The Canadian Municipality of South Bruce in a referendum narrowly favours hosting a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel, according to the unofficial results. The referendum 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 Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) have acknowledged the unofficial results, which indicate that 51% of votes cast expressed willingness to host the project. With a majority of eligible voters (69%) participating in the referendum, the outcome is binding on the 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 NWMO.
However, in addition to the South Bruce Municipality, Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON – comprised of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation) must also demonstrate willingness for this site to move forward in the process.
In the other potential siting region in northwestern Ontario, the Township of Ignace confirmed its willingness to move forward in July 2024, with a vote of 77.3% in favour.
NWMO said that, as well as 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”.
The proposed repository will be constructed roughly 650-800 metres below ground level and encased in a natural shield of solid rock. The repository design incorporates a series of engineered barriers to ensure the fuel can be isolated safely for many thousands of years. The site selection process began in 2010 when 22 communities expressed interest in exploring their potential to host repository. Following years of technical assessment and community engagement, two potential sites remained in the process: one in the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the other in the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario.
Once a site is selected, the NWMO will enter a mandatory multi-year regulatory decision-making process including an impact assessment and licence applications. The impact assessment, led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), 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.
CTV reported that the results were tighter expected. “I wasn’t expecting it to be that close,” said South Bruce Mayor Mark Goetz. There were 78 votes between those in favour and those against after a week of phone and internet voting prompting some of those who voted “no,” to ask for a recount. “A 2.4% difference between the yes and no. That’s very close. Had there been a paper ballot, there would have been a recount. Seventy-eight ballots difference between the yes and the no. That’s tight,” said Anja Van ver Vlies, part of the No Nuclear Waste-Protect our Waterways citizen’s group.
Leaders with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation released a statement in reaction to the referendum vote, saying in part, “SON has not yet decided on whether we agree to be considered a willing host. South Bruce’s referendum does not impact SON’s process or undermine SON’s right to decide.” While the NWMO plans to name a preferred site by the end of the year, SON has indicated that a community vote on the project would not happen until next year.
The results of the South Bruce referendum were certified by election service provider Simply Voting Inc, and will be formally presented at a special meeting of the South Bruce council on 12 November.
