Last day of voting for nuclear waste referendum

A sign urging South Bruce residents to vote in upcoming referendum on proposed nuclear waste project near Teeswater, Ont. in October, 2024. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

The clock is ticking down on the most important vote in the history of South Bruce.

At last count, there are 4,438 residents eligible to vote in the referendum with 50 per cent required to cast a ballot for the result to be binding.

If less than 50 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot, the decision will be made by South Bruce council on whether or not the community is a willing host of Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

 

Question

Are you in favour of the Municipality of South Bruce declaring South Bruce to be a willing host for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR)?

The radioactive material in question, is currently stored at nuclear stations across the country, but the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has spent the past 20 years looking for a permanent home for the 3.3 million used nuclear fuel bundles, and another 2.8 million expected to be produced over the remaining lifespan of Canada’s nuclear fleet.

More than 20 communities expressed interest in hosting the $26-billion project at one point, but only the Municipality of South Bruce, and Township of Ignace in Northern Ontario remain as possible host communities.

If South Bruce votes yes, then NWMO said it will decide which community it wants to host the project before the end of 2024.

If South Bruce residents vote no, South Bruce will no longer be in the running for the project.

Earlier this year, the Municipality of South Bruce signed a hosting agreement with the NWMO that would see the community paid $418 million over the next 138 years, if it is selected to host the project.

Those concerned about the proposed project, call it “an experiment” and “dangerous”. Those in favour, call it “a once in a lifetime economic opportunity.”

Voting on South Bruce’s nuclear waste referendum closes at 8 p.m. tonight. Results are expected to be shared within an hour or two of polls closing.