Near-Term Investment Funding

For Immediate Release
February 22, 2023

Huron-Kinloss Council authorizes the execution of NWMO Near-Term Investment Funding Agreement
Huron-Kinloss, ON: The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is in the process of selecting potential siting communities to host the project for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR). The NWMO lands in Huron-Kinloss are not being considered for the potential repository site, however, NWMO acknowledges that Huron-Kinloss directly abuts South Bruce and will be particularly directly impacted by the DGR given Huron-Kinloss’ immediate close proximity to the potential DGR site. Given these principles, outcomes, and direct impacts, Huron-Kinloss is considered as a Primary Significant Neighbouring Community for the DGR should South Bruce be selected.

In 2023, NWMO is offering Near-Term Investment Funding to Significant Neighbouring Communities. The proposed Near-term Investment (NTI) funding has an estimated value of $2,000,000 and is intended to be used for qualifying near-term activities in 2023 and 2024.

The Near-Term Investment eligible projects are required to be achievable, have a broad benefit to the community, be sustainable and not create an unreasonable future burden to the community. NTI projects will leverage existing and alternative funding streams to maximize the project potential. The Township of Huron-Kinloss Council will consider projects which meet these criteria as they are presented.

“As a significant neighbouring community to one of the proposed Deep Geological Repository sites, it is in the Township’s best interest to be engaged in the process so we can better understand the risks and benefits of this potential project. We appreciate the NWMO for providing these funds to assist in our community interests, which we accept with no commitment to the project or selected site”, commented Mayor Don Murray.
“We believe in being good neighbours”, said Lise Morton, Vice-President of Site Selection at the NWMO. “This announcement illustrates how community-driven programs can build long lasting and positive impacts and underscores the importance of working together to implement Canada’s plan to contain and isolate used nuclear fuel.”

The Township of Huron-Kinloss continues to ensure that Council, Township staff and residents have the opportunity to learn more about the Adaptive Phased Management project, including the safety of the proposed facility and the impacts, both positive and negative, that it may have on the community.
A By-Law to execute the Near-Term Investment Funding Program agreement was passed at the February 21st Council meeting.

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For more information:
Mary Rose Walden
Chief Administrative Officer
Township of Huron-Kinloss
519-395-3735
mrwalden@huronkinloss.com