The Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, recently shared updates on several important environmental projects in Newfoundland.
Gold Anchor Property Mineral Exploration Access Road
Rocky Shore Metals Ltd. plans to build a 15.8 km resource road in Central Newfoundland. This road will link two old forestry roads and lead to the Bay D’Espoir Highway. The project includes rehabilitating about 15 km of an existing road and constructing 0.8 km of new road, plus installing two temporary bridges. This road aims to facilitate diamond drilling and exploration activities at the Gold Anchor Property. More details are available on the Department’s website. Public comments are open until February 20, 2026. The minister will make a decision by March 2, 2026.
Little Indian Brook Bridge Replacement
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is set to replace an old bridge across Little Indian Brook on Route 370 in Badger. This undertaking involves demolishing the existing bridge and constructing a new one, along with a temporary bridge to maintain traffic flow. Information on this project can also be found on the Department’s website. Public comments are due by February 20, 2026, with a ministerial decision expected by March 2, 2026.
St. Anthony Marine Biomaterial Processing Facility
Atlantic BioCorp Ltd. intends to create a biomaterials processing facility in St. Anthony. This project will turn shrimp and crab shell waste into useful bioproducts—like chitin and calcium citrate—while keeping all operations indoors. Details can be found on the Department’s website. Public comments are accepted until February 20, 2026, with a decision due by March 2, 2026.
Key Updates on Released Projects
The following projects have been released from environmental assessments, allowing them to proceed under certain conditions:
- King’s Point Shoal Pond Road Bypass by New Found Gold Corporation
- Indian Brook Remote Cottage by Ben Callahan
Crémaillère Harbour Marine Port Development
The minister’s decision term for this project has expired. It will need to be registered again for environmental assessment before proceeding. More information is available on the Department’s website.
Current public interest in these projects is significant. Local communities are keen to weigh in, especially regarding the environmental impacts and potential benefits. The government encourages anyone submitting feedback to specify if they wish to keep their comments private.
In the context of recent environmental assessments in Newfoundland, how community feedback shapes these decisions is becoming increasingly crucial. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, projects that integrate community input are more likely to receive support and streamlined approvals.
Stay connected for more updates at the Department’s page or follow them on social media. Your voice matters in these discussions!
