aquatic organisms and wetlands, and public engagement updates. The applicant is required to submit this information by June 30, 2021, with a warning that failure to comply may result in the rejection of the application under Section 7 of the Approval and Notification Procedure Regulations.

CI 50518 CA IR-5 Attachment 7 Page 5 of 103 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 8. Information to date has only been provided with respect to fish. Provide similar discussion on potential impacts to other aquatic organisms and habi...

AI summary The document requests additional information on potential impacts to aquatic organisms and wetlands due to drawdown, as well as updates on public engagement and consultation, particularly with Mi'kmaq communities. Section 4.6 provides wetland and rare species monitoring details, while Sections 5, 6, and 7 cover engagement updates.

7.0 OTHER STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT NS Power is planning to conduct public engagement for the Project with an Open House and provide local residents, along the Ruth Falls Headpond, with relevant Project information and notification of the dra...

AI summary NS Power plans to engage the public through an open house and local communications to inform residents about the Project, including drawdown activities and construction timelines, to increase awareness and address concerns.

CI 50518 CA IR-5 Attachment 14 Page 5 of 59 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Sheet Harbour Hydro System Ruth Falls Dam Sluice Gate Installation Project and Environmental Description - 6. Provide an updated 'Figure 1 – Site Plan...

AI summary The document discusses updates to the Site Plan for the Sheet Harbour Hydro System, clarifications on project components such as the bypass and modular bridge, the rationale for using 23°C as a temperature indicator, and the need for a communication plan for property owners near the headpond. These updates are in response to various queries from regulatory bodies.

7.0 OTHER STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT NS Power is committed to proactively communicating and engaging with community stakeholders, the Mi'kmaq, regulators and the public on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. As part of this commitment, N...

AI summary NS Power is committed to engaging with stakeholders, including the Mi'kmaq and regulators, on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. A communication plan has been developed and is currently under internal review, with plans to provide it to the NSECC once available.

OTHER STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT NS Power is committed to proactively communicating and engaging with community stakeholders, the Mi'kmaq, regulators and the public on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. As part of this commitment, NS Po...

AI summary NS Power is committed to engaging with stakeholders on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. A communication plan has been developed and shared with NSECC. Phase 2 work has been deferred to 2023, impacting local homeowners and community stakeholders, while Phase 1 work proceeds without disruption.

7.0 OTHER STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT NS Power is committed to proactively communicating and engaging with community stakeholders, the Mi'kmaq, regulators and the public on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. As part of this commitment, N...

AI summary NS Power is committed to engaging with stakeholders, including the Mi'kmaq, regulators, and the public, on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. A communication plan has been developed to outline engagement and communication strategies for the project.

CI 50518 CA IR-5 Attachment 19 Page 419 of 423 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment Project Application #2019-2638165-00 Communication Plan Revision 1 There continues to be ongoing engagement betwee...

AI summary The document discusses ongoing engagement between NS Power, the Mi'kmaw Conservation Group, and Millbrook First Nation regarding the habitat offsetting program for the Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment Project, ensuring community input and awareness of employment opportunities.

Engagement Goals NS Power's engagement goals are to: - develop relationships and collaborate with stakeholders, local and Mi'kmaq communities. - provide accurate and timely Project information that is accessible and easy to understand. - p...

AI summary NS Power aims to build relationships with stakeholders and Mi'kmaq communities, provide transparent project information, and create a dialogue forum to address interests and concerns.

The tables below detail the method and frequency of engagement. Stakeholder Contact Website Method Frequency 1 Frequency 2 Frequency 3 Member of Parliament Sean Fraser Member of Communications to advise May 2022 June 2022 NSP will update a...

AI summary The text outlines the method and frequency of stakeholder engagement, specifically detailing communication with Sean Fraser, the Member of Parliament for Central Nova, regarding the Ruth Falls Head Pond drawdown and associated construction activities. NSP will update stakeholders once permits are in place and has provided a project email for communication.

Stakeholder Contact Website Method Frequency 1 Frequency 2 Frequency 3 Local residents / Identify sheet N/A In person delivery of May 2022 June 2022 NSP will update all property-owners harbour/area communication notice to stakeholders once...

AI summary The document outlines communication methods and frequencies used by Nova Scotia Power (NSP) to inform various stakeholders about the Ruth Falls Head Pond project, including local residents, property owners, businesses, and the Mi'kmaw Conservation Group. Updates will be provided via mail and email once permits are in place.

7.0 OTHER STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT NS Power is committed to proactively communicating and engaging with community stakeholders, the Mi'kmaq, regulators and the public on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. As part of this commitment, N...

