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Planning Canada’s Second Deep Geological Repository:�Your Voice Matters

OSUM Annual Conference

Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts

Parry Sound, ON

April 29, 2026

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Nuclear energy powers our homes, businesses�and cities. � Nuclear medicine�saves lives

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For decades, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples have relied on nuclear energy to power their homes and businesses.
Nuclear is already one of the largest producers of clean energy in Canada, accounting for 15 per cent of the country’s electricity production.

In Ontario, nuclear is the single largest source of electricity, accounting for about 60 per cent of electrical power generated in the province.

There are also potential new nuclear energy projects in various stages of consideration.
The federal government has made clear there is no path to net zero without nuclear, and that nuclear has an important place in ensuring our country’s energy security.
As an energy source free of carbon dioxide emissions, nuclear power is increasingly a key part of government strategies to fight climate change around the globe.
In fact, Canada’s nuclear energy industry contributes billions of dollars to the economy and creates tens of thousands of high-quality jobs from coast to coast.
It also plays a critical role in the production of medical isotopes for lifesaving diagnostics and treatments, both at home and abroad.
That’s why Canada has pledged to help triple global nuclear power production by 2050.
While our role is not to advocate for or against any particular energy source, as governments seek to balance sustained economic growth with responsibility to people and the planet, our assessment is that nuclear power’s importance will likely continue to grow.

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We all benefit from nuclear power and medicine. Canada’s plan will ensure the safe, long-term management�of the country’s�used nuclear�fuel and long-lived radioactive waste.�

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A necessary byproduct of generating nuclear power is used nuclear fuel, which is what most people think of when they hear the words ‘nuclear waste’.
In Canada, after 60 years of benefiting from nuclear power, we have about 3.3 million bundles of used fuel.
If you stacked it all up like firewood, all this used nuclear fuel could fit into about nine hockey rinks, from the surface of the ice to the top of the boards.
Canadians and Indigenous Peoples agree that we simply cannot leave the management of used nuclear fuel for future generations — we must act now.
So what exactly is used nuclear fuel?
Unlike depictions in comic books and movies, most used nuclear fuel that exists today in Canada is CANDU fuel. This fuel is not a liquid or a gas. It is a stable solid — actually a ceramic — sealed into a specially designed container and then bound in a “bundle.” Each bundle weighs about 53 pounds (24 kilograms) and is roughly the size and shape of a fireplace log. (If you have pellets to hand around, do so now).
When removed from a nuclear reactor, the bundle looks the same as when it went in — but it is highly radioactive and will remain that way for a long time.
Once a used nuclear fuel bundle is removed from a reactor, it is placed in a water-filled pool where its heat and radioactivity decrease over time. After seven to 10 years, the bundle is placed in a dry storage container, a method that has been in use worldwide since the 1980s.
This approach is perfectly safe, but temporary. Since it will take thousands of years for radioactivity in used nuclear fuel to subside, we need a long-term approach.

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We are the Nuclear Waste Management Organization

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The NWMO is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.
We have two major projects underway, at different stages of progress:

One, called Adaptive Phased Management, focuses on building a deep geological repository to contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

In 2024, we selected a site for that repository, and we are now moving into the regulatory decision-making process.

The other focuses on the long-term management of intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level waste, also in a deep geological repository.

We are currently developing a plan to site that repository, so very early in the process.

Essentially, we are in the business of building deep geological repositories – a solution for nuclear waste management that has international, scientific consensus as the safest way to contain and isolate radioactive materials.
These repositories use a series of natural and engineered barriers deep underground to ensure that no water can get into them, and nothing harmful can get out.

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Here to implement safe, long-term plans

Created in 2002

The NWMO team

A non-profit organization funded by waste owners

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Now that you understand the types of waste the nuclear industry generates, and I want to tell you more about the role we play in managing it.
The NWMO is funded by the companies that generate Canada’s used nuclear fuel.
Our job is to complete the lifecycle of nuclear waste.
That means building a future where the safe management of nuclear waste is no longer viewed as a problem in need of a solution, but instead seen as a proven model of responsible stewardship.
The NWMO was mandated through federal legislation in 2002.
We then opened up a dialogue with the public, speaking to people from coast to coast to coast, to identify the values and priorities that were important to them.
At the time, this was one of the largest exercises in soliciting public input in Canadian history.
Ever since, we’ve been collaborating closely with municipal and Indigenous communities, industry regulators and all levels of government to protect people and the environment for generations to come.
Our team is working together to build the repositories that will contain and isolate Canada’s nuclear intermediate and high-level nuclear waste
Our team includes world leading scientists and engineers, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, community engagement specialists and a whole host of other roles critical to supporting our work.
Safety is our purpose.

