Regulatory process
Impact assessment process
Following the announcement of a site in November 2024 in the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Ignace area, the project moved towards formally entering the regulatory decision-making process, providing further opportunities for potentially impacted Indigenous groups and the public to share their voice.
The purpose of the regulatory process is for the safety of the repository to be independently confirmed by regulators, including the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. The process follows strict rules and will look at how the deep geological repository could affect the environment, health, socio-economics and Indigenous rights before it can be approved. Engagement and relationship building with Indigenous communities, the public and interested parties remain at the core of the process.
The regulatory process began in January 2026 with the submission and posting of the Initial Project Description on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada registry.
You can read more about the Initial Project Description submission here.
Estimated milestones
- Initial Project Description posted on Impact Assessment Agency of Canada registry — 2026
- Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines to be received — 2026
- Preparation of the Integrated Impact Statement and Licence to Prepare Site Application — 2026-28
- Public hearings — 2029
- Integrated Impact Assessment decision and Licence to Prepare Site to be received — 2030
- Construction of the deep geological repository begins — 2033
Project updates
Check this space for updates as the project proceeds through the regulatory process.
The NWMO has submitted our Response to the Summary of Issues, which is available now on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry.
The Summary of Issues, posted by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), highlights the key themes raised during the 30-day Indigenous and public consultation period on the Initial Project Description. It shows participants how their comments and concerns have been characterized and helps guide the next steps in the regulatory process for the deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel.
The NWMO’s Response to the Summary of Issues addresses the consolidated concerns raised by Indigenous Peoples, the public, and government. This submission provides the information requested by the IAAC regarding the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project.
The NWMO submitted an additional plain language summary document providing consolidated information about the transportation of used nuclear fuel. The document is available here. It outlines how safety is integrated into every aspect of the transportation system, with a strong regulatory framework in place to protect people and the environment.
Questions or feedback? Please share your thoughts at RegulatoryFeedback@nwmo.ca.
Engagement
Summary reports for Initial Project Description engagement can be found as addendums to the Initial Project Description on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s registry.
Upcoming events
Upcoming events will be posted to this page when scheduled.
Reports
Ignace area community well-being studies: A summary of key findings
This report summarizes a series of social, cultural, economic and infrastructure community studies that were conducted to explore how Canada’s plan might align with the Ignace community vision. Learn more
Safety
Our safe approach extends to every part of implementing Canada’s plan, including environmental protection, transportation, worker safety and safety from a social perspective.
Fieldwork and baseline information
Baseline data collection studies are ongoing and will continue through the regulatory decision-making process. With a good understanding of baseline conditions, predictions can be made on how the deep geological repository may impact people and the environment.
