Nipigon wants to learn more about Canada’s plan for long-term nuclear waste storage.
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization has been in discussion with several towns in the region about its plan to store nuclear waste 500 metres underground in a geological depository near a willing municipality.
Nipigon mayor Richard Harvey said while the town hasn’t made a decision on whether or not they would like to be the host site, it’s important that the people in Nipigon get well informed on the plan.
“We’re not saying that (we want it or not). We’re saying we want to learn more,” Harvey said.
“Obviously there’s a lot of questions. Just the sheer perception of the word nuclear brings a lot of concern.”
But there are great economic benefits to consider. The NWMO has said the facility would bring jobs to a community and a centre of expertise would also be built on or near the site that could add to the economic impact.
Harvey said Nipigon and other towns looking into hosting the site need to find a balance between economics and environment.
“If it doesn’t fit in with the overall vision of the community it doesn’t make sense to have it there,” he said.
The NWMO has set up an information kiosk in Nipigon for people to learn more about the project.
