Public Notice

Value Chain Solutions - Heartland Complex Expansion Project — Participant Funding Available

November 27, 2020 — Funding provided by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) is now available to help the public and Indigenous groups participate in the potential federal impact assessment for the proposed Value Chain Solutions – Heartland Complex Expansion Project, located near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Funding is available for eligible individuals and groups to assist their participation in the upcoming steps of the impact assessment's planning phase, specifically for reviewing and providing comments on the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and the draft Public Participation Plan. Once this phase is complete, the public and Indigenous groups will have another opportunity to apply for funding to assist their participation in the other phases of the impact assessment process.

Applications received by December 18, 2020, will be considered.

As a next step, the Agency will determine whether a federal impact assessment is required for the project. If one is required, recipients and the amount of funding allocated will be posted at a later date on the project's webpage on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry website. If the Agency determines a federal impact assessment is not required, no funds will be allocated and there will be no further opportunity to apply for funding for this project.

The Agency recognizes it is more challenging to undertake meaningful public engagement and Indigenous consultation in light of the circumstances arising from COVID-19. The Agency continues to assess the situation, adjust consultation activities and provide flexibility as needed in order to prioritize the health and safety of all Canadians and conduct meaningful engagement with interested groups.

To apply for funding, complete the Application Form for the Planning Phase available on the Agency's website at canada.ca/iaac under Funding Programs. For more information, contact the Participant Funding Program by writing to iaac.FP-PAF.aeic@canada.ca, or by calling 1-866-582-1884.

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The Proposed Project

Value Chain Solutions Inc. is proposing to expand its approved Heartland Project, a bitumen upgrader and refinery, located in Alberta's Industrial Heartland, about 18 kilometres northeast of Fort Saskatchewan. As proposed, the Value Chain Solutions – Heartland Complex Expansion Project would increase the facility's input capacity by three hundred percent, bringing its total capacity to 119,240 m3/day or 750,000 barrels/day. The project would include activities such as the expansion of a petroleum storage facility, construction of administration and control room buildings and supporting infrastructure with laydown areas and parking, construction of railway loops, connections and loading facilities, and the drilling of additional water disposal wells.

More information on this project is available on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry website, Registry reference number 81148.