The Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel

About the Project

In Ontario, nuclear power is used to meet about half of our electricity demand. Currently, used nuclear fuel is safely stored in above-ground facilities. These are temporary, and a safe, long-term solution is needed.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) was created to develop and implement a long-term solution. It consulted with Canadians nationwide who said that a long-term solution should not be left for future generations. There is strong international, scientific consensus that storing the waste in a deep geological repository (DGR) is the safest way to manage used nuclear fuel. This involves securing the waste in a reinforced facility in hard rock more than 600 metres below ground.

In 2012, the Municipality of South Bruce voluntarily entered the NWMO site selection process to manage Canada’s used nuclear fuel. It is one of two remaining communities participating in the process. Besides a DGR for used nuclear fuel bundles, Surface Facilities and a Centre of Expertise will be built near or at the site. These facilities have the potential to bring other businesses to the region, including those in the service, manufacturing, and scientific research sectors. Related jobs in construction and infrastructure are also anticipated.

If it is proven safe for people and the environment, and the community demonstrates willingness to host it, this Project has the potential to provide jobs and economic growth to the region.

Check out our 2021 Project Factsheet. 

How we are organized

• The Community Liaison Committee (CLC) was formed in 2013 to help educate, engage, and listen to the community as we learn about the Project. It is comprised of community members (including students), members of Council, and the Mayor as an ex-officio member. Visit the CLC Meetings page for additional information about committee meetings.

• The South Bruce Nuclear Exploration Project team includes the Municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer, Project Manager, Communications/Public Relations Officer, CLC Project Coordinator, as well as support from other South Bruce staff. They report their work at CLC meetings, provide Project updates to Council, communicate with the community, and oversee independent, third-party reviews for the Project.

• Visit Studies and Reports to learn about past and present community work.

Community participation is key

Over the past several years, our community has been engaging and participating at many opportunities to share what matters to them in relation to the Project.

Both the Values and Principles and the Community Project Visioning Report were developed with community consultation and incorporate feedback and suggestions from public workshops. These reports helped to develop our 36 Guiding Principles. The community also had the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, and a resolution by Council brought them into effect. They guide South Bruce’s approach to considering the Project, and our engagement with the NWMO.

Currently, the community is able to participate in another key consultation in relation to the Project. Independent consultants are engaging with the South Bruce community to ask them how they would like willingness to host the Project to be measured.  You can learn more about public participation in this process and others on Switchboard, South Bruce’s community engagement tool.

We encourage you to learn about and explore the Project with us, as we look at what it could mean for our community, and if it is a good fit!

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Working towards an informed decision for our community.