In 2023, the NWMO took on the responsibility to manage intermediate- and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste in a deep geological repository, after the Minister of Natural Resources endorsed the recommendations within Canada’s Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste. As a result, we have begun to plan for a deep geological repository to safely manage this waste for the long term.

This work is separate and distinct from the work the NWMO has led since 2002 to plan for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel, also in a deep geological repository.

Intermediate- and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste is the result of producing energy to power Canadian homes and businesses, as well as the production of life-saving medical isotopes. The NWMO is committed to managing these types of waste responsibly over the long term.

Intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste

All Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste is safely stored on an interim basis in federally licensed storage facilities, either at a consolidated waste facility or at the nuclear sites where they are produced. This is safe, but temporary.

As Canada continues to expand its use of nuclear energy to power our homes and businesses, we also need to plan now to be able to manage potential new additional sources of used fuel (high-level waste) in the future.

Canada requires a long-term solution for these types of radioactive waste. The NWMO has heard from Canadians and Indigenous Peoples that we need to plan now so we don’t leave the waste we created in this generation as a burden for future generations to manage.

• Intermediate-level waste includes used nuclear reactor components such as filters, resins and pumps from power plants, research reactors and medical isotope manufacturers. This waste produces minimal heat but requires a higher level of containment and isolation, for longer time periods than what is needed for low-level waste.


• Non-fuel high-level waste comes from activities such as the production of certain radioisotopes in nuclear facilities. This waste generates a significant amount of heat and radioactivity and requires containment and isolation for hundreds of thousands of years in a deep geological repository.


• High-level fuel waste comes from activities such as producing electricity through nuclear energy projects. Nuclear energy has been identified as a pillar of Canada’s climate change strategy for achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, which may result in new nuclear energy projects and new sources of fuel waste in the future.

We are inviting input on our proposed site selection process for a second repository

We are committed to seeking input from Indigenous Peoples from the very beginning of our site selection process for the next deep geological repository. As we now turn to planning for the long-term management of intermediate- and high-level nuclear waste, we will apply what we have learned from our previous discussions and engagement. We are committed to forging relationships built upon trust and transparency.

For the next two years, we want to hear from a wide range of rightsholders, communities, industry and other groups with an interest in the project. Based on our experience so far, we are prioritizing engagement with Indigenous communities. Guided by the input we receive, the NWMO will then refine and finalize the site selection process, which we expect to launch around 2028.

The proposed process builds on the strengths and learnings from the first site selection process we successfully implemented to identify a location for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. It is consent-based, principles-led and enhanced by our more than 20 years of experience, alignment with international best practices and integration of advancements in Reconciliation, science and technology. In November 2024, the NWMO selected a site in northwestern Ontario and that proposed site is going through a multi-year regulatory decision-making process to independently confirm safety.

Proposed site selection approach

Our proposed site selection process is set out in a discussion document which outlines our approach to finding a safe location with informed and willing hosts for the second repository. Beginning in 2025, we are engaging with Canadians and Indigenous Peoples to gather input into this proposed process.

While the proposed approach for the next site selection process will continue to focus on technical safety and community willingness as primary site selection criteria, the upcoming engagement period is designed to collect additional public input and feedback to confirm the NWMO’s approach. Public engagement will take place over the next two years and will be used to refine the second site selection process, which is expected to begin in 2028.

The role of communities in the site selection process

The proposed process would start with an opportunity for communities to express interest in learning more about the site selection process and the project. As we advance our work, we will remain adaptive and will consider many options, guided by technical studies and input from Canadians and Indigenous communities.

Communities that come forward (beginning around 2028) to explore hosting the second repository project will assess whether it aligns with their own vision and values. Communities will also decide how they wish to demonstrate if they are willing to move forward with the project when the time comes. The repository will only move forward at a location that is safe, and with informed and willing host communities.

Consistent with our values, we strive to respect the rights, equity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples and their spiritual connection to the land. The interests, concerns and counsel of Indigenous Peoples have been an integral part of the NWMO's work from the start. We are committed to long-lasting and meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples built upon communication, transparency, respect and Reconciliation. The second repository will not proceed without the involvement of Indigenous communities.

Features of the proposed site selection process

• Safety first: Our first and highest priority, safety, drives everything from project design, engineering and environmental research to aligning with Indigenous Knowledge and how we engage with communities.
• Consent-based: This refers to the collective decision that will be made by the rightsholders and reached through community-led decision-making processes. The project will not proceed without informed and willing hosts, and only with the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous communities.
• Principles-led: The proposed process is grounded in a set of principles that have been shaped through ongoing dialogue with Canadians and Indigenous Peoples during our years developing and implementing Canada’s long-term plan for used nuclear fuel, as well as our engagement during the development of the Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste. We understand that the way we proceed through siting activities to achieve a fair process is important to achieving our goals. The set of principles that have guided the development of the proposed siting process may be found in the discussion document.
• Flexible and adaptive: Engagement and learning activities will be flexible and be responsive to community input; they will support communities as they provide feedback and think ahead to the potential site selection process.
• International best practices: We will continue to collaborate with other nuclear waste management organizations and learn from international best practices.
• Grounded in Reconciliation: The NWMO is committed to Reconciliation and co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being for Indigenous Peoples. 

Have your say about the proposed site selection process

We want to hear from you. We encourage everyone interested in the proposed site selection approach to learn more and share their views with us, as we seek to confirm and refine the site selection process for the second repository.

To share your thoughts and perspectives on the proposed site selection process, or to request a presentation, please contact us at ILW@nwmo.ca

You can also engage with us through our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

What comes next

Following public engagement on the proposed site selection approach, we will refine and finalize the site selection process. Our current plan is to initiate the second site selection process in 2028 with a program of information and engagement activities to build awareness and understanding of the principles and goals of the process.

Beginning in 2028, communities will be welcome to come forward and express interest in learning more about the project, and to explore their potential for participation in the site selection process. The process will be open to communities who participated in the site selection process for the first repository project as well as communities new to the topic.

As we established during the site selection process for the first deep geological repository, site selection for the second repository will only move forward in a location that is safe and has informed and willing host communities.

Resources

• 2025 discussion document: Proposed site selection process for Canada's second deep geological repository for radioactive waste