Media Release: Community Liaison Committee Learns of Latest Socioeconomic Studies

For Immediate Release
November 4th, 2022

Community Liaison Committee Learns of Latest Socioeconomic Studies

SOUTH BRUCE, ON – The results of several socio-economic studies that relate to the potential NWMO Project in South Bruce were presented last night at the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) meeting.

Keir Corp presented the Regional Economic Development Study. DPRA Canada followed with the presentation of its Emergency Services, Vulnerable Populations and Social Programs Studies. GHD, which the Municipality of South Bruce funds, conducted an independent peer review of all studies.

The Regional Economic Development study provides a strategy to maximize economic development beyond the 700 direct jobs the NWMO Project would bring to South Bruce. To capitalize off the estimated 480 indirect and induced jobs anticipated with the Project, Keir Corp proposes an Economic Collaborative between South Bruce, Huron Kinloss, Brockton, North Huron, Morris-Turnberry and the Saugeen-Ojibway Nation. The Collaborative would support the smaller local economies by integrating efforts and equipping them with resources to remain competitive with larger economic centres.

The Emergency Services Study explains that local emergency services would need to be enhanced to meet the needs to the Project. Before the construction phase in 2033, NWMO would have to meet Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and other regulatory requirements related to emergency services. The study suggests implementing a model similar to the Memorandum of Understanding that Bruce Power has with local emergency response teams.

The Social Programs and Vulnerable populations study assesses the impact the Project may have on vulnerable populations and the social programs that support them. Programs for those in need of assistance may need to be expanded or updated to meet the increased demand from population growth even without the population increase expected with the Project. The study suggests that NWMO could create a corporate social responsibility program to help support and address impacts on vulnerable people in the area. This could include a program to monitor any social impacts, a plan to convert temporary accommodations for workers to social housing and to create a childcare centre at the Centre of Expertise.

The studies are critical to the community’s understanding of potential impacts and opportunities of the Project as South Bruce considers willingness to host the project. The socio-economic studies will help the municipality to negotiate a hosting agreement that maximizes local benefits, mitigates any potential negative affects and inform some of the community’s Guiding Principles, if the Project were to be located in South Bruce.

The entire presentation is available in the CLC Agenda package, and copies of the studies and peer reviews can be found at www.southbruce.ca/studies. A summary document will be mailed to community members, which is the practice following each meeting to help inform the public about the studies.

For more information:

Tyler Robinson,
Communications/Public Relations Officer
South Bruce Nuclear Exploration Team
Municipality of South Bruce
trobinson@southbruce.ca
519-901-3959

South Bruce is one of two remaining communities that the Nuclear Waste Management Organization is considering for the site of a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel, a Centre of Expertise and many supporting facilities. The Municipality of South Bruce is working towards an informed decision for the community through the South Bruce Nuclear Exploration Project team, the Community Liaison Committee, and independent reviews to determine if the site is safe for people and the environment, offers positive benefits and if the community is willing to host the site.