The municipality of South Bruce announces the unofficial results of the referendum to determine if South Bruce would be a willing host for a proposed deep geological repository. (Photo: NWMO)
The municipality of South Bruce, located near the Bruce nuclear power plant in southwestern Ontario, voted narrowly in favor of being a willing host to a potential deep geologic repository for Canada’s spent nuclear fuel. The official declaration of results from the municipality showed that 51 percent of South Bruce residents voted in favor of the referendum, with 1,604 voting "yes" and 1,526 voting "no." Voter participation was 69 percent, surpassing the 50 percent voter turnout required to make the vote binding by law.
South Bruce is one of two communities that Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is considering as potential sites for a repository. The other community, the township of Ignace in northwestern Ontario, voted in July in favor of being a willing host, making it the first Canadian community to officially move forward with a site selection process that began in 2010.
The initial results of the South Bruce referendum were announced on October 28.
Next steps: Before the site selection can be final, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (composed of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation) must indicate its willingness to host a repository in South Bruce.
Likewise, the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation will have to indicate its willingness to host a repository in Ignace before a final decision can be made regarding that site. The NWMO said it is working closely with both tribal nations as they consider if the projects are a good fit for their communities.
While the organization continues to expect to make a final site selection by the end of the year, neither nation has yet to announce a decision. According to a report by the Owen Sound Sun Times, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation has indicated it won’t hold a vote on whether to move forward until next year.
Once a site is selected, the NWMO will begin a mandatory multiyear regulatory decision-making process, including an impact assessment and license applications.
Quote: “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.