AI summary NS Power is committed to engaging with stakeholders, including the Mi'kmaq, regulators, and the public, on the Ruth Falls Dam Refurbishment Project. A communication plan has been developed to outline engagement and communication strategies for the project.

CI 50518 CA IR-5 Attachment 21 Page 419 of 465 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment Project Application #2019-2638165-00 Communication Plan Revision 1 There continues to be ongoing engagement betwee...

AI summary The Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment Project involves ongoing engagement between NS Power, the MCG, and Millbrook First Nation to ensure community input and awareness of employment opportunities related to the habitat offsetting program.

Engagement Goals NS Power's engagement goals are to: - develop relationships and collaborate with stakeholders, local and Mi'kmaqcommunities. - provide accurate and timely Project information that is accessible and easy to understand. - pr...

AI summary NS Power aims to build relationships with stakeholders and Mi'kmaq communities, provide clear project information, and create a forum for dialogue to address concerns and interests related to the Project.

Municipality of the District of Guysborough Council Fin Armsworthy 902-533-370 Municipality of the District of Guysborough Communications to advise of the Ruth Falls Head Pond drawdown and associated construction activities including expec...

AI summary The document contains communications regarding the Ruth Falls Head Pond drawdown and associated construction activities, including expected timeframes and duration, with updates to be provided by NSP once permits are in place. It includes contact information for stakeholders and officials involved.

Stakeholder Contact Website Method Frequency 1 Frequency 2 Frequency 3 Local residents/ Identify sheet N/A In person delivery of May 2022 June 2022 NSP will update all property-owners harbour/area communication notice to stakeholders once...

AI summary The text outlines communication methods and frequencies for informing local residents, property owners, businesses, and the Nova Scotia Salmon Association about the Ruth Falls Head Pond drawdown and construction activities. NSP will update stakeholders once permits are in place and provides a project email for contact.

drawdown and associated in place. A project email has construction activities been provided for reach out at including expected anytime. timeframes and duration. [email protected] Mi'kmaq Community Contact Website Method Frequenc...

AI summary The text includes a table with information about the Ruth Falls Head Pond drawdown and associated construction activities, including contact details for the Mi'kmaq community and NSP. It outlines communication methods and frequencies for project updates.

CI 50518 - HYD - Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment ATO (NSUARB M11927) NSPI Responses to The Consumer Advocate Information Requests REDACTED 1 2 Request IR-13: 3 Reference: NS Power states that costs for Mi'kmaq Engagement are $ , whereas...

AI summary The document discusses responses to information requests regarding the Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment ATO, including a breakdown of Mi'kmaq engagement costs, reasons for initial underbudgeting, and discrepancies in cost figures referenced in the application.

CONFIDENTIAL (Attachment Only) DFO Communic ation to NS Power Date Received Supplemental Information Requested by DFO NS Power Follow up Actions and Response to DFO NS Power Response Date Attachment Reference Complete Letter January 29, 20...

AI summary This confidential attachment details communication between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Nova Scotia Power (NS Power) regarding NS Power's proposal. The DFO has raised concerns and requested additional information, particularly related to feedback from the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and revisions to the monitoring plan.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook First Nation Each year The CMM will allot money for hiring summer students or community members from Millbrook, pending interest in the project. Community members will have the opportunity...

AI summary The CMM will allocate funds annually to hire summer students or community members from Millbrook for training and job shadowing with NSSA and DARFM. The Millbrook consultation team emphasizes the importance of meaningful offset projects and community engagement, particularly in satellite communities like Sheet Harbour and Beaverdam.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook: The CMM will meet with Millbrook's consultation team and with community members (as interested / directed) to ensure that there is proper engagement by the community in the project. The CM...

AI summary The CMM will engage with Millbrook's consultation team and community members to ensure proper community involvement in the project, including site visits with the NSSA and inviting Millbrook community members where possible.

Fish Identification and Measurements At each sampling location fish from the seine will be released into a cooler filled with freshwater and containing an airstone bubbler. Fish will be taken from each cooler, enumerated, and a subset of u...

AI summary The document outlines a procedure for fish identification and measurement during sampling. Fish are collected, released into a cooler, and measured for fork length and weight. A subset of juvenile gaspereau is measured, and other fish species are identified and enumerated with measurements taken for a subset of individuals.

CI 50518 NSUARB IR-12 Attachment 10 Page 473 of 591 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) A B C D E Stressor (S) Data Form for Non-Tidal Wetlands. WESP-AC for Nova Scotia version 2. Data Aberrant Timing of Water Inputs In the last co...

AI summary The text discusses the data form for non-tidal wetlands in Nova Scotia, focusing on the 'Aberrant Timing of Water Inputs' stressor. It outlines the need to identify factors that may have caused shifts in the timing of water inputs, such as changes in flow patterns or human interventions.

