Notice of the Passage of a by-law

Notice of the Passage of a by-law authorizing the submission of a question to the electors (Referendum By-Law) in a by-election in 2024

Notice dated April 24, 2024

The Municipality of South Bruce Council has passed a By-law authorizing the submission of the following question to the electors (“Referendum By-Law”) in a by-election in 2024:

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)?

This notice is provided in accordance with subsections 8.1 (4) & (5) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (“MEA”).

Consequences of the Referendum Question:

If the question is authorized by the Referendum By-law, voters will be asked to answer yes or no to the question.

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.

Costs of Implementing the Results of the Referendum:

Any costs incurred by the Municipality to continue its participation in the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s site selection process will be covered by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization under the Multi-Year Funding Agreement between the Municipality and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.

Appeals:

Appeals on the grounds that the question authorized by the Referendum By-law do not comply with subsections 8.1(2) paragraphs 3. It shall be clear, concise and neutral, and 4. It shall be capable of being answered “yes” or “no”, of the MEA may be made to the Province’s Chief Electoral Officer within 20 days of this Notice.

The notice of appeal setting out any objections to the questions authorized in the Referendum By-law and the reasons in support of the objection(s), together with your full name and contact information including email, mailing address and telephone number, may be filed with the Municipal Clerk at the below address.

Deadline to file an appeal: May 14, 2024 by 4:30pm.

Vivian Kennedy, Clerk
Municipality of South Bruce
21 Gordon Street, E., Box 540
Teeswater, ON N0G 2S0
Or via email to vkennedy@southbruce.ca