People in South Bruce are set to vote this week on whether or not they want nuclear waste stored in their community.
A referendum on support for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposed deep geological repository to store used nuclear fuel will be held from October 21st to the 28th.
The referendum question is: Are you in favour of the Municipality of South Bruce declaring South Bruce to be a willing host for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR)?
The Voting Period begins on October 21st at 10:00 a.m. and closes October 28th at 8:00 PM.
South Bruce CAO Leanne Martin says the vote is binding with at least 50 per cent voter turnout. That means if 50 per cent of residents turn out, council’s decision will reflect that result. “If it’s binding, those results are binding on council,” says Martin.
If fewer than 50 per cent of residents vote, council will make a decision on behalf of residents.
Council will formally receive the results of the vote at a special meeting on November 12th.
The NWMO’s site selection process started in 2010. A number of communities were part of the early consideration process, including others in Bruce County like Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Huron-Kinloss, and Saugeen Shores. Since 2012, the Municipality of South Bruce has been participating in the NWMO’s process.
South Bruce is now one of just two remaining sites being considered for a DGR. The other is Ignace in Northwestern Ontario. Township council in Ignace has told the NWMO they’re a willing host community.
The NWMO also says will only move forward if it has the support of the First Nation on whose territory they’d be building a DGR. That means they’ll need the approval of either Saugeen Ojibway Nation locally, or the approval of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
If both communities and both First Nations declare they’re willing hosts, the NWMO would decide on a location.
South Bruce says back in 2020, the community and council established 36 Guiding Principles to guide its consideration of the Project.
Part of that included a willingness study that concluded the community wanted a referendum on the question.
Revisions will also be taken at the Voter Assistance Centers. Locations and times of the Centres’ hours of operation are below:
Mildmay-Carrick Station Fire Hall, 9 Absalom Street East, Mildmay, Ontario
Monday, October 21, 2024 – 10:00am-4:30pm
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – 9:00am-4:30pm
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 12:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday, October 27, 2024 – 12:00pm-4:00pm
Monday, October 28, 2024 – 9:00am-8:00pm
Council Chambers, Municipal Office, 21 Gordon Street East, Teeswater, Ontario
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 12:00pm-7:00pm
Thursday October 24, 2024 – 9:00am-4:30pm
Friday October 25, 2024 – 9:00am-4:30pm
Saturday October 26, 2024– 12:00pm-4:00pm
Monday, October 28, 2024 – 9:00am-8:00pm