Original post via Blackburn News.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the Municipality of South Bruce reported their independent survey found high levels of community awareness about the proposed  facility to store Canada’s used nuclear fuel.  The South Bruce Community Liaison Committee heard about the survey results at their recent meeting, and were told that people understand the need to develop a deep geological repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

The survey was sent to all 2,099 South Bruce households and had 908 respondents.   96 per cent of respondents said they are aware of the NWMO. 88 per cent were very or somewhat familiar with their community’s involvement in the site selection process.  84 per cent understand there is a community willingness component for the project to move forward. The survey was carried out independently by CCI Research and took place between January and April 2021.

Ignace and South Bruce are the two remaining siting communities—from an initial group of 22 that expressed interest — moving toward site selection in 2023.

“We are continuously encouraged as we explore in partnership with the Municipality of South Bruce and nearby Indigenous communities, the potential to build a deep geological repository,” said Tareq Al-Zabet, Site Director Southwestern Ontario, NWMO. “This survey shows residents are aware of the project and that it will only move forward if the community is well informed and  willing. Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply—we look forward to continued progress as we work and learn together.”

“The high level of interest in the studies that the Municipality and the NWMO are conducting is very encouraging,” said Mayor Robert Buckle. “Clearly the community wants to be more fully  informed about the project. It shows that it is important that we continue to share information about the project studies.”

Key findings of the South Bruce survey include:
• Awareness of the NWMO: 96 per cent of survey respondents had heard of the NWMO prior to receiving the survey.
• Familiarity with community involvement: 88 per cent were very or somewhat familiar with their community’s involvement in the site selection process.
• Awareness of willingness requirement: 84 per cent of survey respondents were aware the project will only be implemented with the involvement of informed and willing hosts.
• Interest in studies: South Bruce respondents said they were most interested in learning about environmental studies.

Full survey results can be found at www.nwmo.ca/southbrucesurvey or at www.southbruce.ca/2021Survey.