A northern Ontario First Nation has determined it’s prepared to proceed with the method to probably grow to be host to a deep geological repository for Canada’s nuclear waste, leaving only one extra group to weigh in earlier than a web site is chosen.
The Nuclear Waste Administration Group plans to pick a web site this yr the place tens of millions of bundles of used nuclear gas will probably be positioned in a community of underground rooms related by cavernous tunnels.
The method for the $26-billion venture has already been narrowed down to 2 far-apart websites, and the group has mentioned 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 yr, and its counterpart Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation has now additionally voted sure. The group is dedicated to completely exploring the venture, it mentioned in a press release.
“The sure vote doesn’t signify approval of the venture; relatively, it demonstrates the Nation’s willingness to enter the following section of in-depth environmental and technical assessments, to find out security and web site 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 got a sacred relationship with the land,” he wrote within the assertion. “We belong to the land, and we’ve got a sacred responsibility to guard the land for all our relationships and for generations but to come back.”
The Municipality of South Bruce, situated south of Owen Sound, has additionally determined it’s prepared to maneuver ahead, after the “sure” aspect narrowly received out in a referendum, and events are awaiting a call from Saugeen Ojibway Nation earlier than a web site might be chosen.
The NWMO mentioned it might fastidiously contemplate Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s determination as a part of its web site 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 web site choice wrote in a press release.
Proponents of the venture have mentioned 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 printed Nov. 18, 2024.
Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
