Original post via Kincardine Record.

To the Editor:
RE: “Let’s base our decisions on hope, not fear”
 
I am writing in response to your recently-published letter by Sheila Whytock about choosing hope over fear with regard to the proposed Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for South Bruce.

I choose hope because I believe the DGR has the ability to transform the South Bruce area for the better.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has estimated the cost of this project to be $21-billion. The bulk of which would be invested in South Bruce and surrounding area over the next 100 years.

It is estimated that there will be 650 direct jobs at the peak of operations. These will be good-paying jobs, requiring skill and training. These jobs will be opportunities for our youth to stay in South Bruce and raise their families instead of moving away.

Of course, when you have that much direct investment, you are likely to see spin-off economic development happening in the community. Estimates show more than 1,000 indirect jobs in construction, manufacturing, transportation, etc., will be needed to support the development and operation of the DGR.

We are also likely to see further economic development in retail, eateries, recreation, health practitioners, financial services, construction, child care, tourism, and the types of amenities that support community well-being. Everyone will benefit even if we are not directly working at the DGR.
 
This is the type of investment that comes along once in a generation. It would be foolish not to at least consider it.
 
Amy Rogers
Walkerton