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Canada’s Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste

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Responsibility of NWMO

Responsibility of Uranium mine/mill tailing companies; applicable provincial and federal governments

Responsibility of Waste generators/ owners

All waste currently in safe interim storage
Adopted as NRCAN policy (2023)
Consent-based process

NWMO’s responsibility in a DGR

High Level Waste

Intermediate level waste (ILW)

CANDU Fuel DGR (Sited in 2024)

Non-fuel High-Level Waste (NF-HLW)
High-level waste from new nuclear projects

Uranium mining and milling waste

Low Level Waste

Consent

Protect Water

Long-term Caretaking

Action now

Each class of waste requires its own type of storage and disposal methods in line with its short and long-term risk from the radioactivity and/or heat it generates. All radioactive waste in Canada is safely managed in accordance with international standards at facilities licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).

NON-FUEL HIGH-LEVEL WASTE

Non-fuel high-level radioactive waste comes from activities such as production of certain medical isotopes in nuclear facilities.
Medical isotopes have various industrial and medical applications such as cancer treatments, medical imaging, or sterilization of single-use medical devices and surgical instruments.
There is a very small amount of this waste because advancements in medical isotope production have reduced the amount of waste produced.
This waste generates a significant amount of heat and radioactivity, which requires shielding.
Non-fuel high-level waste is currently safely stored on an interim basis and will need to be moved to an underground repository for long-term management.

INTERMEDIATE- AND HIGH-LEVEL WASTE FROM FUTURE REACTORS

Canada, like other countries around the world, has been called upon to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to curb climate change. Because of this, there is significant interest in investing in additional nuclear generation for electricity and industrial applications.

While some new nuclear energy may be generated using existing technology in place at Canada’s nuclear reactors, some may involve other technologies, including small modular reactors, micro reactors or advanced reactors. These would result in additional radioactive waste.

At this time, the total volume of waste from future nuclear energy expansion projects and new nuclear technologies is not known because these projects are still in development. As more information becomes available, it would be incorporated into our planning and discussed with any interested potential host communities.

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Examples: ILW & HLW

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ILW

Medical isotopes
Equipment/ parts inside the reactor that help make electricity
Filters that clean the water in the reactor

HLW: Non-fuel

Components that generate medical isotopes

HLW: Fuel

CANDU fuel bundle
New nuclear reactors fuel

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How a deep geological repository protects people and the environment

Fuel bundle

Used Fuel Container

Bentonite clay

Rock

Surface facilities
Central services area
Placement rooms
Excavated Rock Management Area

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Now, you’ve heard me talk a lot about deep geological repositories at a high level, but you’re probably wondering what they actually look like.
This is a diagram of what the deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel could look like.

We are still in the early stages of development for concepts for the second repository.

Built to a depth of 650-800 metres underground, the used fuel repository will be much deeper than the CN Tower is tall.
Its design will rely on a series of engineered and natural barriers that work together to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel.
There are five layers of protection in our multiple-barrier system.
This design ensures that used nuclear fuel will remain contained and isolated for the very long term.
Each barrier serves as a backstop to the last, so if one were to fail, another would be there to ensure any dangerous materials remain contained.

BASICS OF EACH BARRIER — USE IF YOU HAVE TIME �

The first barrier is the fuel pellet. Fuel pellets are a very stable, solid ceramic, made from highly durable baked uranium dioxide powder. They are stored end-to-end in long tubes made of a strong, corrosion-resistant metal.

The second barrier is the fuel bundle, made from a highly corrosion-resistant material called Zircaloy, which contains a number of these tubes.

The third barrier is a copper-coated steel container. These containers are engineered to resist corrosion and are strong enough to keep the used nuclear fuel completely contained until its radioactivity decreases to safe levels. They are designed to survive underneath 3,000 metres of snow, ice and meltwater, in addition to up to 800 metres of rock and dirt, groundwater and pressure from the surrounding clay.

The fourth barrier is a buffer box made of highly compacted bentonite clay that encases each container. Bentonite clay is a natural material proven to be a powerful barrier to water flow. It is very stable, as observed in natural formations that are hundreds of millions of years old. It also naturally prevents microbial growth, which will help maintain the integrity of the container over a long time.

The fifth barrier is the rock itself, which will protect the repository from disruptive natural events, water flow and human intrusion.

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What is the challenge?

What is the opportunity?

Why it needs action now

Why are we doing this?

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Why are we here?

We all benefit from nuclear power and medicine. Canada’s strategy will ensure the long-term safety.

