Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area

The NWMO and Ignace initiate community studies to explore potential for partnership

Screenshot of Allan Webster

The NWMO’s Allan Webster discussed the upcoming community studies with members of the Ignace CLC this week

February 25, 2021

Ignace, Ont.

By the NWMO

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Screenshot of Allan Webster

The NWMO’s Allan Webster discussed the upcoming community studies with members of the Ignace CLC this week

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the Township of Ignace continue to collaborate to explore the potential for partnership as the organization takes a more site-focused approach in 2021.

At the February 23 virtual meeting of the Ignace Community Liaison Committee (CLC), attendees learned about the comprehensive study plan that will begin this year for defining partnership. This work will build on studies completed since 2010 to establish baseline conditions in a number of areas, including employment and workforce, housing, infrastructure improvements, economics, health and others.

The overview was given by Allan Webster, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Environmental Assessment at the NWMO. He is responsible for coordinating the studies in the Ignace area and surrounding region over the course of the next few years.

“The leadership and residents of Ignace have done a tremendous amount of work articulating their priorities for the project. The studies will provide an opportunity for people to shape how the project could be implemented if it were to proceed in this area,” said Webster. “Over the next few years, the NWMO will be focused on ensuring the community has the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not to host the project.”

These studies will explore the aspirations and concerns of the Township as expressed in its Project Vision. They will also assess the potential impacts of the project in the community and broader region.

“The studies will assist the NWMO in developing a deeper understanding of the community and provide the information we need to work with the Township so we can identify programs and commitments that will ensure the project will be implemented in a manner that fosters the well-being in the area,” added Webster.

The studies will be completed in collaboration with the Township.

The results of the studies will be shared broadly with the community and provide important information as people consider whether the project is a good fit for the community. Those interested in learning more, or providing input into the studies, are encouraged to contact the Township or the NWMO Learn More Centre in Ignace.

About the NWMO

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Founded in 2002, the NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders that are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where the municipality, First Nation and Métis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it. The NWMO plans to select a site in 2024, and two areas remain in our site selection process: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario.
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the NWMO

The NWMO is a not-for profit organization established in 2002 by Canada's nuclear electricity producers in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (NFWA).

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