Des Neiges Wind Farms: Launch of Canada's Largest Wind Energy Project

Beaupré, March 31, 2026. – The Government of Québec today officially breaks ground on Canada's largest wind energy project with the start of construction of the Des Neiges wind farms – Secteur Sud and Secteur Charlevoix.

The announcement was made by Premier of Québec Mr. François Legault, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister of Labour Mr. Jean Boulet, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit Mr. Ian Lafrenière, and Member of the National Assembly for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré Ms. Kariane Bourassa. They were joined by Grand Chief of the Wendat Nation Mr. Pierre Picard, Chief of the Innu First Nation of Essipit Mr. Martin Dufour, Chief of the Innu First Nation of Mashteuiatsh Mr. Jonathan Germain, Deputy Chief of the Innu Council of Pessamit Mr. Jérôme Bacon St-Onge, and Prefect of the MRC de La Côte-de-Beaupré and Mayor of L'Ange-Gardien Mr. Pierre Lefrançois. Also present were Boralex President and CEO Mr. Patrick Decostre, Énergir President and CEO Mr. Éric Lachance, and Hydro-Québec President and CEO Ms. Claudine Bouchard.

In a global context marked by increasing pressure on energy supply and the need to secure resources, Québec is making a clear choice to produce more clean energy on its own territory. The Des Neiges wind farms contribute to this effort by strengthening Québec's energy independence through additional renewable electricity production, built on a collaborative approach with municipalities and Indigenous communities. It is worth noting that the Government of Québec and Hydro-Québec aim to develop more than 10,000 MW of new wind capacity by 2035.

These projects, jointly developed by Boralex, Énergir Développement and Hydro-Québec, demonstrate Québec's ability to mobilize its major players to deliver large-scale projects that directly benefit its regions, economy and energy security. The Des Neiges wind farm project targets a total installed capacity of 1,200 MW, spread across three sectors (south, Charlevoix and west) of 400 MW each. The Des Neiges wind farms build on the legacy of the Seigneurie de Beaupré projects, totalling 364 MW, developed on this same territory over more than 20 years by Boralex, Énergir and the MRC de La Côte-de-Beaupré. Upon completion, they will form one of the largest operating wind complexes in North America.

More specifically, the two sectors now officially under construction — the Southern Sector and the Charlevoix Sector — comprise 57 wind turbines on the Seigneurie de Beaupré lands in the MRC de La Côte-de-Beaupré and 57 more on the Séminaire de Québec lands in the MRC de Charlevoix. Together, these turbines will produce enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of 140,000 homes, for the benefit of the people of Québec.

Economic Benefits for Québec

Beyond their energy contribution, the Des Neiges wind farms – Southern Sector and Charlevoix Sector represent an investment of over $2 billion that will generate more than $1 billion in direct economic spinoffs in Québec.

Each of the two projects will mobilize more than 500 workers during the construction phase, and numerous Québec companies will be involved in both the management and execution of the work. Once operational, the two wind farms will continue to drive the regional economy, creating approximately thirty permanent jobs and relying on the expertise of many local businesses to ensure maintenance over the planned thirty years of operation.

Des Neiges Wind Farm — Key Facts

Commissioning of the Des Neiges – Southern Sector wind farm is expected in 2027, while the Charlevoix Sector is expected in 2028.
The Des Neiges – Western Sector wind farm, also with an installed capacity of 400 MW, will eventually be developed in the MRC de La Jacques-Cartier.
All development activities — including design and engineering — as well as construction activities, including road building, collector network installation, component transportation and turbine installation, will be carried out entirely by Québec companies and suppliers. This approach reflects a shared commitment to encouraging, where possible, the integration of locally made components and expertise into wind energy projects in Québec.

Quotes

The Government of Québec, alongside Boralex, Énergir and Hydro-Québec, is taking a defining step for Québec's energy and economic future.