Willing Host, Long term Isolation

Climate Action Reconciliation

Stewardship

Sustainable Responsible

Time

1) What is the Challenge (Problem statement):

All of Canada’s radioactive waste is currently safely stored on an interim basis in federally licensed storage facilities either at a consolidated waste facility or at the nuclear sites where it is produced. This is safe, but temporary.
Canada needs a long-term solution to manage our intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste
In 2023, the federal government assigned NWMO the additional responsibility for the long-term management of intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste
We are now addressing our new mandate by developing a consent-based process to find a site for a deep geological repository for Canada’s intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste.
A deep geological repository is international best practice for the safe, long-term management of intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste

2) What is the opportunity (Opportunity statement):

The Opportunity is for you to have your say

Help us to confirm and refine a consent-based process for identifying a safe location with informed and willing hosts for a deep geological repository to safely manage Canada’s intermediate-level and non-fuel high level radioactive waste
The NWMO has developed a proposed site selection process for the second repository and we want to strengthen that process – with the input of Indigenous Peoples and interested Canadians:

Define the steps, test the logic, identify the needs of communities
Ensure the approach is inclusive, transparent
Prioritize engagement with Indigenous Peoples
Align with international best practices and integrate advancements in Reconciliation, science and technology

3) Why now? Why does the problem need to be addressed now?:

the NWMO has heard from Canadians and Indigenous Peoples that we should take action now.

Over years of engagement on both Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel and development of Canada’s Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples have been clear that it is not appropriate to leave the waste we created in this generation as a burden for future generations to manage.

In fact, one of the Implementing Principles of the Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste is: We need to take action now and not defer to future generations

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SPEAKING NOTES VERBATIM FROM SITING PROCESS DISCUSSION DOCUMENT [includes all the text from above]

Challenge…

If needed: more about Intermediate-level and non-fuel high level radioactive waste

Intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste are the result of producing energy to power Canadian homes and businesses and producing life-saving medical isotopes.

Intermediate-level waste includes used components from power plants, research reactors and medical isotope manufacturers e.g. filters, resins and pumps.

produces minimal heat but requires a higher level of containment and isolation, for longer time periods compared to low-level waste.

Non-fuel high-level waste comes from activities such as production of certain radioisotopes in nuclear facilities.

generates a significant amount of heat and radioactivity and requires containment and isolation for hundreds of thousands of years in a deep geological repository.

Opportunity….

IF NEEDED:

This work is separate and distinct from the work the NWMO has led since 2010 planning for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel in the first deep geological repository
However, the proposed site selection process builds on the strengths and learnings from the site selection process for the first repository. It is consent-based and principles-led and enhanced by our more than 20 years of experience
We will use what we have learned in implementing that project as we move forward with the intermediate-level and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste program

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Goals of the Siting Process

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Promote Reconciliation

The process is grounded in reconciliation, respecting Indigenous Knowledge, rights and title

Manage Canada’s nuclear waste

Intermediate-level waste
Non-fuel high-level waste
Future used fuel from new nuclear projects

Select a Site

To find a safe, secure and socially acceptable site with informed and willing hosts

Protecting people and the environment, safety and security must be preeminent and

aligned with international best practice.

Safety

What is this proposed process for?

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has developed this proposed site selection process to find a safe, secure and socially acceptable site for a deep geological repository for the long-term management of radioactive waste.

Ensuring safety of people and the environment, including the protection of water — while respecting Indigenous Knowledge, rights and title — are foundational elements of this proposed process.

Is the NWMO committed to Reconciliation?

The NWMO is on a continuous learning pathway towards Reconciliation. As part of our commitment to Reconciliation, we recognize both the historic and current injustices Indigenous communities have endured. We continue to learn as an organization, remaining involved in collaboration and discussion with Indigenous communities on the work of Reconciliation. Our work is guided by meaningful policies such as our Indigenous Knowledge Policy (2020), Reconciliation Policy (2019), Water Statement (2023), and Sustainability Statement (2023).

This will be Canada’s second repository. It may contain the following types of radioactive waste:

Intermediate-level waste (existing and future);
Non-fuel high-level waste (existing and future); and
Used nuclear fuel from future nuclear projects.

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Consent-based Siting Process

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Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and the right to self-determination

Customary decision-making processes of the communities

Collective decision-making by the rights holders

Flexible, iterative, adaptive and responsive to community concerns

Consent-based: Refers to the collective decision made by the rights holders and reached through the customary decision-making processes of the communities. The project will not proceed without informed and willing hosts and only with the free, prior and informed consent of the Indigenous communities.

Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): from the Institute for Human Rights and Business

Free: Consent is given voluntarily and absent of coercion, intimidation or manipulation. The process is self-directed by the community from whom consent is being sought unencumbered by coercion, expectations or timelines that are externally imposed.
Prior: Consent is sought sufficiently in advance of any authorization or commencement of activities.
Informed: Engagement and type of information that should be provided prior to seeking consent and also as part of the ongoing process. Information should be accessible, clear, consistent, accurate, constant, and transparent, and delivered in appropriate language and culturally appropriate format.
Consent: Refers to the collective decision made by the rights holders and reached through the customary decision-making processes of the communities.

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Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste

Pre-Siting

Site Selection

Regulatory Process

Walk through but emphasize we want to discuss site selection pillar

- So where are we heading?

