A northern Ontario First Nation has determined it’s keen to proceed with the method to probably turn out to be host to a deep geological repository for Canada’s nuclear waste, leaving only one extra group to weigh in earlier than a website is chosen.
The Nuclear Waste Administration Group plans to pick out a website this 12 months the place thousands and thousands of bundles of used nuclear gas will likely be positioned in a community of underground rooms linked by cavernous tunnels.
The method for the $26-billion mission has already been narrowed down to 2 far-apart websites, and the group has stated it might require approval from each the municipality and the native First Nation.
The city council of Ignace, between Thunder Bay and Kenora, voted in favour earlier this 12 months, and its counterpart Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has now additionally voted sure. The group is dedicated to totally exploring the mission, it stated in an announcement.
“The sure vote doesn’t signify approval of the mission; somewhat, it demonstrates the Nation’s willingness to enter the following section of in-depth environmental and technical assessments, to find out security and website suitability,” the First Nation wrote.
Chief Clayton Wetelainen wrote that Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has been concerned on this course of for greater than 12 years, and members have determined to proceed on the trail.
“As Anishinaabe we’ve a sacred relationship with the land,” he wrote within the assertion. “We belong to the land, and we’ve a sacred responsibility to guard the land for all our relationships and for generations but to come back.”
The Municipality of South Bruce, positioned south of Owen Sound, has additionally determined it’s keen to maneuver ahead, after the “sure” facet narrowly gained out in a referendum, and events are awaiting a choice from Saugeen Ojibway Nation earlier than a website could be chosen.
The NWMO stated it might fastidiously take into account Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s resolution as a part of its website choice course of.
“We sincerely thank the members of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Chief Wetelainen and Council for his or her considerate strategy and dedication to studying and engagement over the previous 12 years,” Lise Morton, vice-president of website choice wrote in an announcement.
Proponents of the mission have stated it’s a nice alternative for jobs and financial growth, whereas opponents are involved about environmental and well being impacts.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Nov. 18, 2024.
Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
