The community of Nipigon entered the site selection process by formally expressing interest in learning about the project in 2010. This expression of interest triggered studies in and around Nipigon to explore the potential suitability of geology in the area while the community learned more about the project and reflected on its interest in it.

In 2014, the Township of Nipigon passed a resolution to discontinue its involvement as a potential host community for Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The decision followed review of an interim report, which we prepared at the request of the Township to report on preliminary assessment work completed in the community so far.

Information detailing assessment work we completed in the Nipigon area through steps one to three of the site selection process are contained below.

Step 1: NWMO Initiates the Process

The NWMO formally initiated the site selection process in May 2010.

The process began with a broad program to provide information, answer questions and build awareness about the project. Awareness-building activities are designed to continue throughout the site selection process.

In Step 1, we provided general information to those who requested it. We began assessment activities in Step 2: Initial Screening only after individual communities formally expressed an interest in learning more.

Step 2: Initial Screening

In November 2011, Nipigon’s Mayor and Council passed a resolution requesting an initial screening of the community's potential suitability to host the project. This screening took us about three months to complete and involved a review based on readily available information about the area and its geology.

We encouraged communities that passed the initial screening to begin learning more about the project. We provided an initial briefing and invited representatives to take a tour of an interim storage facility for used nuclear fuel. We also encouraged communities to meet with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to learn about the regulatory framework that will govern the project.

Nipigon's initial screening was completed in February 2012. It did not identify any obvious conditions that would exclude the Nipigon area from further consideration in the site selection process.

Step 3: Phase 1 - Desktop Studies and Engagement

In 2011, Nipigon's Mayor and Council passed a resolution asking the NWMO to initiate a Preliminary Assessment of the community's potential suitability to host the project. 

This phase involved:
  • Desktop studies that explored the potential to find a site that can safely and securely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel; and
  • Community learning and dialogue activities to build understanding about the project and to explore its potential to align with the community's long-term vision.
On June 17, 2014, the Township of Nipigon passed a resolution to discontinue its involvement as a potential host community for Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.

The decision followed review of an interim report, which we prepared at the request of the Township to report on preliminary assessment work completed in the community so far.

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