Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) has formally selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) and the Township of Ignace as the host communities for the future site for Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.
The proposed repository will be constructed roughly 650-800 metres below ground level and encased in a natural shield of solid rock. The repository design incorporates a series of engineered barriers to ensure the fuel can be isolated safely for many thousands of years. The site selection process began in 2010 when 22 communities expressed interest in exploring their potential to host repository. Following years of technical assessment and community engagement, two potential sites remained in the process: one in the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the other in the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario.
“This is a historic moment,” said Laurie Swami, NWMO President & CEO. “This project will solve an environmental issue and supports Canada’s climate change goals. And today’s decision was driven by a consent-based siting process led by Canadians and Indigenous peoples. This is what making history looks like.”
(Photo credit: NWMO)
The people of both host communities have demonstrated their willingness to move forward in this process. Earlier this month, WLON confirmed its willingness, following a decision-making process that was open to all its members. The Township of Ignace completed a decision-making process with its residents in July, which also confirmed willingness.
“We have learned so much from all the communities that took part in this process over the years,” said Lise Morton, NWMO Vice-President of Site Selection. “By challenging us, they helped the NWMO grow and become a better organisation, and they directly shaped this project.”
NWMO said the project will drive a wide range of benefits for both host communities, the region and Canada as a whole over the 175-year timeline of the project. These include new jobs and investments in community well-being driven by the priorities communities themselves defined. The project now moves to the regulatory decision-making process.