It will look familiar to many of you as it follows the broad phases included in the APM process
Currently as noted, we are drafting a proposed siting process based on the APM incorporating some of the lessons learned (e.g., ensuring we initiate engagement with Indigenous communities from the onset and do it early and often such that when the time comes to request EoI we could have Indigenous communities interested in stepping forward)

In Q2 2025 – we initiated engagement on the siting process
Continue engagement for 2025-2026
Complete all WWHR and finalize the process in 2027
Launch the process in 2028
The process will be open to all communities in current and prospective nuclear provinces including our current host communities. If the current host communities choose to participate, they will be considered in parallel to others. However, we understand that given the current communities knowledge level and our understanding of the sites, the process may be faster for those communities and as such we have provided a range of time when we believe we could achieve a site selection.
Once a site is selected, similar to the APM, we would have to enter a regulatory decision making phase – at this point depending on the scenario (co-location vs. stand alone) and the applicable regulatory requirements, an IA may be required.

Why these dates? Note that our specific timing has been benchmarked against the APM and also is designed to minimize impact on APM

APM IPD – June 2025 by this time we have just started our engagement process for the siting process - this is not the expression of interest by the communities

The Impact Assessment and LTPS submissions for APM are Nov. 30, 2028 🡪 We will launch our siting in Jan. 2028 and gives us time to brief the regulator and inform them that LTPS would not include this waste (far enough to prevent confusion).

We anticipate that we get IA and LTPS is received in August 2030 for APM. We would have started EoI early 2030 – so even if the current host communities are interested to take this waste as well – they would still need time to come up to speed and put in place the required agreements. We could potentially do some site characterization or preliminary design but would not want to add it to the project description yet.

APM LTC submission is 2032

LTC license is anticipated Jan. 2034.

We intend to not do any amendments to the licences until after we receive the LTO for the APM in 2043

during the 30s we would do further site characterization and engineering design.

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How are we engaging during pre-siting?

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Public Engagement on the Proposed Site Selection Process - Principles�

Indigenous-centered

Prioritize engagement with Indigenous communities, respecting and honouring rightsholders and Free, Prior and Informed Consent

Informed by NWMO lessons learned

Honour 20+ years of input from First Nation and Métis peoples and Canadians

Using recognized good practices

Core Values and Ethics of the International Association of Public Participation and the International Association of Facilitators

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Facebook, X, Instagram

Nwmo.ca/ILW

ILW@nwmo.ca

Now: Social Media/Website

In person & virtual event details are on our website (nwmo.ca/ILW)

2026: Attend an event

https://www.nwmo.ca/New-projects

COMING SOON!

Online engagement Platform

We are listening!

Our team would be pleased to visit your community

Now: Invite us in

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Activities of the Proposed Siting Process

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Builds on first siting process learnings
Reflects input from Indigenous and municipal communities
Intended as a navigation tool vs. a precise process
Flexible, adaptive, iterative

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We are at this pre-site selection stage: Public dialogue to refine the proposed site selection process

The NWMO is actively engaging in dialogue with Canadians and Indigenous Peoples, and a wide range of interested parties, to seek feedback and ideas about the proposed site selection process. At the end of the engagement period, the NWMO will publish the site selection process, informed by the public feedback received. We expect to do this sometime in 2028.

The NWMO initiates the site selection process

The NWMO initiates the siting process with an inclusive and comprehensive outreach program to provide information and respond to requests for information. The program focuses its outreach activities with Indigenous Peoples, municipalities, the broad public, individuals and organizations located in provinces with existing or prospective nuclear projects, and others interested in learning more about the project and the site selection process. The information shared in the outreach program is posted on the NWMO website for broad public access and review. Activities of this nature are expected to continue throughout the site selection process and in parallel with subsequent activities.

Communities express their interest in learning more and entering the process

Communities express interest in learning more about the process. For the purpose of expressing interest, “community” is defined as a political entity that has the mandate to speak for a community or group of communities. This could include an Indigenous community, a municipality, a township, a county or a combination of these.

Requests to learn more must be made with the support of accountable authorities (e.g., elected representative bodies). This may involve an existing Indigenous government, the municipal council of a community, a new group established by a community involving community leaders, or other group as deemed appropriate by the community. It is important to note that ultimately the project would not proceed without the involvement of Indigenous Peoples. The NWMO from the beginning works with the communities expressing interest to engage Indigenous and municipal communities in the vicinity of the siting area to build awareness of the site selection process and the project in order to build collaborative, sustainable and resilient relationships.

An initial screening assessment is conducted, and the NWMO provides detailed briefing

The objective of this activity is to quickly assess whether the project has the potential to be feasible in that location. The NWMO evaluates the conditions of the potential location against a list of initial screening criteria, including Indigenous community interest. The evaluations are based on readily available information including Indigenous Knowledge (see Appendix B). Communities evaluate their interest in remaining in the process based on their learning and capacity-building plan, supported by the NWMO. Communities not meeting all initial screening criteria will be excluded from further consideration.

