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Willingness/DGR Process
Willingness
RESOLUTION - MOTION #2024.03.08.054
THAT, The Corporation of the Township of Ignace wishes to formally enter into an Agreement with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) for the potential to become one of the host communities for the sitting of a deep geological repostitory near Ignace and to be located on the traditional territory of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
Hosting Agreement Summary, March 2024
The purpose of this summary is for information purposes only and does not constitute part of the actual Hosting Agreement. This summary is not legal advice. The reader is strongly encouraged to read the Hosting Agreement in its totality to understand the context of the representations listed in this summary. Furthermore, if there is any information in this summary that is inconsistent with the wording of the Hosting Agreement, the wording of the Hosting Agreement shall prevail.
Signed Hosting Agreement between Township of Ignace and NWMO, March 2024
DGR Process
Regular Council Meeting Rescheduled
The Regular Meeting of Council originally set for Monday, March 18th has been rescheduled to Monday, March 25th @ 6:00 p.m.
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Christmas Parade Postponed Until Further Notice
Please note that this year’s Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting that was originally scheduled for December 2, 2023 within the Township has been postponed due to some unforeseen circumstances. Please accept our sincere apologies.
The new proposed date of this event is now December 20, 2023 and the Township of Ignace will continue to provide updates on this new date throughout the month of December.
Once again, our apologies for the delay and we hope that this has not caused any inconvenience.
Thank you.
Pine Street Culvert Update for the Community
Township Council is pleased to provide an update and some photos of the Pine Street Culvert Project. The contractor has now removed the old culverts and the new culverts have been installed successfully.
Water is now flowing through the culverts as the temporary diversion channel and coffer dams have all been removed. The road subgrade has been brought up to paving elevations.
Guide rail installation will take place early next week. The contractors are replacing a section of the water main that had to be removed during the construction phase and before the roadway could be reopened to vehicular traffic.
There will be directional drilling equipment on site in the next week or two to complete this scope of work. After the watermain has been installed, the roadway will be open for vehicular traffic to travel across the river.
The contractor will confirm drilling dates with JML Engineering, however a conservative estimate for the end of this year’s work would be the week of November 27, 2023.
Paving and concrete work is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2024.
We want to thank all of our residents in the Township of Ignace for their patience and ongoing support of our community projects.
Township Interim Mayor and Council
Township Purchases New Pick-Up Truck Utilizing NWMO Funds for Community Projects
Ignace Township Council just purchased and received a brand-new Dodge pick up truck using the Community Well Being Funds that they received from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) in 2023. The funds are set aside for special purposes that will build a better community and be engaged by the Township for the benefit of all citizens.
“New Vehicle will serve many local and special event purposes”!
The truck, which arrived this past week, will be used to support the arena, parks playgrounds, community events and also public works. The truck replaces one of the end-of-life trucks donated to the township by Trans Canada Pipelines (TC Energy) a few years ago. The Township would like to thank McKinstry Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for their services and the most importantly NWMO for their ongoing support of the Township of Ignace.
“Regardless of where we stand at the end of this Willingness Process and with NWMO, I can assure all of the residents of the Township of Ignace that this process has been and hopefully will continue to be one of the most important economic development drivers we have had in this community. We will continue to work with NWMO well into 2024 and want to thank them profusely for the on-going support both financially and overall and for the betterment of this entire community”, stated Interim Mayor Kim Baigrie.
The new Dodge pick up is valued at just over $54,000. “I continue to be impressed by the hard work and dedication of Township staff and their ongoing collaboration with NWMO on securing these very important assets for the community” stated Councillor Janet Lett. “This vehicle will certainly be well utilized at our many local events and to support the maintenance of our parks and playgrounds.”
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YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE: Specialized Community Engagement Team Hired to Study Willingness in Ignace
Highlights:
- The Township of Ignace has selected a team specializing in inclusive community engagement in smaller communities
- They will study and report on resident willingness to continue the process of site-selection for a Deep Geological Repository to store used nuclear fuel near Ignace
- The Willingness Study is designed to provide options for residents to indicate their willingness and provide insight into their choices
- The Engagement Team will be on-site in Ignace in November 2023, January 2024, and March 2024 to connect with residents and invite their confidential participation in the study
After more than ten years of interaction with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) for the potential siting of a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) of used nuclear fuel near Ignace, Ontario, the Township Council has arrived at a milestone.
The Township has hired a specialized team of community engagement professionals who will conduct a Willingness Engagement Study so that the residents of Ignace can have their say about the siting project and the opportunity to explain why.
The Willingness Study is a formal and structured process that will capture the voice and choice of residents. The study will be carried out between November 2023 and June 2024. Council committed to the process and made it a reality when they awarded an Eastern Ontario-based firm, With Chéla Inc, to take the lead.
