Hydro-Québec suspends work at planned electric station in Labrador amid protests

ST. JOHN’S — Quebec’s hydro utility says it has suspended work at the site of a planned hydroelectric station at Gull Island in Labrador amid protests by some residents.

Signs are shown in this handout photo at the site of a tentatively planned hydroelectric development at Gull Island in Labrador on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Quebec's hydro utility says it has suspended work at the site amid protests by some residents. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Innu Accountability Coalition (Mandatory Credit)

ST. JOHN’S — Quebec’s hydro utility says it has suspended work at the site of a planned hydroelectric station at Gull Island in Labrador amid protests by some residents.

A Hydro-Québec spokesperson says the utility is monitoring the situation with a commitment to understanding the demonstrators’ concerns.

Lynn St-Laurent says in an email that Hydro-Québec recognizes the cultural and historical importance of the Gull Island area for Innu communities.

The utility announced a tentative agreement last year with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to build a hydroelectric generating station at Gull Island, a site on the Churchill River in Labrador.

Hydro-Québec said earlier this week it was set to begin geotechnical and environmental studies in the area, in preparation for future construction work.

A news release said the studies are to collect environmental and other data to inform final negotiations on the project between the two state-owned utilities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2025.

The Canadian Press

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top