The Township of Ignace, in collaboration with Nuclear Waste Management Organization, is starting to release the results of community studies on the potential impacts of building a deep underground repository to store Canada’s used nuclear fuel.
The results will come out throughout the summer and fall and will highlight the possible benefits to the community.
The studies focus on population projections, labour, workforce, housing, infrastructure, recreation and culture, all related to the project.
The Township has been working with regional partners, through the Ignace Area Working Group, since last Fall, to review how Ignace can respond and plan accordingly with respect to the proposed project.
Mayor Penny Lucas says, “The results of the studies will provide important information as people consider whether the project is a good fit for the community.”
Lucas adds “An informed decision must be founded in good information, and as ever, our focus is on providing Ignace residents with the information they need to make an informed decision on willingness.
A similar study is being carried out in the other potential host site of Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce, Ontario.
Allan Webster is the Director, Regulatory Affairs and Environment Assessment at the NWMO and says, “Through these community studies, we hope to improve our knowledge of the potential host communities of Ignace and South Bruce, the Indigenous communities of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and the area surrounding each.”
Webster adds, “Through releasing these studies, we hope to better everyone’s understanding of what it means to host Canada’s largest environmental infrastructure project, so that our eventual host communities are both willing and informed.”
Those interested in learning more, or providing feedback regarding the studies, are encouraged to contact the Township of Ignace at 807-934-2202 or the NWMO Learn More Centre at 807-934-2472.
