Water Withdrawal from Northwest River, Terra Nova National Park, for Golf Course Irrigation

Parks Canada is assessing the potential effects of withdrawing water from Northwest River (NWR) for irrigation of the Twin Rivers Golf Course (Figure 1). Water has been drawn from NWR for this purpose since golf course establishment, and the assessment will inform a water use agreement governing ongoing operations. Although annual extraction volumes are generally low relative to total river discharge, withdrawals during periods of reduced precipitation and elevated temperatures, as experienced in summer 2025, may significantly decrease streamflow, potentially affecting aquatic habitat and water quality. Irrigation system components—such as fuel powered pumps and intake structures—also present operational risks, including localized disturbance, accidental contamination, and potential entrapment of aquatic organisms. Atlantic salmon migrate through this section of NWR from early summer to mid autumn. Low flow conditions can impede migration, concentrate fish in shallow pools, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and increase predation risk. Observed increases in low water events and elevated stream temperatures are consistent with regional climate change trends. Given these factors, Parks Canada has determined that a Basic Impact Assessment (BIA) is required to evaluate potential effects, establish operational thresholds and mitigation measures, and ensure water use remains aligned with ecological protection objectives, particularly for Atlantic salmon.

Latest update

April 22 2026 – Parks Canada issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Participate

Contacts

Terra Nova National Park
General Delivery
Glovertown, Newfoundland and Labrador A0G 2L0
Telephone: 709-533-2801
Fax: 709-533-2706
Email: infopnterra-nova-terranovanpinfo@pc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Terra Nova National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Water Management

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2026-02-02

  • Proponent

    Parks Canada

  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90196

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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