The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) acknowledges the unofficial results of the Municipality of South Bruce referendum, which asked eligible voters in the municipality if they were in favour of declaring South Bruce to be a willing host for a deep geological repository to safely store Canada’s used nuclear fuel. 

The results indicate 51 per cent of votes cast expressed willingness to host the project. With a majority of eligible voters (69 per cent) participating in the Oct. 28 referendum, the outcome is binding on the Municipality of South Bruce Council under Ontario’s Municipal Elections Act.

“On behalf of everyone at the NWMO, I want to thank the residents of South Bruce for their participation in the referendum and for their efforts over many years to learn everything they can about the project and what it would mean for their community,” said Lise Morton, Vice-President of Site Selection at the NWMO.

In addition to the Municipality of South Bruce, Saugeen Ojibway Nation (comprised of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation) must demonstrate willingness in order for this site to move forward in the process. The NWMO continues to work closely with Saugeen Ojibway Nation as they consider if the project is a good fit for their community. 

In the other potential siting region in northwestern Ontario, the Township of Ignace confirmed its willingness to move forward in July 2024. We also continue to work with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation as they consider the project. 

In addition to informed and willing host communities, to select a site we must demonstrate that after extensive technical study and community engagement the site can safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel and that Canada’s used nuclear fuel can be safely transported to the site. 

Once a site is selected, the NWMO will enter a mandatory multi-year regulatory decision-making process, including an impact assessment and licence applications. Led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the impact assessment provides an opportunity for public participation and is designed to ensure the project meets or exceeds strict regulatory criteria to protect the health, safety and security of people and the environment.