Communities that do not see any potential for alignment with the project may choose to exit the process. The communities not excluded by the initial screening decide whether they are interested in continuing to the next activity in the site selection process (i.e., preliminary assessments). Communities that decide to proceed to the next activity have access to resources in the form of funding and information to support learning and capacity-building activities such as:

Seeking independent expert advice;
Aligning with Indigenous Knowledge;
Building relationships with local communities (e.g., Indigenous/municipal) in the vicinity of the siting area;
Augmenting or developing a long-term vision for sustainability;
Learning about the project; and
Conducting engagement activities to inform residents and assess interest in hosting the project in their community.

The nature of resources provided will be outlined in a short-term agreement between the community and the NWMO .

Preliminary assessments: Iterative technical and social assessments, and narrowing down process

At the request of interested communities successfully passing the initial screening, the NWMO begins, in collaboration with those communities, a series of preliminary assessments.

The objective is to determine: (1) whether the project can be safely located at the site, (2) whether the project suits the community and (3) whether there is potential for long-term collaboration.

Preliminary assessments explore the following technical and social aspects:

Safety: The site must be able to safely contain and isolate the waste in a manner that will protect people and the environment, including water and waterways, over the very long term (more details in Appendix C). The gradual narrowing down is completed through:

Desktop studies: Technical desktop studies involve geoscientific, environmental and engineering feasibility studies based on the interpretation of readily available information.
Field studies for remaining communities: This includes additional technical site evaluations involving geoscientific and environmental field investigations, as well as application of Indigenous Knowledge and the involvement of Indigenous community members. The nature and duration of technical studies and field investigations will be site specific depending on available site information and the number of communities still in the process.

Community well-being: The site must be located in an area where the project can be implemented in a way that supports the quality of life of the local communities as they themselves define it. This includes both Indigenous and municipal communities. Communities create or express a vision for the future with and without the project. They agree on and either lead or participate in studies to evaluate community well-being based on continued learning and capacity-building plans. Communities establish methods to evaluate or manage changes that may occur (positive and negative) as a result of the project. They receive input on whether to proceed to the next phase of the process (a hosting agreement). Communities agree on and design a decision-making model to express willingness
Long-term collaboration with communities: The site must be located in an area where strong and resilient relationships can be developed with Indigenous and municipal communities and the NWMO in the siting area

Depending on the number of communities passing the initial screening, there may be a comparative analysis, and the NWMO may prioritize communities for preliminary assessments according to their potential. Meanwhile, communities themselves assess the potential of the project to align with their own principles and values, and decide whether the project is good for them.

The preliminary assessments serve to gradually narrow down the number of communities with strong potential to meet the technical and social requirements of the project, to those where there is strong potential for the communities and the NWMO to collaborate in the long term.

The various assessments will be collaboratively planned and conducted in discussion with Indigenous and municipal communities. The NWMO seeks opportunities to align with Indigenous Knowledge in the assessments, consistent with our Indigenous Knowledge Policy (2020).

A comprehensive learning and engagement program is collaboratively designed and implemented by the NWMO and interested communities to build awareness of the project and explore the potential for building resilient relationships in communities and surrounding areas. This is important because the project will be implemented over many decades and will require community relationships that can stand the test of time.

The cost of these types of activities is covered by the NWMO.

The first few communities that can successfully meet the safety and social requirements move to the next activity. Communities with lower potential to meet the technical and social requirements are gradually removed from the site selection process during this phase until only a few sites with strong potential are identified.

Hosting agreement

The NWMO and the selected communities develop and sign mutually agreeable hosting agreements, subject to community willingness and regulatory approvals. Hosting agreements detail the commitments made by the NWMO and the communities should the site be selected, and set out roles and expectations on working collaboratively as they move forward together into the regulatory process.

Potential host communities demonstrate willingness

Potential host communities demonstrate their willingness to accept the project and the terms of the hosting agreement. It will be up to each potential host community to identify the processes and mechanisms it wishes to use to demonstrate its willingness to host the project in a manner that meets the specific needs of the community and to also demonstrate clearly to the NWMO whether the project has the support of community members.

The NWMO selects a preferred site

The NWMO selects a preferred site that meets the safety and social requirements. The selected site must have confirmed willingness of local siting communities, including Indigenous Peoples in whose territory the facility will be built

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Honouring past input

Proposed Siting Process

Your input today

Indigenous interest/ led early in process

Relationship building > engagement

Capacity

Community decision making

Confidence in Safety

Community driven learning

Collaborative Hosting Agreement

Off ramp until a final decision

Consent based

Voluntary Entry

Centralized DGR

Relationship driven

Transportation

This generation (2050)

What are the strengths?

What you would add/ change?

What do people need to know to enter?

