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