Offshore Wind Call for Information NS25-1R What We Heard Report

As the lead and lifecycle regulator of the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area, the CNSOER recognizes that in carrying out our regulatory processes, it is important to engage with Indigenous groups and rights holders, the fishing sector, industry, governments, the public, and other interested stakeholders.

On September 18, 2025, the CNSOER received joint Strategic Direction from the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia to formally initiate the process to issue a Call for Bids for offshore wind within the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. Strategic Direction from Ministers is part of the offshore renewable energy land tenure process and occurs prior to the CNSOER commencing Call for Information and Prequalification. Learn more about the Offshore Renewable Energy Land Tenure Process.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER) announced offshore wind Call for Information and Prequalification NS25-1R on October 16, 2025.

The offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R was open for 90 days, from October 16, 2025, to January 13, 2026. As part of the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R, the CNSOER welcomed feedback on governments’ Strategic Direction letter, including:

  • The Wind Energy Areas being considered and the location(s) of potential parcel(s) within these Wind Energy Areas.
  • The possible evaluation criteria to be used as part of the Call for Bids process.
  • The possible draft terms and conditions for a submerged land licence. 

After the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R closed on January 13, 2026, all feedback collected through public written comments, the virtual public information webinar, and parcel identification was reviewed. In the spirit of fairness and transparency, a What We Heard report was created to summarize feedback received from Indigenous groups and rights holders, the fishing sector, industry, governments, the public, and other interested stakeholders. It must be emphasized that every submission, comment, letter, and attachment was read in entirety by both CNSOER staff and Members of the Regulator.

Offshore Wind Call for Information NS25-1R What We Heard Report - Executive Summary

The following is an executive summary of the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R What We Heard report. Whereas the full report highlights in detail the process and key themes and perspectives that were heard during the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R public engagement period, this executive summary is a concise, stand-alone synthesis, allowing readers to quickly understand what engagement occurred, who participated, and the main themes raised.

Offshore Wind Call for Information NS25-1R What We Heard Report - Full Report

The following is the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R What We Heard report, a summary of key themes and perspectives that emerged in response to each of the ten questions included in the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R digital feedback form, expressed by Indigenous groups and rights holders, the fishing sector, industry, government, the public, and other interested stakeholders.

Offshore Wind Call for Information NS25-1R What We Heard Report - Appendix A, Table of Written Feedback Submissions

The following is a summary document of written feedback received through the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R digital feedback form and email submissions. Unless marked as confidential or the respondent has requested that their feedback or company name not be shared publicly, the summary document includes feedback verbatim with no edits except for the removal of any profanities and inappropriate language. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the offshore wind Call for Information NS25-1R What We Heard report, please email info@cnsoer.ca