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Consultation has concluded
Canada's plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel requires that all of Canada’s used nuclear fuel be safely and securely isolated from people and the environment in a deep geological repository (DGR). The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for implementing this national infrastructure project estimated to cost $24 billion. This plan is also known as the Adaptive Phased Management Project.
The DGR is a network of underground tunnels and placement rooms for used nuclear fuel containers. It is designed to safely contain and isolate Canada's used nuclear fuel over the long term. A conceptual layout for a repository would require an underground footprint of about two kilometres by three kilometres (about 600 hectares or 1,500 acres).
The NWMO is expected to identify a single site by 2023.Once a site has been identified, additional technical studies will be required, and all regulatory requirements and approvals must be obtained through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
The Township of Huron-Kinloss is no longer in the NWMO's site selection process. On January 24, 2020 the NWMO announced they had signed land agreements with residents in South Bruce that would allow sufficient access to land for studies at a potential deep geological repository location. This means the Township of Huron-Kinloss is no longer being considered as a potential host community for the proposed deep geological repository.
Two communities remain in the Site Selection Process including the Municipality of South Bruce and the Municipality of Ignace in Northern Ontario.
Canada's plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel requires that all of Canada’s used nuclear fuel be safely and securely isolated from people and the environment in a deep geological repository (DGR). The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for implementing this national infrastructure project estimated to cost $24 billion. This plan is also known as the Adaptive Phased Management Project.
The DGR is a network of underground tunnels and placement rooms for used nuclear fuel containers. It is designed to safely contain and isolate Canada's used nuclear fuel over the long term. A conceptual layout for a repository would require an underground footprint of about two kilometres by three kilometres (about 600 hectares or 1,500 acres).
The NWMO is expected to identify a single site by 2023.Once a site has been identified, additional technical studies will be required, and all regulatory requirements and approvals must be obtained through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
The Township of Huron-Kinloss is no longer in the NWMO's site selection process. On January 24, 2020 the NWMO announced they had signed land agreements with residents in South Bruce that would allow sufficient access to land for studies at a potential deep geological repository location. This means the Township of Huron-Kinloss is no longer being considered as a potential host community for the proposed deep geological repository.
Two communities remain in the Site Selection Process including the Municipality of South Bruce and the Municipality of Ignace in Northern Ontario.
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During a three-year study, the public identified a number of key objectives that it considered essential to the project. These included public health and safety, protection of workers, and protection of the environment.
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Safely Managing Used Nuclear Fuel in Canada
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Used Nuclear Fuel Transportation Package
Life Cycle
The Beginning
Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel has finished this stage
The NWMO was created by Canada’s nuclear energy
generators (Ontario Power Generation, New Brunswick
Power and Hydro-Québec) in 2002 as a requirement of
the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act. The Act requires the NWMO
to study possible approaches, recommend and then
implement a plan for the long-term management of used
nuclear fuel in Canada.
Canada's Plan
Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel has finished this stage
In June 2007, the Government of Canada selected Adaptive Phased Management (APM), as Canada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The NWMO is now responsible for implementing this plan.
Site Selection Process Begins
Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel has finished this stage
NWMO initiated the siting process in 2010 with a broad program to provide information, answer questions and build awareness. Awareness-building activities are designed to continue throughout the site selection process.
The Township of Huron-Kinloss Enters Site-Selection Process
Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel has finished this stage
In April 2012, the Township of Huron-Kinloss voluntarily entered the site selection process. Based on studies to date, the community appeared to have strong potential for meeting strict safety and geotechnical requirements and for the project to align with its long term vision.
Huron-Kinloss Nuclear Waste Community Advisory Committee Appointed
Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel has finished this stage
On May 22, 2013 Huron-Kinloss Council appointed the members of the Nuclear Waste Community Advisory Committee. The committee members were selected by an open process. The NWCAC meet on a monthly basis.
Narrowing the Site Selection
Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel has finished this stage
In 2018, NWMO narrowed down the site-selection process to 5 communities, from the original 22. Communities still remaining in the site selection process are Huron-Kinloss and South Bruce as well as three northern Ontario communities of Manitouwadge, Hornepayne and Ignace.
2019-2023
Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel is currently at this stage
The current phase of work involves more intensive community learning and engagement. The Township is working with the NWMO to initiate community well-being studies, broaden engagement and work with Indigenous and Métis communities in the area.
The next step for Huron-Kinloss is the Land Access Process. The NWMO is asking landowners to sign option agreements to access sufficient land in order to begin site characterization work including borehole drilling and environmental baseline monitoring.
Site Selected in 2023
this is an upcoming stage for Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel
The NWMO is expected to identify a single site by 2023. Once a site has been identified, additional technical studies will be required, and all regulatory requirements and approvals must be obtained through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
Looking Forward
this is an upcoming stage for Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel
By 2024, the NWMO will begin details for the Site Characterization and construction of the Centre of Expertise.
2028-2033
this is an upcoming stage for Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel
Through the Regulatory Approval process, the NWMO hopes to have the Environmental Assessment and Construction License granted.
2033-2044
this is an upcoming stage for Canada's Long-Term Plan for Used Nuclear Fuel
Design and construction started and operations begin.
