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Survey: majority of responding northern candidates support nuclear waste repository resolution

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A survey conducted by advocacy groups We the Nuclear Free North and Nuclear Free Thunder Bay suggests most responding municipal election candidates across the region are concerned about the proposed transportation of nuclear waste through northwestern Ontario, and would support a municipal resolution expressing those concerns.

The issue stems from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)’s proposed deep geological repository near Ignace, which would store Canada’s used nuclear fuel hundreds of metres underground and require shipments of the material through northwestern Ontario.

The survey received responses from 116 of 395 candidates contacted in 18 municipalities across the region. Among respondents,

  • 88% said they were concerned about the project
  • 81% said they would support a municipal resolution voicing those concerns.

Several candidates who selected “uncertain” on the second question said their support would depend on the wording of a resolution, though organizers said many of those candidates expressed support for municipalities taking a position on the issue.

“The responses and comments gathered by this survey confirm what we have been hearing in conversations with incumbents and new municipal candidates,” said Brennain Lloyd, project coordinator with Northwatch. “There is high awareness of the nuclear industry’s plan, and a recognition that municipalities need to speak out to protect their residents.

Because Ignace is the host site for the project, candidates were asked a separate set of questions focused on the agreement and its implementation.

Organizers said only mayoral candidate Jeff Lederer completed the survey. He indicated support for an independent legal review of the hosting agreement and for making information shared with the municipality available to residents.

The hosting agreement commits future councils to a number of obligations related to the project and has become a point of discussion among opponents of the repository.

The survey found candidates in Dryden, the closest major centre to the proposed repository site, were more divided on the project.

While a majority of respondents said they were concerned about the NWMO proposal, 67% indicated they would support a municipal resolution expressing community concerns.

Detailed municipal and candidate-specific responses are available on the We the Nuclear Free North website.

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Survey: majority of responding Thunder Bay candidates back nuclear waste repository resolution

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A survey conducted by advocacy groups We the Nuclear Free North and Nuclear Free Thunder Bay suggests most municipal election candidates in Thunder Bay are concerned about the proposed transportation of nuclear waste through the city and would support a municipal resolution expressing those concerns.

The issue stems from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)’s proposed deep geological repository near Ignace, which would store Canada’s used nuclear fuel underground and require shipments of the material through northwestern Ontario.

The survey asked Thunder Bay candidates two questions: whether they have concerns about the transportation of high-level radioactive waste through their community, and whether they would support their municipality passing a resolution related to the NWMO’s proposed project.

According to the groups, 25 of 47 candidates contacted responded to the survey. Of those respondents,

  • 92% said they have concerns about the transportation of high-level radioactive waste through Thunder Bay
  • 84% said they would support a municipal resolution expressing those concerns.

Some candidates who indicated they were uncertain about supporting a resolution said their position would depend on the wording, but provided comments generally supportive of the concept, the groups said.

“The survey response rate and results show a lot of engagement on this issue. Thunder Bay needs to take its place at the table on this issue, both for the sake of local residents and because Thunder Bay is in a leadership position in northwestern Ontario. Most responding candidates have demonstrated that they understand this.”

— Charles Faust, a volunteer with Nuclear Free Thunder Bay and member of the We the Nuclear Free North alliance

The survey focused on concerns related to the NWMO’s proposed transportation of used nuclear fuel through the region. Advocacy groups have argued municipalities along the transportation route should have a voice in discussions surrounding the project.

Detailed municipal and candidate-specific responses are available on the We the Nuclear Free North website.

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Mobile nuclear waste educational centre stops in Thunder Bay this week

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The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)’s Mobile Learn More Centre is in Thunder Bay from Tuesday night to Wednesday afternoon.

The trailer has displays and interactive models that tell the story of nuclear waste management.

It will be at the West Arthur Community Centre from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

A NWMO representative gives a presentation at the mobile Learn More Centre (via NWMO)

“We know that people are interested in the plans to build a deep geological repository in the northwest, so our mobile learn more centre is a great opportunity for people to stop by and have conversations about this important project,” said Vince Ponka, Indigenous & Regional Communications Manager at the NWMO. “There is a lot of misinformation out there, so it’s important for us to share fact-based information about this project.”

The NWMO says the trailer has been a valuable learning tool for many years and has visited dozens of First Nations and communities across the northwest.

NWMO staff will be on hand to lead tours and have conversations with the public about the importance of long term nuclear waste management.

NWMO billboard

Ignace unveils new NWMO billboard at future Centre of Expertise site

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The Township of Ignace is congratulating the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) on the unveiling of a new billboard marking the future site of the community’s Centre of Expertise.

The NWMO released a request for proposals for construction of the Centre of Expertise on August 11. A successful firm is expected to be selected in the new year, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.

The centre will oversee operations for Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. According to the NWMO, the facility will accommodate 160 to 200 employees and is expected to attract visitors from around the world.

It will offer public viewing galleries, interactive exhibits, and learning spaces intended to support skills development and greater understanding of Canada’s plan for the long term management of used nuclear fuel.

In a press release, the town wrote that the billboard represents a significant milestone in the development of the facility and serves as a reminder of the work underway to establish Ignace as a hub for knowledge, collaboration and innovation.

“The Township of Ignace is proud to see the future Centre of Expertise taking shape in our community,” said CAO Aaron Gullins. “This new billboard is a positive and highly visible step forward. We congratulate the NWMO on this unveiling and look forward to continuing our collaborative work for the benefit of Ignace and the region.”

Township officials say keeping residents informed remains a priority as the project advances. The Centre of Expertise is expected to support local partnerships, research initiatives and economic development opportunities.

The planned facility will span approximately 55,000 square feet. Plans include flexible educational and multi-purpose spaces, a design intended to blend with the natural environment, and a location connected to community amenities.

“The unveiling of this NWMO billboard is much more than the installation of a sign,” said Mayor Kim Baigrie. “It represents a visible commitment to Ignace’s future and marks another important step in the development of the NWMO Centre of Expertise, a transformational investment. This project will create opportunities, attract talent and innovation, and reinforce Ignace’s role as a leader in nuclear waste stewardship and community partnership.”

The project site is located on land purchased by the NWMO in December 2025. The organization acquired approximately 67 acres west of the Ignace township offices, with about 20 acres designated for the Centre of Expertise.

“We are proud to see this billboard marking the site of our Centre of Expertise,” said Sarah Hirschorn, NWMO vice-president of projects. “This building will be an NWMO corporate office for a century or more, which is incredible to think about, and we are eager to see this beautiful building in operation with our staff working here.”

Township officials say the Centre of Expertise is expected to become a key landmark and economic driver for the community as development moves forward.

“The landscape of Ignace will soon be changing,” the township said in a release. “This Centre will begin to define new opportunities associated with such an important and vital project to Canada.”