• Millbrook: TBD (Consultation team and community members) - o Assist with project activities (planning, monitoring, restoration) - o Participate in meetings. - o Receive training (types tbd). - o Note: this will depend on community intere...

AI summary The text outlines potential roles for the Millbrook community in a project, including assistance with planning, monitoring, and restoration activities, participation in meetings, and receipt of training, with the extent of involvement dependent on community interest.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook • The CMM's DARFM will meet with Millbrook's consultation team and community members and will involve other key individuals as directed by Millbrook's Chief and Council or consultation team

AI summary The CMM's DARFM will engage with Millbrook's consultation team and community members, as directed by Millbrook's Chief and Council or consultation team, to ensure meaningful engagement.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook - The CMM's DARFM will continue to meet with Millbrook's consultation team and community members to provide project updates and will involve other key individuals as directed by Millbrook's...

AI summary The CMM's DARFM will continue engaging with Millbrook's consultation team and community members, providing project updates and involving key individuals as directed. Funds will be allocated to hire or reimburse Millbrook community members for monitoring work and training opportunities.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook: - The CMM will continue to meet with Millbrook's consultation team and with interested community members, as well as continue to provide updates to the community when applicable or request...

AI summary The CMM will continue engaging with Millbrook's consultation team and community members, providing updates when needed and offering paid opportunities for community members to assist with restoration activities.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook: • There will be funds allotted to hire Millbrook community members on short term contracts or reimburse at a daily rate so that they can participate in the monitoring work and/or attend ap...

AI summary Funds will be allocated to hire Millbrook community members on short-term contracts or reimburse them at a daily rate to participate in monitoring work and attend relevant training.

Data Report 7716: Ruth Falls Watershed, NS Page 22 of 22 # recs CITATION 1 1 McKendry, Karen. 2016. Rare species observations, 2016. Nova Scotia Nature Trust, 19 recs. NatureServe Canada. 2018. iNaturalist Butterfly Data Export . iNaturali...

AI summary The document presents a list of citations related to biodiversity observations and specimen data in the Ruth Falls Watershed, Nova Scotia. It includes records from various researchers, institutions, and personal communications, focusing on rare species and ecological data.

9.0 CONSULTATIONS NS Power initiated Mi'kmaq engagement regarding the Ruth Falls Dam project with the Kwilmu'kw Mawklusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) in December 2017 during the One Window meeting to discuss 2018 hydro capital projects. N...

AI summary NS Power has engaged with various Indigenous groups and organizations throughout the Ruth Falls Dam project, including the Kwilmu'kw Mawklusuaqn Negotiation Office, Millbrook First Nation, and the Maritime Aboriginal People's Council. Consultations have included project updates, site visits, and discussions on environmental and archaeological considerations. Public engagement efforts are also planned.

CI 50518 NSUIARB IR-12 Attachment 12 Page 392 of 576 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2 STR= Stressors. Stressor (S) Data Form for Non-Tidal Wetlands. WESP-AC for Nova Scotia version 2. Data Aberrant Timing of Water Inputs In th...

AI summary This section of the document discusses the stressor 'Aberrant Timing of Water Inputs' and lists potential causes, including stormwater from impervious surfaces draining directly to wetlands, which can alter the timing of water inputs to wetlands.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook First Nation In year 1, the CMM will recruit and train interested community members to assist with project deliverables (e.g., monitoring restoration activities and being engaged in post-re...

AI summary In year 1, the CMM will recruit and train community members from Millbrook First Nation to assist with project deliverables, including monitoring and restoration activities. From years 3 to 8, the CMM will hire community members to support monitoring efforts. Engagement is considered crucial by Millbrook's consultation team.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook • The CMM's DARFM will meet with Millbrook's consultation team and community members and will involve other key individuals as directed by Millbrook's Chief and Council or consultation team

AI summary The CMM's DARFM will engage with Millbrook's consultation team and community members, as well as other key individuals as directed by Millbrook's Chief and Council or consultation team.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook - The CMM's DARFM will continue to meet with Millbrook's consultation team and community members to provide project updates and will involve other key individuals as directed by Millbrook's...

AI summary The CMM's DARFM will continue engaging with Millbrook's consultation team and community members to provide project updates and involve key individuals as directed. Funds will be allocated to hire community members on short-term contracts or reimburse them for participating in monitoring work and training.

Objective 1: Meaningful engagement with Millbrook: - The CMM will continue to meet with Millbrook's consultation team and with interested community members, as well as continue to provide updates to the community when applicable or request...

AI summary The CMM will continue engaging with Millbrook's consultation team and community members, providing updates and offering paid opportunities for community members to assist with restoration activities.