The Township is committed to a process of transparent and open communication to learn what the community thinks about the proposed DGR as facilitated by With Chéla Inc. Township Council is ultimately responsible for making the final decision regarding the DGR project, and to do so, the voices of Ignace residents must be accurately captured in terms of willingness to proceed.
Township Council will make the final decision about the willingness to host the DGR near Ignace in the end.
Support for Council's decision will come from the findings of the Willingness Study conducted by With Chéla Inc., which will clearly outline the community's position regarding willingness. The Ignace Community Liaison Committee will bring forth the recommendation from With Chéla Inc. to the Ignace Town Council for their final review, consideration, and approval.
Chéla Breckon, the Engagement Team Lead and owner of With Chéla Inc, brings an expert team that combines project management from the nuclear sector, a municipal data expert, a sociologist specializing in qualitative methods, and a dynamic communications professional. This team ensures the unbiased and unaltered translation of Ignace resident willingness to the Liaison Committee, and ultimately, Council.
Breckon says, “there is nothing more important to the team than to offer every resident an opportunity to be heard, their voice captured, and their reasons understood. That’s why we chose our slogan - Your Voice, Your Choice. It says it all. We are here in Ignace to be that neutral party who can bring clarity to the leaders because each resident’s perspective was deeply honoured.”
The Engagement Team will offer residents opportunities to come together and discuss the siting project and share their thoughts. They will also provide residents a formal interview opportunity to those that want to express their reasons for their choice confidentially.
In March 2024, all residents of Ignace over the age of 16 will have the opportunity to log their choice and have their decision captured confidentially in the report.
Chéla and her team will offer residents easy access to participation in the study through a website, toll- free and local phone numbers, and email. The Engagement Team will also be door-knocking and offering opportunities to participate in interviews where residents live, work, and play, ensuring that every resident is engaged in ways that are most accessible to them.
“We are the team, and we’re all ears,” stated Breckon as she greeted visitors at the recent Northern Nuclear Energy Exposition. The With Chéla Inc. Team is in Ignace for Ignace residents. The Team's central purpose is to capture the voice of the community in order to inform Council about what the community wants.
With Chéla Inc. is working for the residents of Ignace and looks forward to the community conversations where Ignace residents can clearly state their voice and their choice.
Reach us at 1-877-473-4090 toll-free or 807-697-0565 local number for comments
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web www.yourchoiceignace.ca
Saved by the Beep
IGNACE FIRE DEPARTMENT
PROVINCIAL TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM DAY
SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
A working smoke alarm could save lives by giving residents time to escape.
Being prepared to act in the event of a fire can start with simply pressing the test button and having the confidence that working smoke alarms are in your home.
Lives can be saved by regularly testing smoke alarms at least once a month, refreshing batteries at least once a year and replacing smoke alarms older than 10 years.
Last year in Ontario, 133 people lost their lives to deadly fires — the highest number in more than 20 years.
Smoke alarms have been required by legislation to be installed on every storey of a residence in Ontario since 2006. That includes vacation homes, cabins, trailers, recreational vehicles and cottages.
Landlords are required to test alarms annually, after the battery is replaced and after every change of tenancy.
Renters must notify the landlord immediately if a smoke alarm in not working properly.
For further information, visit www.savedbythebeep.ca
Northwest Nuclear Exploration Event
Northwest Nuclear Exploration Event
Join us for an exhibition event to explore and learn about nuclear.
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
200 Beaver Street, Ignace ON P0T 1T0
The Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in Northwestern Ontario is one of two potential host areas for a deep geological repository that would safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel for the very long term.
The Township of Ignace is inviting communities across the Northwestern Ontario area to learn more about the nuclear industry and the deep geological repository project near the Revell batholith.
Nuclear industry partners, Indigenous communities and organizations, environmental organizations, critical voices and the NWMO are being invited to showcase their services and experiences in a trade show setting and support local and regional learning about nuclear topics like nuclear energy, safety, regulations and oversight, the environment, international experiences, project economics, Indigenous Knowledge and more.
SCHEDULE
Friday
Smudging Ceremony
Donna Chief, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
Welcoming Remarks and Acknowledgement of the Lands
Mayor Kimberley Baigrie
Toronto Zoo
Alannah Lymburner - Native Bat Conservation Program
Here in Ontario, we have 8 species of bats but threats such as disease, habitat loss, and wind turbines have resulted in declining populations. Globally, bats play an essential role in pest control (typically eating half their weight in insects during a single night), pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. There are over 1400 species of bats worldwide, making them crucial for maintaining global biodiversity. If you would like to learn more about bats and how you can help conserve the bat species in your backyard, join the Toronto Zoo's Bat Conservation Program.
Safety of Transporting Nuclear Waste Panel
A group of seasoned experts including the Ontario Power Generationæ NWMO, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will all be sharing and discussing their individual perspectives and commenting on the latest information and reports available on the safe transportation of used nuclear fuel.
