Council Passes By-Law, Sets Date for 2024 By-Election

SOUTH BRUCE, ON – The Municipality of South Bruce Council passed a by-law confirming the date and question for the 2024 by-election.

From October 21 to October 28, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., eligible voters in South Bruce will answer: ‘Are you in favour of the Municipality of South Bruce declaring South Bruce to be a willing host for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR)’.

The Notice of the Passage of a by-law authorizing the submission of a question to electors was published on Wednesday, April 24. The Notice confirms the Question has been authorized by by-law and sets the date for the 2024 By-election Voting Day – October 28th. The issuance of this Notice starts the 20-day appeal period, which details can be found on the Notice.

Confirming its previous Motion, Council also passed a by-law authorizing the use of internet and telephone voting methods. Advance voting was also authorized from October 21, 2024 through to Voting Day.

Why a By-election?

The Municipality of South Bruce has been participating in the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)'s Site Selection process since 2012. South Bruce is one (1) of two (2) remaining sites being considered for the site of a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

As part of this process, the Municipality retained consultants GHD to conduct a Willingness Study with the community which identified a preference for a public referendum.

What to expect

Local By-elections (referendums) are governed by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. The Act sets out that by-elections are to be conducted in the same way as a regular election, as much as possible. Over the coming months the Clerk’s office will be preparing for the election. Electors are encouraged to visit the Municipality’s By-election webpage for by-election updates and information on how to confirm, add, or update your information on the Voters Register.

Possible Referendum Results Explained

If a minimum of 50% of eligible voters cast a vote on the question, and more than 50% of the votes cast are “yes”, the Municipality will pass a resolution declaring South Bruce to be a willing host for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposed Deep Geological Repository. In the event of a “yes” vote, the Municipality will continue to participate in the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s site selection process and South Bruce could be selected as the host community for the proposed Deep Geological Repository.

If a minimum of 50% of eligible voters cast a vote on the question, and more than 50% of the votes cast are “no”, the Municipality will exit the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s site selection process and South Bruce will no longer be eligible to be selected as the host community for the proposed Deep Geological Repository.

If less than 50% of eligible voters cast a vote on the question, the results of the referendum are not binding, and the decision on whether South Bruce is or is not a willing host for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposed Deep Geological Repository will be made by Municipal Council.

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