Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 2, Spring 2025
In late November 2025, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) announced it has selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) and the Township of Ignace as the host communities for the future site for Canada’s deep ground geological repository (DGR) for used nuclear fuel.
The NWMO launched its community-driven, consent-based site selection process in 2010. It included clear commitments that Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel could only move forward in an area with a site that meets rigorous safety standards and that has informed and willing hosts. The project also needs to be implemented in a way that advances community well-being as defined by the host communities.
WLON confirmed its willingness in November, following a decision-making process that was open to all its members. The Township of Ignace completed a decision-making process with its residents earlier, in July, which also confirmed willingness.
In the November press release, WLON Chief and Council issued the following statement: “It’s been a long road to this point, and in many ways, the journey has just begun. We will continue to work closely with the NWMO to ensure that our role as the guardians of our land and water remains central to the decision-making process. This project can only continue if it can be proven that it will be built safely, with respect to the environment and in a manner that protects Anishnaabe values.”
In its announcement, the Township of Ignace shared, “The residents of the Township of Ignace spoke loudly and clearly this year and strongly indicated our overall support through a very strong mandate and an official resolution to the NWMO.”
In its media release, NWMO stated: “The project will drive a wide range of benefits for both host communities, the region and Canada over the 175-year timeline of the project. These include new jobs and investments in community well-being driven by the priorities communities themselves defined.”
Jake Pastore, Outreach and Communication Lead, Township of Ignace, shared that agreement by both communities was critical. “The actual site is on Wabigoon Lake territory about 34 km west of Ignace.”
He said the most immediate priority now is developing a $20 million Centre of Expertise located in Ignace. “This will house the NWMO executive offices and will be the anchor for the DGR. It will be an education and training institute for nuclear tourism, attracting visitors from around the globe.”
Long road ahead
While the $26 billion project is now officially underway, it is estimated that the first nuclear bundles won’t arrive before 2043. The timeline currently looks like this:
- 2027: Opening of Centre of Expertise
- 2028 to 2032/2033: Regulatory and licensing
- 2032/2033 to 2043: Site construction
Pastore said that, in addition to the NWMO activities, studies are also underway to help Ignace develop strategies to optimize the economic benefits of the project.
“There’s going to be 700 to 1,000 new jobs over the next 20 years associated with the project.” This will be a boom for the community but will heighten the need for additional housing and other infrastructure improvements.
Community engagement will continue to be a priority. Pastore said there will be future community engagement sessions about licensing, regulatory requirements, and transportation, which has been a particular area of concern.
“We have already undergone significant education about the moving capabilities and are fully impressed with how this is being done, and how carefully the nuclear waste is being handled,” he said. “We believe in the science and that the transportation is very safe but there are concerns by people who don’t have this information.”
Keeping public safety at the forefront is a key priority. Information sessions will be conducted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Impact Agency of Canada.
Ongoing updates will be available on the NWMO, Wabigoon and Ignace websites:
- nwmo.ca
- wabigoonlakeon.ca
- ignace.ca
Questions can also be submitted to outreach@ignace.ca.