Process and Deliberative Democracy
Keelin Pringnitz
During this presentation, Keelin Pringnitz PhD, will explain the function she and her co-reviewer Dave Hardy R.P.P. fulfill as peer-reviewers of the Willingness Process, and the role of "Deliberative Democracy" which is being undertaken within the foundations of the study in how Ignace is choosing to be consulted.
Going Bananas about Radiation!
Chantal Medri, M.Sc. CHP, Section Manager, Radiation Protection and Risk Assessment
Learn all about radiation while making your very own yummy banana splits! Through fun interactive activities, discover how radiation is everywhere around us, even in bananas. Get ready for a delicious and educational adventure!
Oppenheimer
Jason Donev
The Oppenheimer movie was the most watched biopic of all time. This portrayal of a founder of the nuclear industry brought the history and politics of nuclear science and technology to a wide audience and has sparked innumerable discussions. This talk will analyze the movie's impact on the public's discourse on nuclear power and how the stories we tell about nuclear science and technology matter for the future of the industry.
Introduction to Electricity
Science North
Participants will learn about electricity and how we use it in our everyday lives. The culminating activity for this workshop will be to create a "squishy" circuit using LED lights and play-doh.
Learning Tours Panel
A group of local representatives and Councillor who attended the learning expeditions from Finland, the Canadian Nuclear Association National Conference and the Northern Saskatchewan Cameco Mine Tour and meetings with the English River First Nations and the Northern Community of Pinehouse will share their takeaways, their experience and knowledge. They will also be able to answer questions about these learning expeditions and be able to articulate what and how small communities were able to work with the nuclear industry in a harmonized and stewardship role.
Overview of the Integrated Assessment Process
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will provide an overview of the regulatory process under the Impact Assessment Agency Act for the NWMO Adaptive Phased Management Project. The presentation will cover participation opportunities, the integrated review panel process, and the first phases of the process.
Advanced Circuit Building
Science North
Participants will learn about the difference between series and parallel circuits using snap-circuits provided by Science North. The workshop will highlight practical applications for each type of circuit, and shine a light on careers involving electricity.
Nuclear Host Communities’ Observations
Mayor’s Adrian Foster and Blair Skinner
Mayor Foster will discuss Clarington's experience hosting the Darlington Nuclear Generation Station as well as presenting Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities (CANHC) experience engaging with nuclear host communities across Canada. Mayor Skinner will discuss the Local Government District of Pinawa's experience as the host community of the Atomic Energy of Canada's Whiteshell Laboratories site, and partnership with StarCore Nuclear to demonstrate their first SMR at the Whiteshell Laboratories site.
Native Bat Conservation Program
Alannah Lymburner, Toronto Zoo
Here in Ontario, we have 8 species of bats but threats such as disease, habitat loss, and wind turbines have resulted in declining populations. Globally, bats play an essential role in pest control (typically eating half their weight in insects during a single night), pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. There are over 1400 species of bats worldwide, making them crucial for maintaining global biodiversity. If you would like to learn more about bats and how you can help conserve the bat species in your backyard, join the Toronto Zoo's Bat Conservation Program.
Saturday
Breakfast for Community and Event Begins
Mayor Baigrie, Mayor Foster and Mayor Skinner to attend.
Welcoming Remarks and Acknowledgement of the Lands
Mayor Kimberley Baigrie
Native Bat Conservation Program
Alannah Lymburner, Toronto Zoo
Here in Ontario, we have 8 species of bats but threats such as disease, habitat loss, and wind turbines have resulted in declining populations. Globally, bats play an essential role in pest control (typically eating half their weight in insects during a single night), pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. There are over 1400 species of bats worldwide, making them crucial for maintaining global biodiversity. If you would like to learn more about bats and how you can help conserve the bat species in your backyard, join the Toronto Zoo's Bat Conservation Program.
What is Nuclear Waste Panel?
The Ontario Power Generation, a Western University Professor, a University of Calgary Professor will be moderated by Keelin Pringnitz, PHD and Peer Reviewer for the Willingness Study.
The panel will be discussing the most relevant and dated information on the description of nuclear waste and the forms that it takes. There have been many variations and descriptions of the true meaning of nuclear waste. This committee will dissect some of those meanings and explore the most relevant understanding that apply to the Deep Geological Repository being proposed for the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation/Ignace area.
Introduction to Electricity
Science North
Participants will learn about electricity and how we use it in our everyday lives. The culminating activity for this workshop will be to create a “squishy” circuit using LED lights and play-doh.
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Regulatory Process
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is Canada’s life-cycle nuclear regulator. They are tasked with overseeing the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment. The CNSC will provide an overview of the regulatory process and their role in regulating a potential DGR project. CNSC experts will also provide information on key topics of interest, including public engagement and environmental safety, as well as next steps should the project go forward in the area.