The Des Neiges projects are directly in line with our economic vision. The world has changed profoundly. Québec now faces a great deal of uncertainty, but we are fortunate to have green energy potential combining hydro and wind — two complementary solutions. There is a global race right now to dramatically increase electricity production. We need it for Québecers, but we also need it to drive our businesses forward. Having electricity available for companies has become a decisive factor for investment. It will be a decisive advantage for our regional economies.

François Legault
Québec Prime Minister

Today, we are taking a clear stand: produce more clean energy in Québec to be stronger economically and better positioned internationally. With projects like this one, we are increasing our energy capacity while creating opportunities for our businesses, our regions and our workers. This is exactly the kind of initiative that allows Québec to stand out in a transforming global economy.

Jean Boulet
Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister of Labour, Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region

A project grounded in respect for territories and Indigenous communities.

Here is a concrete example of how we can collectively meet Québec's energy needs. By moving First Nations from the role of beneficiaries to that of true partners, this project paves the way for many others. I am hopeful!

Ian Lafrenière
Minister of Public Security, Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, and Minister responsible for the Nord-du-Québec region

I am proud to see that our riding of Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré is once again playing a leading role in renewable energy production through the Des Neiges wind farms. Today marks the beginning of a major wind energy project that will replace fossil fuels with a green energy source, ensuring long-term energy supply for our region and all of Québec.

Kariane Bourassa
Member of the National Assembly for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance

It is with great pride that the Wendat Nation stands today alongside its partners to mark the construction of the largest wind farm currently under development in Canada on our traditional territory, Onyionhwentsïio'. The wind energy potential of Wendat territory is exceptional, and partnerships with the Wendat Nation make it possible to meet Québec's energy needs. Our nation has the capacity to plan, invest, build, train workers and participate in the operation of large-scale energy projects, in a spirit of partnership and co-development.

Pierre Picard
Grand Chief of the Wendat Nation

Our three First Nations — Essipit, Pessamit and Mashteuiatsh — affirm that Tshitassinu Tshiuetunussit is a shared ancestral territory, used for generations by our families for the practice of Innu Aitun. Mindful of our shared responsibility toward this territory, the three First Nations reaffirm their commitment to act in a coordinated manner so that any development project on this land is carried out with respect for the Nitassinan, the rights of First Nations and the values that guide their relationship with the territory.

Martin Dufour
Chief of Essipit
Alongside Jonathan Germain, Chief of Mashteuiatsh, and Jérôme Bacon St-Onge, Deputy Chief of Pessamit

The three project partners speak to their shared commitment.

The Des Neiges projects build on more than two decades of Boralex's presence and leadership at the Seigneurie de Beaupré, where we operate one of Canada's largest wind farms with rigorous standards and act as project and asset manager, with health and safety at the core of our practices. Our expertise, developed here and proudly deployed internationally, combined with our experience on this territory, make us a partner of choice for wind energy development in Québec.

Patrick Decostre
President and Chief Executive Officer, Boralex

The Des Neiges wind projects are a continuation of Énergir's commitment to the Seigneurie de Beaupré for more than 20 years. Over time, we have developed significant experience and a deep understanding of the territory, which gives us confidence as we enter this new development phase. These projects reflect Énergir's ambition to actively contribute to the development of new renewable capacity and to play an active role in Québec's energy transition.

Éric Lachance
President and Chief Executive Officer, Énergir

With the Des Neiges wind farms — Southern Sector and Charlevoix Sector — we are taking action to build a sustainable and prosperous Québec. Through close collaboration with our partners, these projects allow us to deliver affordable renewable energy to all Quebecers, while generating lasting economic benefits and strengthening a strong, locally rooted wind energy expertise.

Claudine Bouchard
President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro-Québec

The project's regional impact, as seen from the ground.

With the Des Neiges projects, Québec is delivering not only the largest wind energy project currently under development in Canada, but for us — local elected officials and grassroots governments — they are tangible proof that regions can be full partners in the energy transition, through projects rooted in and beneficial to their communities.

Pierre Lefrançois
Prefect of the MRC de La Côte-de-Beaupré and Mayor of L'Ange-Gardien