Message from Laurie Swami, NWMO President and CEO

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Reflecting on the three years this triennial report covers, it feels like both a lifetime and a blink of an eye. Yet, despite the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) adapted and maintained our momentum in implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.

In early 2020, we narrowed down the options for locating the deep geological repository to the two remaining areas – the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area and Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area, both in Ontario. With this narrowed focus, we were able to start building capacity and investing in infrastructure.

Then the pandemic hit. The NWMO quickly adapted to the new health protocols to continue working safely. We had hoped to have our drilling program well underway in 2020. The pandemic had other plans. The organization made the decision to wait until the spring of 2021 and put drilling and engagement activities on hiatus.

Reflecting on that time, the NWMO truly maintained momentum by slowing down. Our team had the opportunity to focus on the plan and methodically map out our next steps. It allowed us to focus on what we needed to do to respond to the pandemic, both within the NWMO and in support of the communities engaged in the site selection process. When we safely returned to the communities in April 2021, the wheels were still in motion. We completed our borehole drilling program, and in-person engagement resumed in both siting areas.

In 2022, we completed a full-scale demonstration of the engineered-barrier system designed to safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel. This important safety and technical achievement was the culmination of nearly a decade of preparation. It serves to assure Canadians and Indigenous peoples that we can implement Canada’s plan in a way that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Two years ago, we launched a series of community studies in the municipal communities in the areas we work in, focused on the benefits and impacts of this project, so that we can ensure it supports community well-being. That work concluded at the end of 2022. Each of the 34 studies were centred on the topics most relevant to each potential siting area.

This community-directed work helps guide a mutual understanding of the impacts on each community, including social, economic, environmental and other pressing regional topics. This active collaboration with communities has helped us shape what partnership needs to look like to successfully implement Canada’s plan.

With a project of such complexity and multi-generational scope, we have always known that the NWMO would need to adapt over the course of the process, while also keeping an eye on the long view. As we worked through the delays set in motion by the pandemic and provincial lockdowns, our team leaned on our momentum to adapt to the changing environment.

These delays meant a significant loss of time for the meaningful, face-to-face engagement that is so critical to the success of this project. So we made the important decision to shift the timeline for site selection. We now anticipate identifying a preferred site by fall 2024, instead of 2023 as previously planned. However, we do not expect this shift to impact the overall schedule for Canada’s plan. Making this small adjustment in timing also gives the potential host communities additional time to review and absorb new information as they consider if hosting the project aligns with their vision and priorities.

As Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel maintains momentum, our organization is evolving to meet the needs of communities and our people. We are committed to a future-focused, diverse workforce representing our country, today and tomorrow.