What if we get 30 communities?

Are there principles missing?

What does an expression of interest encompass?

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��Workshop Question

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Our commitment to dialogue with Canadians and Indigenous Peoples is fundamental the way we approach our work at the NWMO.
From developing our project plans and processes, to the way we implement them, collaboration is core to all of our work.
Creating opportunities for the public to learn about our work and share their voices is an important part of how we lead with our values.
We are lifelong learners, unafraid to ask hard questions, seek answers and listen to feedback.
Collaboration outside of Canada is also central to our work.
Sharing our experiences and staying informed about developments in safe nuclear waste management methods from around the world, including repository design, is an important part on delivering on our responsibilities.
We work alongside Canadians, Indigenous Peoples and international partners to share what we learn and create a better future together.

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Builds on first siting process learnings
Reflects input from Indigenous and municipal communities
Intended as a navigation tool vs. a precise process
Flexible, adaptive, iterative

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We are at this pre-site selection stage: Public dialogue to refine the proposed site selection process

The NWMO is actively engaging in dialogue with Canadians and Indigenous Peoples, and a wide range of interested parties, to seek feedback and ideas about the proposed site selection process. At the end of the engagement period, the NWMO will publish the site selection process, informed by the public feedback received. We expect to do this sometime in 2028.

The NWMO initiates the site selection process

The NWMO initiates the siting process with an inclusive and comprehensive outreach program to provide information and respond to requests for information. The program focuses its outreach activities with Indigenous Peoples, municipalities, the broad public, individuals and organizations located in provinces with existing or prospective nuclear projects, and others interested in learning more about the project and the site selection process. The information shared in the outreach program is posted on the NWMO website for broad public access and review. Activities of this nature are expected to continue throughout the site selection process and in parallel with subsequent activities.

Communities express their interest in learning more and entering the process

Communities express interest in learning more about the process. For the purpose of expressing interest, “community” is defined as a political entity that has the mandate to speak for a community or group of communities. This could include an Indigenous community, a municipality, a township, a county or a combination of these.

Requests to learn more must be made with the support of accountable authorities (e.g., elected representative bodies). This may involve an existing Indigenous government, the municipal council of a community, a new group established by a community involving community leaders, or other group as deemed appropriate by the community. It is important to note that ultimately the project would not proceed without the involvement of Indigenous Peoples. The NWMO from the beginning works with the communities expressing interest to engage Indigenous and municipal communities in the vicinity of the siting area to build awareness of the site selection process and the project in order to build collaborative, sustainable and resilient relationships.

An initial screening assessment is conducted, and the NWMO provides detailed briefing

The objective of this activity is to quickly assess whether the project has the potential to be feasible in that location. The NWMO evaluates the conditions of the potential location against a list of initial screening criteria, including Indigenous community interest. The evaluations are based on readily available information including Indigenous Knowledge (see Appendix B). Communities evaluate their interest in remaining in the process based on their learning and capacity-building plan, supported by the NWMO. Communities not meeting all initial screening criteria will be excluded from further consideration.

Communities that do not see any potential for alignment with the project may choose to exit the process. The communities not excluded by the initial screening decide whether they are interested in continuing to the next activity in the site selection process (i.e., preliminary assessments). Communities that decide to proceed to the next activity have access to resources in the form of funding and information to support learning and capacity-building activities such as:

Seeking independent expert advice;
Aligning with Indigenous Knowledge;
Building relationships with local communities (e.g., Indigenous/municipal) in the vicinity of the siting area;
Augmenting or developing a long-term vision for sustainability;
Learning about the project; and
Conducting engagement activities to inform residents and assess interest in hosting the project in their community.

The nature of resources provided will be outlined in a short-term agreement between the community and the NWMO .

Preliminary assessments: Iterative technical and social assessments, and narrowing down process

At the request of interested communities successfully passing the initial screening, the NWMO begins, in collaboration with those communities, a series of preliminary assessments.

The objective is to determine: (1) whether the project can be safely located at the site, (2) whether the project suits the community and (3) whether there is potential for long-term collaboration.

Preliminary assessments explore the following technical and social aspects:

Safety: The site must be able to safely contain and isolate the waste in a manner that will protect people and the environment, including water and waterways, over the very long term (more details in Appendix C). The gradual narrowing down is completed through:

Desktop studies: Technical desktop studies involve geoscientific, environmental and engineering feasibility studies based on the interpretation of readily available information.
Field studies for remaining communities: This includes additional technical site evaluations involving geoscientific and environmental field investigations, as well as application of Indigenous Knowledge and the involvement of Indigenous community members. The nature and duration of technical studies and field investigations will be site specific depending on available site information and the number of communities still in the process.

