A northern Ontario town, Ignace, has been officially selected to host Canada's first deep geological nuclear waste repository. This monumental decision by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) marks the end of a lengthy and rigorous search process, which began over a decade ago. The selection of Ignace, along with the nearby Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, is seen as both historic and transformative for the community and the broader region.
On November 29, 2024, the announcement was made following years of engagement and consultation with stakeholders. Clarington Mayor and chair of the Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities (CANHN), Adrian Foster, expressed satisfaction with the decision, noting, "The community-driven, consent-based process showcases the power of strong community engagement. This milestone marks a significant leap toward responsibly managing Canada’s used nuclear fuel for the long term."
The selection process kicked off in 2010, with 22 potential locations evaluated before it was narrowed down to two finalists: Ignace and another site near South Bruce, which encompasses the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. The NWMO’s decision to move forward with Ignace was influenced by the community's demonstrated willingness to proceed with hosting the repository.
Mayor Kim Baigrie of Ignace shared her emotional response upon receiving the news: “It was emotional. I called my mom and cried when I heard the news. It’s all been a learning process, and we are going to continue to learn together and do things together with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.” Her sentiment reflects the strong community sentiment and pride surrounding the project.
The project is not without its challenges. Chief Clayton Wetelainen of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has emphasized, "It’s not a done deal. What we agreed to was to be a potential host if it passes the stringent environmental impact assessment and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission licensing." He noted, “It’s the largest Canadian project in the history of Canada and it’s not going to be one that's rubber-stamped.” This sentiment echoes the community's commitment to ensuring thorough consideration of health and environmental impacts associated with nuclear waste disposal.
The NWMO has forecasted the timeframe for this transformative project: regulatory approvals are expected to span about 10 years, construction will take another 10 years, and the gradual loading of used nuclear fuel could take approximately 50 to 60 years. This means it will be decades before the site becomes fully operational.
Dr. Chris Keefer, president of Canadians for Nuclear Energy, voiced his preference for the South Bruce site due to its proximity to existing spent fuel. He described the decision as “truly a landmark decision” and acknowledged the hard work invested over the years to achieve it. Nonetheless, he recognizes the immense responsibility carried by Ignace and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation to guide the project through its next stages.
The deep geological repository is anticipated to be built 500 to 1000 meters underground, making it a highly secure solution for the long-term storage of used nuclear fuel. This method of containment utilizes rock formations to provide multiple barriers against potential leakage or contamination. The global acceptance of such repositories points to their significance as part of sustainable nuclear energy solutions worldwide.
For the communities involved, this project presents both opportunities and challenges. It promises economic benefits but also requires careful navigation of ecological and social landscapes. The region has already begun discussions on how to best leverage the incoming investment for local growth and prosperity, fostering respect for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental stewardship.
With the clock ticking on initial phases, community leaders acknowledge the need for continued dialogue, transparency, and education about what this project will entail. Chief Wetelainen urges, “I just want the region to have respectful discussions, learn about what the project entails, don’t make quick judgments and be respectful.”
Looking forward, the next steps will involve rigorous environmental assessments and regulatory approvals, ensuring the safety and acceptance of the repository among stakeholders. Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation now stand at the forefront of nuclear waste management innovation, setting standards for responsible practices as they pave the way for future generations.