To the editor,

It looks like another good crop season here in South Bruce.  The beautiful summer weather and local events like the Formosa Homecoming remind me how privileged we are to live in this part of the world – close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Residents here could be forgiven for just wanting to maintain the status quo as long as possible. Some say “just leave us alone, and let us go about our business,” and who could blame them?

Unfortunately, the world is not standing still. Things are changing. Our climate is changing, as the growing population puts ever more strain on the environment. I’m very proud to say that Bruce County is doing something about it, in a couple of meaningful ways.

First off, our agricultural sector is feeding our cities, finding ever more efficient ways to produce high-quality food.

Secondly, we are running one of the world’s largest nuclear power facilities, pumping out massive amounts of clean, emissions-free electricity.

But things are changing, and we can’t deal with today’s problems by sticking with the status quo. Progress will take courage, leadership and innovation. That’s where the DGR (deep geological repository) comes in. Canada’s plan for the permanent, safe storage of used nuclear fuel requires a willing host community, and it’s looking more and more like South Bruce has ideal geology for the project. The question is whether we will be willing to take on the necessary change in our community. It seems increasingly clear that science and technology are not the inhibiting factors to building the DGR. It will not be built without an overwhelming amount of scientific and engineering data to support the environmental safety of the project, and that’s what appears to be emerging. The question is a political one: are we willing, as a community, to take a leadership role to deal with Canada’s spent nuclear fuel?

Each resident will have to make up his or her own mind on that one, but for my part, I have to say I admire the courage and leadership of our stalwart mayor and councillors, who have to endure repeated scolding and public berating from a few vocal residents who oppose the DGR.  Yes, the project has already been profitable for South Bruce, and it will continue to be, as long as it continues. Of course, our council wants to bring this important business investment to our community. Why? Because it brings hundreds of local, high-paying high-tech jobs to our community, which means more tax revenue, more services for taxpayers, and more money in the collective pockets of residents. Isn’t that what local governments are supposed to do? That’s why I encourage my fellow taxpayers to learn as much as they can about the project.  Then decide if you think we should be willing to be part of the solution for Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

Tony Zettel

Mildmay