What Is the Focus of the Regional Study?

A formal regional study will be initiated as one of the Phase Two feasibility study activities. The regional study will help provide information to the NWMO, the potential host community and those in the surrounding area that can be used to assess if there are regional issues that contribute to understanding the suitability of siting the project in the potential host community. The study will provide information that can be used to determine the effects, both positive and negative, and their implications. The study will consider how the project might contribute to the well-being of the region and what effects management measures would be needed in order for the project to proceed.

The regional study will be conducted together with accountable authorities and opinion leaders in the area. This engagement will begin with outreach to individuals and organizations within the region through individual briefings and meetings, and may later include workshops, and the identification and development of regional networks. Engagement in the broader region that would be affected by the project will be expanded during the formal regional study, to the formation of a Regional Advisory Group to help guide this study, in addition to broad-based engagement and outreach activities. The NWMO will work with the community to involve Aboriginal peoples in the area in a manner that is respectful of their Traditional Knowledge and practices. Resources (funding and expertise) will be provided to communities and Aboriginal peoples in the surrounding area to support their participation.