In collaboration with our design team, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has unveiled the conceptual designs for the Centre of Expertise, which will be located in Ignace, Ont. This centre will be a foundational pillar of Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository.
Two open house events on Oct. 21 gave Ignace residents the opportunity to learn more about this planned state-of-the-art facility and share their feedback. Representatives from the NWMO, supported by CIMA+, Unity Design Studio, Warrior Engineering, i4architecture, Woodland Heritage Northwest and Scatliff + Miller + Murray, discussed the progress of the project and showed the conceptual designs of 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 in these open house sessions. The events kicked off with a presentation to Ignace’s Community Engagement Committee, mayor and township staff.
“Engaging with the community in Ignace and collaborating together on the design is an important step in progressing the development of this exciting opportunity,” said Justin Wallbott, Manager of Real Estate Services at the NWMO. “The Centre of Expertise will be a multimillion-dollar investment in the area, sparking economic development and new partnerships.”
The NWMO has been in discussions with the Township of Ignace since 2019 about the design and use of the centre. A place for world-class science and innovation, the Centre of Expertise will be home to technical and social research and demonstration programs, public viewing galleries and interactive displays.
As an architectural landmark, the Centre of Expertise will be a tourist attraction and a driver for economic development in the area. It will bring new high-value jobs to the community for scientists and experts from a wide variety of disciplines for generations to come.
“The design, development and eventual construction of the NWMO Centre of Expertise in Ignace will be one of the most significant milestones this community has ever seen,” said Ignace mayor Kim Baigrie. “We anticipate that over the next two years there will be many new jobs, construction and overall economic prosperity for both this generation and many more to come. We appreciate the close working relationship with our stakeholders, the input, engagement and overall contributions to this very significant project and we anticipate many great things for Ignace.”
The specific location of the Centre of Expertise is expected to be announced later this year, with construction beginning in 2026 and the grand opening in 2028.