A critical milestone approaches in South Bruce as the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) plans to select a site for Canada's deep geological repository, part of the country's plan to securely bury nuclear waste.
The final contenders are the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in Northern Ontario. Both communities are gearing up for crucial votes that will likely take place sometime in 2024.
The NWMO emphasizes safety measures within the repository, highlighting multiple layers of protection. Despite assurances, critics, including groups like Protect Our Waterways, express skepticism, viewing the project as a grand experiment.
As South Bruce nears a possible referendum on the issue, the decision holds significant implications for the $26-billion project's future. The NWMO estimates a decade for regulatory approvals and construction, with used fuel loaded over 50 to 60 years, followed by an extended monitoring phase lasting about 70 years.