Community well-being: The site must be located in an area where the project can be implemented in a way that supports the quality of life of the local communities as they themselves define it. This includes both Indigenous and municipal communities. Communities create or express a vision for the future with and without the project. They agree on and either lead or participate in studies to evaluate community well-being based on continued learning and capacity-building plans. Communities establish methods to evaluate or manage changes that may occur (positive and negative) as a result of the project. They receive input on whether to proceed to the next phase of the process (a hosting agreement). Communities agree on and design a decision-making model to express willingness
Long-term collaboration with communities: The site must be located in an area where strong and resilient relationships can be developed with Indigenous and municipal communities and the NWMO in the siting area

Depending on the number of communities passing the initial screening, there may be a comparative analysis, and the NWMO may prioritize communities for preliminary assessments according to their potential. Meanwhile, communities themselves assess the potential of the project to align with their own principles and values, and decide whether the project is good for them.

The preliminary assessments serve to gradually narrow down the number of communities with strong potential to meet the technical and social requirements of the project, to those where there is strong potential for the communities and the NWMO to collaborate in the long term.

The various assessments will be collaboratively planned and conducted in discussion with Indigenous and municipal communities. The NWMO seeks opportunities to align with Indigenous Knowledge in the assessments, consistent with our Indigenous Knowledge Policy (2020).

A comprehensive learning and engagement program is collaboratively designed and implemented by the NWMO and interested communities to build awareness of the project and explore the potential for building resilient relationships in communities and surrounding areas. This is important because the project will be implemented over many decades and will require community relationships that can stand the test of time.

The cost of these types of activities is covered by the NWMO.

The first few communities that can successfully meet the safety and social requirements move to the next activity. Communities with lower potential to meet the technical and social requirements are gradually removed from the site selection process during this phase until only a few sites with strong potential are identified.

Hosting agreement

The NWMO and the selected communities develop and sign mutually agreeable hosting agreements, subject to community willingness and regulatory approvals. Hosting agreements detail the commitments made by the NWMO and the communities should the site be selected, and set out roles and expectations on working collaboratively as they move forward together into the regulatory process.

Potential host communities demonstrate willingness

Potential host communities demonstrate their willingness to accept the project and the terms of the hosting agreement. It will be up to each potential host community to identify the processes and mechanisms it wishes to use to demonstrate its willingness to host the project in a manner that meets the specific needs of the community and to also demonstrate clearly to the NWMO whether the project has the support of community members.

The NWMO selects a preferred site

The NWMO selects a preferred site that meets the safety and social requirements. The selected site must have confirmed willingness of local siting communities, including Indigenous Peoples in whose territory the facility will be built

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What elements matter most, from your perspective, and should be emphasized to build confidence in this process?

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We are at this pre-site selection stage: Public dialogue to refine the proposed site selection process

The NWMO is actively engaging in dialogue with Canadians and Indigenous Peoples, and a wide range of interested parties, to seek feedback and ideas about the proposed site selection process. At the end of the engagement period, the NWMO will publish the site selection process, informed by the public feedback received. We expect to do this sometime in 2028.

The NWMO initiates the site selection process

The NWMO initiates the siting process with an inclusive and comprehensive outreach program to provide information and respond to requests for information. The program focuses its outreach activities with Indigenous Peoples, municipalities, the broad public, individuals and organizations located in provinces with existing or prospective nuclear projects, and others interested in learning more about the project and the site selection process. The information shared in the outreach program is posted on the NWMO website for broad public access and review. Activities of this nature are expected to continue throughout the site selection process and in parallel with subsequent activities.

Communities express their interest in learning more and entering the process

Communities express interest in learning more about the process. For the purpose of expressing interest, “community” is defined as a political entity that has the mandate to speak for a community or group of communities. This could include an Indigenous community, a municipality, a township, a county or a combination of these.

Requests to learn more must be made with the support of accountable authorities (e.g., elected representative bodies). This may involve an existing Indigenous government, the municipal council of a community, a new group established by a community involving community leaders, or other group as deemed appropriate by the community. It is important to note that ultimately the project would not proceed without the involvement of Indigenous Peoples. The NWMO from the beginning works with the communities expressing interest to engage Indigenous and municipal communities in the vicinity of the siting area to build awareness of the site selection process and the project in order to build collaborative, sustainable and resilient relationships.

An initial screening assessment is conducted, and the NWMO provides detailed briefing

The objective of this activity is to quickly assess whether the project has the potential to be feasible in that location. The NWMO evaluates the conditions of the potential location against a list of initial screening criteria, including Indigenous community interest. The evaluations are based on readily available information including Indigenous Knowledge (see Appendix B). Communities evaluate their interest in remaining in the process based on their learning and capacity-building plan, supported by the NWMO. Communities not meeting all initial screening criteria will be excluded from further consideration.

