Municipality of South Bruce signs hosting agreement with NWMO

South Bruce council has endorsed the hosting agreement between the municipality and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). Mayor Mark Goetz and chief administrative officer Leanne Martin signed the agreement on behalf of the municipality, following the vote at the council meeting Wednesday night.

This agreement maps out what happens if South Bruce decides it is a willing host, and is selected for the proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) to manage Canada’s nuclear waste. It also sets out how South Bruce would exit the process if it is not a willing host, or if it is willing to host but not selected by the NWMO.

“Throughout the process, council has focused on ensuring the project would meet our community’s shared principles,” said Goetz. “This agreement represents our best efforts to do that. It will help people better understand what the project could mean for South Bruce and help them make an informed decision in the referendum.”

“The municipality and the NWMO have co-created an agreement that is community-focused, building on South Bruce’s strong foundations and envisioning future possibilities,” said Lise Morton, vice-president of site selection at the NWMO. “In preparation for the referendum, we encourage everyone to read the agreement and consider the benefits and impacts – including foundational investments and the creation of good jobs now and in the future.”

The signed hosting agreement between the municipality and the NWMO is an important milestone before the community decides if it is willing. It provides voters with a clear map of how the community’s 36 Guiding Principles, which reflect its priorities, will be addressed. These cover health and environmental protection, community benefits and an ongoing voice in the project.

The municipality also understands and respects that Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation have their own discussions with the NWMO regarding the project and will express their willingness decision in their own way.

Learn More

The municipality is offering community members a range of opportunities – print, on-line and in person - to learn more about the hosting agreement:
 

• The public can visit the municipal website to read the agreement and supporting documents. Questions about the agreement can be submitted on-line at www.southbruce.ca/HostingAgreement.
• A four-page backgrounder describing what the agreement means and what happens next is being mailed to all households in the municipality: www.southbruce.ca/en/municipal-government/Householder-Mapping-Our-Future.
• Hard copies of the hosting agreement are available at local libraries and at the municipal office.
• The community is invited to attend the South Bruce Nuclear Exploration Forum, May 15, which will feature a panel discussion on the hosting agreement. Registration and details for this event can be found at www.southbruce.ca/Forum.
• The Nuclear Exploration Team continues to offer Let’s Talk DGR sessions to community groups and residents who want to learn more and ask questions.

South Bruce mayor Mark Goetz (left) and Laurie Swami, president and CEO of the NWMO, sign the hosting agreement