Going Bananas about Radiation!
Chantel Medri, M.Sc. CHP Section Manager, Radiation Protection and Risk Assessment
Learn all about radiation while making your very own yummy banana splits! Through fun and interactive activities, discover how radiation is everywhere around us, even in bananas. Get ready for a delicious and educational adventure!
Advanced Circuit Building
Science North
Participants will learn about the difference between series and parallel circuits using snap-circuits provided by Science North. The workshop will highlight practical applications for each type of circuit, and shine a light on careers involving electricity.
All Voices Panel
This panel will be populated by two of the regional voices representing those that are concerned about the environmental storage of used nuclear fuel in Northwestern Ontario as well as two local voices who will both share their experiences from a Township willingness and impact perspective. The All-Voices Panel will garner both sides of the nuclear waste dialogue and be moderated by Mr. Andrew Sprunt, who currently acts as the Project Lead between the NWMO and the Township of Ignace.
Native Bat Conservation Program
Alannah Lymburner, Toronto Zoo
Here in Ontario, we have 8 species of bats but threats such as disease, habitat loss, and wind turbines have resulted in declining populations. Globally, bats play an essential role in pest control (typically eating half their weight in insects during a single night), pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. There are over 1400 species of bats worldwide, making them crucial for maintaining global biodiversity. If you would like to learn more about bats and how you can help conserve the bat species in your backyard, join the Toronto Zoo's Bat Conservation Program.
Youth Presentation
The youth will no doubt inherit this DGR project that will span across 170 years in Northwestern Ontario and in Ignace if chosen. This youth panel will provide a brief presentation that discusses the potential impacts on youth in the Ignace area and how these impacts will affect generations in the area. There are no questions that economic development, environmental stewardship, and safety are matters that need to be addressed by the youth of the community today and into the future. A Youth Engagement Strategy will also be available for the public to read.
Exhibitors
EXHIBITORS
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
- Nuclear Sustainability Services, including Decommissioning
- Nuclear Sustainability Services Radioactive Material Transportation
- Transportation Unit
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities (CANHC)
Dryden Native Friendship Centre
Contact North
Crossroads Employment and Training Centre
Toronto Zoo
Ontario Research Fund, Western University
Northwatch
Prof. Jason Donev, University of Calgary
KGS
Environment North
Science North
The Corporation of the Township of Ignace
Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NwMO)
- Conversaton Corner
- Mobile Learn More Centre
- 8 Module Open House
- Regulatory Decision Making: Impact Assessment and Licensing
- Used Fuel Packaging Plant
- Surface and Underground Facilities
- Used Fuel Transportation and Engineering Package & Design
- Engineered Barrier System, Corrosion and Microbiology
- Confidence in Safety
- Socio-Economic Studies
- Environmental Program
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Virtual Reality Tours International Experience
- Radiation
- Environmental Baseline Monitoring (KGS Group, North/South Consultants, LGL Ltd., Scatliff+Miller+Murray, Zoetica, IEC and CanNorth)
- Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste (ISRW)
Willingness - Ignace AdHoc
With Chela, Ignace Willingness Engagement Team
No Nuclear Waste in Northwestern Ontario
We the Nuclear Free North
Youth are invited to explore and grow with STEM, crafts, games and activities in the Kids Energy Zone.
(Hosted by Science North, Nuclear Waste Management Organization, and the Township of Ignace)
CANTEEN HOSTED BY IGNACE SCHOOL GRADE 7&8 TORONTO TRIP
For more information, please contact:
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or
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EMERGENCY STATEMENT - UPDATE
Major Gas Line Leak on Pine Street now being Repaired.
Some Homes Without Gas Service Until Later This Afternoon
At 11:30 pm on Saturday June 10, 2023 Enbridge Gas were able to tap and begin repairs to a severed gas line on Pine Street in the Township of Ignace.
At approximately 6:00 pm that same evening, a third-party contractor working to install fibre optics in the community of Ignace, accidentally severed a gas line on Pine Street.
Interim Mayor Baigrie and Council reported that there were no serious issues with any residents that arose from the severed gas line and that Enbridge Gas was able to repair the severed line. The safety and health of our residents is always of the highest priority, and we are relieved that this incident did not cause any significant issues for our residents.
Enbridge is currently still working on the severed line and making all necessary repairs. As such, all residents on the SOUTH side of Lily Pad Lake Road are without gas services until later this afternoon. Enbridge is working diligently to ensure all repairs are being made in a timely manner.
Full gas service should be restored by sometime this afternoon.
At this time, we do not have all of the details of this incident, how and why this happened but we do know that the third-party contractor remained on site to assist in managing this situation.
Media Inquires:
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