Many organizations, including the Kenora District Municipal Association (KDMA), are adjusting to a new reality of working and meeting remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is providing a one-time investment of $10,000 to help KDMA establish reliable and secure communications between communities in the region in these difficult times.

“KDMA is an important organization in northwestern Ontario and we remain committed to engaging with the organization, as we work together to overcome the challenges created by COVID-19,” said Ben Belfadhel, Vice-President of Site Selection at the NWMO.

Mayor Kevin Kahoot, President of KDMA, welcomed the donation from the NWMO. “This donation will enable us to purchase the much needed information technology equipment and software, so that we are able to coordinate virtual communication and engagement activities among municipal leaders in the region,” he said.

KDMA represents nine municipalities, including the Township of Ignace, which is engaged with the NWMO as a potential host for a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. KDMA addresses issues of general interest to the municipalities, and sharing information about COVID-19 (which is affecting all communities) is critical. 

The donation to KDMA is the latest in a number of initiatives the NWMO has undertaken to support communities as we manage through the pandemic. Earlier this month, the NWMO provided one-time investments of $25,000 to 19 municipal and Indigenous communities to assist with local responses to COVID-19.  We have also donated masks to Anishnawbe Health Toronto and made a $2,500 donation to Thunder Bay’s Regional Food Distribution Association to purchase nutritious food for vulnerable groups. 

Recently, the NWMO also joined a community partnership spearheaded by Bruce Power to provide free hand sanitizer to municipal and Indigenous communities in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties. The NWMO’s investment will support distribution of hand sanitizer to food banks and others in need in the South Bruce area.