Nuclear waste decision delayed until 2024
Lise Morton, vice president of site selection for the Nuclear Management Organization (NWMO), says the lack of face to face to communication caused by the pandemic, is the reason it has pushed a deadline to find a home for Canada’s high level nuclear waste, from the end of next year, to the fall of 2024.
“When you think of this project in terms of being a multi year, multi generational, multi decade project, this is really just a small adjustment in time. It’s really just a few months,” she says, from the NWMO’s office in Teeswater.
The NWMO has spent the past decade trying to find a community interested in storing Canada’s most radioactive waste in an underground facility, forever. The Municipality of South Bruce, north of Teeswater, and a site near Ignace, in Northern Ontario, are the final two communities in the running.
“The way I see it, the NWMO feels like they’re losing, and they just want to add some extra innings to the game,” says Michelle Stein, who lives near the proposed underground waste site.
Stein, who is leading a group of South Bruce citizens opposed to the project, believes a community referendum, as soon as possible, is the best way to finally determine the multi-billion project’s fate.
“What are we waiting for? The NWMO has been telling us for 10 years that this is a good idea, everything is safe. The only thing they don’t have yet, is the willing community, and that’s why they keep pushing this forward,” says the leader of No DGR-Nuclear Waste-South Bruce.
Proposed layout of underground storage facility for Canada’s high level nuclear waste (Source: Nuclear Waste Management Organization)
But for South Bruce residents who see more pros than cons with the $26 billion project, time is important.
“This is a forever project, and we should take as long as we need to make sure we make the right decision, whether that’s a yes or a no,” says Sheila Whytock, of Willing to Listen-South Bruce.
South Bruce’s current mayor Robert Buckle says he’d be in favour of a community referendum to decide the project’s fate, but a municipal election in October, could change that. The Saugeen Ojibway Nation, whose territory the proposed project falls within, must also approve the project for it to move forward.
“I don’t think we should be rushing this decision. I think it’s kind of irresponsible to do that, no matter which side of the debate you’re one. It’s a good idea, to take the time to do it right,” says Whytock.
Morton says the NWMO is confident it will find a permanent home for Canada’s high level nuclear waste, in South Bruce or Ignace, by the fall of 2024. Construction could start as early as 2033.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.