Centre of Expertise
One of the first ways Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel will come to life will be the Centre of Expertise. The facility will be a foundational pillar for the entire project and an important landmark for local residents and visitors. It will be home to hundreds of high-value jobs and is expected to attract visitors from around the world.
Overview
The Centre of Expertise, located in Ignace, Ont., is expected to open in 2028. A multimillion-dollar investment and an important landmark and international destination in northwestern Ontario, it will serve as a hub for research and development, community engagement, knowledge sharing and collaboration among world-class scientists and multidisciplinary experts.
Designed as an educational and training destination, the centre will offer public viewing galleries, interactive exhibits, and learning spaces that support skills development, knowledge sharing, and greater understanding of Canada’s plan for the long term management of used nuclear fuel.
Location
It will be located on an approximately 67-acre piece of land, directly west of the current Ignace municipal office on Highway 17.
The selection process for the location was built on criteria that people in the community told us was important. These included a location within the Township of Ignace limits and along the main Highway 17 corridor; the ability to blend into nature and have strong natural elements; connectivity to other community amenities; and accessibility and parking.
Design concepts
The NWMO is working alongside engineering and architectural design company CIMA Canada Inc. (CIMA+) on the Centre of Expertise. CIMA+ is one of Canada’s largest privately owned engineering firms and will be supported by a team of highly experienced architects and subcontractors, with several based in the northwestern Ontario region. CIMA+ and its partners will complete the detailed design, construction drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates for the facility.
As its first milestone, the design team has shared the conceptual designs for the approximately 65,000 square-foot building. The conceptual designs outline the team’s current thinking based on community feedback received over the years and will evolve based on input provided by the community during open house sessions.
The NWMO has been in discussions with the potential host communities since 2019 about the design and use of the centre. The physical appearance of the centre will take the surrounding environment into consideration, ensuring integration into the existing community.
An Indigenous Knowledge and Reconciliation framework will inform planning and design for the centre. This framework is part of the NWMO’s Reconciliation action plan and reflects our commitment to advancing Reconciliation.
This conceptual model shows the exterior view of the public program area of the Centre of Expertise.
