Modernization of the Beauharnois–Les Cèdres hydropower complex

The studies and investigations ended in 2021. Hydro-Québec has begun carrying out work it deems a priority on some hydropower complex structures.

For more information on the work, refer to the Priority work section.

The structures of the Beauharnois–Les Cèdres complex are between 50 and 107 years old. Under the Dam Safety Act, Hydro-Québec, like all dam owners, is required to conduct safety inspections and studies on the structures it operates. Given the age of the complex’s components, it was clear that some work was required. The studies and investigations allowed us to determine the nature and extent of this work, which will extend the lifespan of the complex by several decades, while respecting the requirements of the Dam Safety Act.

Hydro-Québec will consult the host community as early as possible in the process to learn about the needs and concerns of the community and to integrate them into the project design whenever possible. 

Hydro-Québec will also work closely with community representatives to ensure that activities are carried out seamlessly. The information received from the community will allow us to propose the best possible projects from a technical, environmental and social perspective.

You can contact us through the Info-project line at 1 877 653 1139 or by email at ramrichelieu@hydro.qc.ca.

Hydro-Québec began consulting the Indigenous communities in 2020 and will continue the consultations in 2023 and beyond. The discussions are part of its commitments in regard to Indigenous relations, which stipulate in part that a consultation must take place at each stage of a project’s life cycle. 

The information, consultation and participation activities will be aligned with the strategy for carrying out the modernization of the Beauharnois–Les Cèdres hydropower complex and the subsequent process of obtaining regulatory approvals. 

To stay in tune with the residents’ priorities and their expectations of Hydro-Québec, we have enhanced our social acceptability approach. We are

mobilized to better reconcile the aspirations of the community and our energy needs.

• We integrate more variety and flexibility into our approach and tools. Each project is unique.
• We focus more on listening, dialogue and creativity in our solutions and strive for the broadest possible consensus for our projects.
• We get communities involved as early on as possible to develop projects that integrate the aspirations of the local communities.