Astuwicuwon Wind Power
Clean Wind Energy for New Brunswick
A Wolastoqey First Nation wind energy project in New Brunswick, developed in partnership by Sitansisk First Nation (St. Mary’s) and Eolectric.
The Astuwicuwon Wind Farm Project will harness local wind resources to deliver reliable, clean electricity, supporting the province’s transition to a low‑carbon energy future while creating long‑term value for communities.
The Project
Sitansisk First Nation (St. Mary’s) and Eolectric have partnered to develop an Indigenous wind energy business for the Astuwicuwon Wind Farm Project in the Carleton North region of New Brunswick. The project is planned at approximately 92.4 MW and is structured so that Sitansisk First Nation (St. Mary’s) will be the majority owner (51%), alongside Eolectric (49%).
The Astuwicuwon Wind Farm Project is located in New Brunswick, approximately 20 km northeast of Florenceville-Bristol within the broader Carleton North region and covers an area of about 22 km².
Our commitment: We aim to develop the project responsibly by engaging stakeholders, completing required studies, and integrating mitigation measures to reduce environmental impacts across the full project lifecycle.
Project Status
Development
Permiting
Engineering
Construction
Operation
As part of the development concept, the project includes 16 wind turbines, a new substation, collector lines, and a 15 km overhead transmission line that will be built by NB Power to connect the wind farm to its Beechwood terminal.
Partnership
St. Mary's First Nation, also known as Sitansisk is one of six Wolastoqiyik or Maliseet Nations on the Wolastoq River in Canada.
Established in 1867, the St. Mary's reserve lies on the northeastern bank of the Wolastoq River, across from downtown Fredericton.
The community operates several economic development ventures, including St. Mary's Retail Sales and St. Mary's Entertainment Centre, and is the largest local employer in Fredericton North.
St. Mary's First Nation is looking forward to the development of this wind farm Project on Wolastoqiyik unceded territory.
Since 2001, Eolectric, through its subsidiary Eolectric Development, specializes in the development, financing, construction and operation of renewable energy projects in North America.
Together with its partners, Eolectric has developed more than 900 MW of now operational wind farms and has a portfolio of renewable energy projects representing nearly 2,000 MW.
Eolectric is building a long-term partnership and relationship with St. Mary’s First Nation which is fundamental to the success of the wind farm project.
Wind Farm Recognized Benefits
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Clean, renewable electricity: Wind power produces electricity without fuel combustion, supporting a lower‑carbon grid.
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Energy price stability: Once built, wind projects can help reduce exposure to fuel price volatility because the “fuel” is free.
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Local and regional economic activity: Construction and operations create demand for local services (trucking, civil works, accommodations, suppliers, maintenance).
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Skills and training opportunities: Long-term operations can support local workforce development in safety, electrical, and mechanical trades.
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Co‑development and reconciliation: Indigenous partnerships can create lasting community benefits and strengthen local participation in the energy transition.
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Land compatibility: Wind farms can often coexist with forestry and other land uses, with localized footprints for turbines and roads.
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Grid reliability contribution: Wind projects diversify generation sources and can complement other renewables as part of a balanced supply portfolio.
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Environmental management: Project design and operations can incorporate mitigation, monitoring, and adaptive measures identified through the EIA process.
Specific Benefits for Astuwicuwon
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300 million dollars investment.
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10 million dollars in municipal taxes over the project lifetime for the district of Carleton North.
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Compensation for participating landowners for the duration of the project.
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Around five full time and part time jobs and up to 100 jobs during construction.
Environmental Impact Assessment
As required under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation of the Clean Environment Act, all energy projects producing 3 MW or more must undergo a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). With a capacity well above this threshold, the Astuwicuwon Wind Farm Project is in the process to complete a full EIA process to evaluate potential environmental effects.
Comprehensive environmental studies were carried out as part of this process, including:
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Wind resource assessment
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Wetland and watercourse assessments
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Avian and bat activity monitoring
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Vegetation and habitat mapping
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Sound and visual impact modeling
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Electromagnetic interference evaluations
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Archaeological and heritage resource studies
The EIA report was submitted to the Department of Environment and Local Government in February 2025, and an addendum detailing bird and bat survey results was submitted at the end of 2025. Both documents are available for dowload below.
For more information on the EIA process, please visit the Department of Environment and Local Governments EIA.
EIA Report
Amendment
News & Updates
The project received it's Certificate of Determination from the DELG
(February 11, 2026)
A Certificate of Determination (CoD) is an official ministerial decision issued under New Brunswick’s Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation by the Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG). It allows a registered project to proceed, provided the proponent rigorously adheres to strict, legally binding conditions regarding the environment, public engagement, and First Nations consultation. Therefore, the Astuwicuwon Wind Projecthas been authorized to proceed to the next phase of construction and operation under certain conditions.
NB Power moves forward with low‑cost renewable energy projects
(NB Power, May 7, 2025)
NB Power announces the signing of four wind power purchase agreements totaling just over 450 MW and lists the Astuwicuwon Wind Project (92 MW) among the selected projects, developed by Sitansisk First Nation (St. Mary’s) in partnership with Eolectric.
$200M wind‑farm proposal in western N.B. a first for Sitansisk First Nation
(CBC, Nov 14, 2024)
CBC reports on a proposed wind farm near Florenceville-Bristol, highlighting community interest and questions raised at a public information session, and describing the project as a significant first at this scale for Sitansisk First Nation in partnership with Eolectric.
Public & Stakeholder Engagement
Public Information Sessions 2024-2025
Two public information sessions were held to present the project, answer questions, and gather feedback from community members.
The first one was hosted in Florenceville-Bristol on November 13th, 2024.
The second session was hosted on November 5th, 2025 at the Glassville Community Centre. Representatives from the St. Mary’s First Nation, Eolectric, Boreal Environmental, and NB Power were onsite to answer questions and discuss the project.
Information Sessions Boards