Table 10: Ruth Falls Mi'kmaq Engagement Costs[43](#page-27-1) Description UARB Approved Original Submission ATO Submission Variance Additional KMKNO Capacity Payments: To provide the KMKNO with necessary resources to meaningfully engage wi...

AI summary The table outlines engagement costs related to the Ruth Falls Mi'kmaq community's involvement with NS Power, including observer payments and capacity payments. NS Power states these costs are necessary to cover additional monthly KMKNO capacity payments.

CI 50518 – HYD – Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment ATO – Reply Evidence Redacted 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 4 2.0 Material Costs 6 5 2.1 NS Power Response 7 6 2.1.1 Additional scope items 7 7 2.1.2 Extended construction tim...

AI summary This document outlines the regulatory process for an authorization to overspend (ATO) related to the Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment by Nova Scotia Power. Key points include the filing of the ATO, site visits, information requests, and the submission of evidence by Midgard Consulting Inc. and other intervenors.

This is a public process, and you may participate as follows: - You may make written comments by sending a letter to the Clerk of the Board at P.O. Box 1692, Unit "M", Halifax, NS B3J 3S3, or by email at: [[email protected],](mailto:boar...

AI summary The document outlines the public participation process for a regulatory proceeding, including how to submit written comments and request formal intervenor status. It also mentions the deadline for submitting evidence and the invitation for participants to share pronouns and titles.

The Notice of Hearing will be advertised by posting it on the Board website under Notices of Hearing and by NS Power on its website. The Clerk of the Board will provide a copy of the Notice of Hearing and Hearing Order to the list of those...

AI summary The Notice of Hearing for the proceeding will be advertised on the Board website and NS Power's website. The Clerk of the Board will distribute copies of the Notice of Hearing and Hearing Order to interested parties. The document is dated December 23, 2024, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

NOTICE OF INTERVENTION OF: K + S Windsor Salt Ltd. CKF Inc. Crown Fibre Tube Inc. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. Maritime Paper Products Ltd. Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. Oxford Frozen Foods Limited Compass Minerals Canada Corp. Farnell...

AI summary The Industrial Group, consisting of several large and medium industrial customers of NSPI, has requested to intervene in this matter. Their costs may be affected by the outcome, and they are addressing issues established by the NSUARB or arising from a review of the evidence.

Date Filed: November 12, 2024 CA (NSPI) Page 4 of 7 1 associated with the lowering of the Ruth Falls Reservoir 18 feet below the minimum operating 2 level. This has led to additional costs of approximately $400,000." (ATO, p. 3) 3 (a) 4 Pl...

AI summary The document outlines several requests for information regarding additional costs incurred by NS Power, including engagement with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, cost increases due to labor, materials, contracts, and consulting, as well as cost minimization efforts.

The Notice of Hearing will be advertised by posting it on the Board website under Notices of Hearing and by NS Power on its website. The Clerk of the Board will provide a copy of the Notice of Hearing and Hearing Order to the list of those...

AI summary The Notice of Hearing will be advertised on the Board and NS Power websites. The Clerk of the Board will distribute copies to interested parties. The document is dated December 23, 2024, in Halifax.

Burden of Proof The IG refers to the applicable burden of proof in this proceeding and states its position that "it is NSPI that must produce sufficient evidence that it has acted prudently in its application and execution of the capital p...

AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) argues that Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) must prove prudence in its capital project and refurbishment proposal. However, the IG's position overlooks the base assumption of prudency and the ability of intervenors to challenge it with evidence, shifting the burden back to NSPI in the rebuttal phase. The text emphasizes that stakeholders should raise concerns early in the process to ensure regulatory efficiency.

Advancement of Applications to DFO and NSECC The IG submits that NS Power unnecessarily prolonged the FAA permitting process, and points to NS Power's evidence that an updated FAA package was submitted to DFO on February 28, 2025, approxim...

AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) criticizes NS Power for an eight-month delay in updating the FAA package submitted to DFO, but NS Power explains that delays were due to necessary steps like hiring consultants, engaging with the Mi'kmaq, and responding to DFO's new requirements. Midgard Consulting Inc. found NS Power's actions to be prudent despite the delays.

REPLY TO SUBMISSIONS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE As noted in its response to the CA Submissions above, and in response to the SBA's submissions, NS Power will commit to providing decommissioning costs in future hydro applications, as ap...

AI summary NS Power will provide decommissioning costs in future hydro applications and has updated its Hydro Asset Study. It will provide regular updates to the Board regarding DFO costs and project plans. NS Power disagrees with pausing the ATO application until the FAA permit is granted, citing progress made with DFO and the Mi'kmaq.