To the editor,
We have reached another important milestone in the site selection process to build Canada’s deep geological repository to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel. Beginning this month and throughout the year, a variety of community studies related to the SON-South Bruce siting area are being released.
The studies work to address many of the fundamental questions community members have asked about the project and speak to several important environmental and socio-economic impacts. They are peer-reviewed and provide an opportunity for the community to understand and help shape how the project could be implemented if it proceeds in this area.
Transparent community dialogue and collaboration has been at the heart of the NWMO’s work within the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and the Municipality of South Bruce. The feedback from both communities has been and will continue to be vital in advancing Canada’s plan for the safe long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The release of these studies is the outcome of working together with South Bruce and neighbouring municipalities to identify and answer some of the fundamental and important questions related to the project.
Ultimately, these studies are a reminder that your voice matters.
It’s an exciting time to start seeing tangible results about what it would mean to implement this national environmental infrastructure project in South Bruce. Some of the possibilities include:
– hundreds of reliable long-term jobs created over several generations;
– opportunities for local businesses;
– a growing and stable population to support more community services;
– a Centre of Expertise that will be home to world-class research; and
– improved infrastructure.
The project would serve as a catalyst in the community, attracting other businesses and services to the South Bruce area with the potential to revitalize downtown Teeswater and other main streets.
We know the studies will provide a great deal of information to take in, and we encourage residents to take time to review them. This public information is an essential tool to help communities make an informed decision about the project. Print versions will be available at the local NWMO and South Bruce offices and the local public libraries. Digital versions will also be made available on the Municipality of South Bruce’s website and on the NWMO’s website. Please tune into Community Liaison Committee (CLC) meetings, now scheduled twice a month, to learn more and watch for opportunities for in person events this summer.
Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with hosts that are both informed and willing. We are currently on track to select a single preferred site toward the end of 2023.
As always, please feel to drop by our Teeswater office anytime during regular business hours or reach out via email at contactus@nwmo.ca. We look forward to seeing you at the office or out and about in the area.
Lise Morton
Vice-President of Site Selection, NWMO
