Independent survey in South Bruce shows high level of awareness about the NWMO project

For Immediate Release
June 4th, 2021

SOUTH BRUCE, ON—The results of an independent community survey commissioned by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the Municipality of South Bruce show high levels of community awareness about the NWMO's project and the need to develop a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

Findings were presented to the public at the June 3^rd South Bruce Community Liaison Committee (CLC) meeting.

“We are continuously encouraged as we explore in partnership with the Municipality of South Bruce and nearby Indigenous communities, the potential to build a deep geological repository,” said Tareq Al-Zabet, Site Director—Southwestern Ontario, NWMO. “This survey shows residents are aware of the project and that it will only move forward if the community is well informed and willing. Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply—we look forward to continued progress as we work and learn together.”

The survey was sent to all 2,099 South Bruce households and had 908 respondents. Of those who responded, 96 per cent said they are aware of the NWMO and 84 per cent understand there is a community willingness component for the project to move forward.

“The high level of interest in the studies that the Municipality and the NWMO are conducting is very encouraging,” said Mayor Robert Buckle. “Clearly the community wants to be more fully informed about the project. It shows that it is important that we continue to share information about the project studies.”

The results of the studies will play an integral role in determining the safety and suitability of the South Bruce site. Informing the community is a priority for the Municipality and the NWMO, and the results of the studies will contribute to the information available to the community.

The survey was carried out independently by CCI Research and took place between January and April 2021. Participants completed the survey using forms mailed to them, or they were given the option to complete it online.

A similar survey was mailed out to 850 households in Ignace, Ontario. Ignace and South Bruce are the two remaining siting communities—from an initial group of 22 that expressed interest—moving toward site selection in 2023.

Key findings of the South Bruce survey include:

• Awareness of the NWMO: 96 per cent of survey respondents had heard of the NWMO prior to receiving the survey.

• Familiarity with community involvement: 88 per cent were very or somewhat familiar with their community’s involvement in the site selection process.

• Awareness of willingness requirement: 84 per cent of survey respondents were aware the project will only be implemented with the involvement of informed and willing hosts.

• Interest in studies: South Bruce respondents said they were most interested in learning about environmental studies.

Full survey results can be found at www.nwmo.ca/southbrucesurvey or at www.southbruce.ca/2021Survey

-30-