This confidence was earned through site-specific studies, which were documented in public reports tabled in 2022 and 2023 to support community willingness discussions. In parallel, the NWMO discussed the project with nearby and more distant communities. In particular, we asked the nearest host communities to indicate their willingness. Hosting agreements were put in place with these municipal and Indigenous communities.
The work now shifts to the regulatory phase through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. The NWMO will submit supporting documents over the next three years. The process includes a review and public hearings and then a final decision. Assuming the project is approved, the next steps will be to prepare the site, including the construction of two shafts and an initial central area at repository level. This will allow further studies in the quality of the rock and will support the next construction license phase.
Throughout licensing and site preparation, the NWMO will continue to improve the details of the design and safety case using site-specific information. We also will work collaboratively with the local communities, in part by starting to move NWMO headquarters to the host area and develop a local supply chain that will support the project through the construction and operations phases.
This is a historic moment for the nuclear industry—not only in Canada but globally—and we’re excited to continue moving this important project along.
Paul Gierszewski (pgierszewski@nwmo.ca) is strategic advisor for waste management at Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization.
 rotated.jpg)
