The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) hosted community open houses in Ignace, Ont. and Dryden, Ont. in mid-June. These engagement events play a key role in enabling us to speak with communities as the Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project moves through the federal regulatory process.

The regulatory process formally began in January 2026 with the posting of the Initial Project Description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada registry, marking a new chapter for community engagement.

These open houses are the first in a series of regulatory engagement activities to support communities.

The sessions focused on baseline studies in progress. Baseline studies collect information about current environmental, social, economic and health conditions in the project area. Understanding these conditions today helps identify how the project could potentially affect people, communities and the environment in the future. Attendees had a chance to ask questions about these studies and share their thoughts.

In addition, residents who live in the area had the opportunity to participate in a diet and land use survey. This information will be considered to inform technical work and regulatory studies.

The open houses also featured the NWMO’s Mobile Learn More Centre, along with information on the next steps in the proposed project planning.

Engagement with communities, Indigenous Peoples, the public, municipalities and interested parties is an ongoing journey. This work remains an essential part of the regulatory process, as it supports open dialogue and mutual learning to help protect the health and safety of people and the environment.