The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is inviting public comment on the latest version of our implementation plan, Implementing Adaptive Phased Management 2023-27. The document is an overview of the work we intend to carry out over the next five years as we move forward with Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.

We want to hear from you!

This is your chance to share your thoughts and shape the future of our work as we implement Canada’s plan, which involves containing and isolating used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository. The survey only takes about five minutes to complete and is open until June 9, 2023.  

“At the NWMO, commitment to transparency is part of our culture. It is entrenched in everything we do. This annual implementation plan is one way we demonstrate that commitment,” said Lisa Frizzell, Vice-President of Communications at the NWMO.

“The work we’re doing today is laying the foundation for a new series of activities as we approach the milestone of selecting a site for the project and prepare to enter the regulatory decision-making process. Public input continues to be critical to the success of Canada’s plan, and we invite anyone interested to share their thoughts.”

This open and transparent dialogue with the public, and listening to different viewpoints, have always been fundamental to the NWMO’s approach and will continue to be integral to every step moving forward. And as we have always maintained, the project will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts.

After years of working with potential host communities that have helped shape our extensive community engagement program and technical research, we remain on track to select a site for the project in 2024. 

Once a preferred site is selected, we will begin the regulatory decision-making process. This will include conducting detailed analysis of the project’s environmental impact, completing a formal impact assessment, and applying for a Licence to Prepare Site. We will also design and start construction on a Centre of Expertise, and begin to move our operations to the selected site. 

We will also continue engaging with Canadians and Indigenous peoples on the framework that will help us develop a safe and socially acceptable transportation plan for moving used nuclear fuel to the central repository location.

The implementation plan is a living document that is regularly assessed and updated based on public input, the direction and guidance from communities in and around potential siting areas, advances in science and technology, insights from Indigenous Knowledge, changes in societal values and evolving public policy.

This year, it is published alongside the NWMO’s 2020-22 triennial report, Guided by science. Grounded in knowledge. Committed to partnership, which provides additional information about our progress in the past three years. 

In addition to sharing your thoughts through the online survey, you can also email us at learnmore@nwmo.ca or send us a letter to the address below. Please include your name, mailing address and contact information in any written response. Your response should be addressed to:

Nuclear Waste Management Organization
Attention: Lisa Frizzell, Vice-President of Communications,
RE: Implementation Plan 2023-27
22 St. Clair Avenue East, Fourth Floor
Toronto, ON M4T 2S3
Canada