Ignace is one of two areas in the province now selected as a potential site to store spent nuclear fuel rods. The other area chosen for the storage site is in southern Ontario with the final site selection expected by 2023.
The decision narrows the field from five, with Hornepayne and Manitouwadge no longer in the running. The process started in 2010 with 22 municipalities expressing an interest.
Dr. Ben Belfadhel is the Vice-President of Site Selection for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. He says these are hard decisions and not made lightly.
However, Belfadhel says it was based on “The potential for safety and safety is paramount. And the second one is the potential to build the supportive and resilient partnerships that are required to advance the project like ours.”
Belfadhel notes the next step in the process will be the NWMO “will continue to drill boreholes to better understand the geology and we will also continue to work with the leadership and the people of the Ignace area to explore the potential of partnerships.”
He stresses enhanced relations with Indigenous leaders in the area will also con