Communities that do not see any potential for alignment with the project may choose to exit the process. The communities not excluded by the initial screening decide whether they are interested in continuing to the next activity in the site selection process (i.e., preliminary assessments). Communities that decide to proceed to the next activity have access to resources in the form of funding and information to support learning and capacity-building activities such as:

Seeking independent expert advice;
Aligning with Indigenous Knowledge;
Building relationships with local communities (e.g., Indigenous/municipal) in the vicinity of the siting area;
Augmenting or developing a long-term vision for sustainability;
Learning about the project; and
Conducting engagement activities to inform residents and assess interest in hosting the project in their community.

The nature of resources provided will be outlined in a short-term agreement between the community and the NWMO .

Preliminary assessments: Iterative technical and social assessments, and narrowing down process

At the request of interested communities successfully passing the initial screening, the NWMO begins, in collaboration with those communities, a series of preliminary assessments.

The objective is to determine: (1) whether the project can be safely located at the site, (2) whether the project suits the community and (3) whether there is potential for long-term collaboration.

Preliminary assessments explore the following technical and social aspects:

Safety: The site must be able to safely contain and isolate the waste in a manner that will protect people and the environment, including water and waterways, over the very long term (more details in Appendix C). The gradual narrowing down is completed through:

Desktop studies: Technical desktop studies involve geoscientific, environmental and engineering feasibility studies based on the interpretation of readily available information.
Field studies for remaining communities: This includes additional technical site evaluations involving geoscientific and environmental field investigations, as well as application of Indigenous Knowledge and the involvement of Indigenous community members. The nature and duration of technical studies and field investigations will be site specific depending on available site information and the number of communities still in the process.

Community well-being: The site must be located in an area where the project can be implemented in a way that supports the quality of life of the local communities as they themselves define it. This includes both Indigenous and municipal communities. Communities create or express a vision for the future with and without the project. They agree on and either lead or participate in studies to evaluate community well-being based on continued learning and capacity-building plans. Communities establish methods to evaluate or manage changes that may occur (positive and negative) as a result of the project. They receive input on whether to proceed to the next phase of the process (a hosting agreement). Communities agree on and design a decision-making model to express willingness
Long-term collaboration with communities: The site must be located in an area where strong and resilient relationships can be developed with Indigenous and municipal communities and the NWMO in the siting area

Depending on the number of communities passing the initial screening, there may be a comparative analysis, and the NWMO may prioritize communities for preliminary assessments according to their potential. Meanwhile, communities themselves assess the potential of the project to align with their own principles and values, and decide whether the project is good for them.

The preliminary assessments serve to gradually narrow down the number of communities with strong potential to meet the technical and social requirements of the project, to those where there is strong potential for the communities and the NWMO to collaborate in the long term.

The various assessments will be collaboratively planned and conducted in discussion with Indigenous and municipal communities. The NWMO seeks opportunities to align with Indigenous Knowledge in the assessments, consistent with our Indigenous Knowledge Policy (2020).

A comprehensive learning and engagement program is collaboratively designed and implemented by the NWMO and interested communities to build awareness of the project and explore the potential for building resilient relationships in communities and surrounding areas. This is important because the project will be implemented over many decades and will require community relationships that can stand the test of time.

The cost of these types of activities is covered by the NWMO.

The first few communities that can successfully meet the safety and social requirements move to the next activity. Communities with lower potential to meet the technical and social requirements are gradually removed from the site selection process during this phase until only a few sites with strong potential are identified.

Hosting agreement

The NWMO and the selected communities develop and sign mutually agreeable hosting agreements, subject to community willingness and regulatory approvals. Hosting agreements detail the commitments made by the NWMO and the communities should the site be selected, and set out roles and expectations on working collaboratively as they move forward together into the regulatory process.

Potential host communities demonstrate willingness

Potential host communities demonstrate their willingness to accept the project and the terms of the hosting agreement. It will be up to each potential host community to identify the processes and mechanisms it wishes to use to demonstrate its willingness to host the project in a manner that meets the specific needs of the community and to also demonstrate clearly to the NWMO whether the project has the support of community members.

The NWMO selects a preferred site

The NWMO selects a preferred site that meets the safety and social requirements. The selected site must have confirmed willingness of local siting communities, including Indigenous Peoples in whose territory the facility will be built

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The workshop output and the focused conversation (flipchart) are a representative summary of what our group has said today.

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I completely agree

Not perfect, but good enough

I can live with it

Abstain – I defer to the group

We should continue to fine tune it

It’s not great, but I don’t want to hold up the group

I am not on board with this

This is not reflective of the group at all

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What we are hearing so far: Focused Conversation

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What aligns with the group’s thoughts today?

What diverges?

What’s most important?

What needs to be added?

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Help us Improve!

Thank you * Miigwech * Marsi * Merci

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Help us Improve: Provide Feedback on the Workshop

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Please scan the QR code to access a short feedback form about today's workshop.

Your feedback is anonymous.

If you'd like more information on any topic, or to stay informed of NWMO activities, please email us at:

ILW@nwmo.ca

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