Step 3: Phase 2 – Field studies and engagement
These assessments expanded upon the work completed in the previous phase. We worked with interested communities, First Nations and Métis communities in the area and surrounding municipalities to explore the suitability of each area through fieldwork, more detailed studies and broadened engagement. In 2024, we selected a site in northwestern Ontario to take into the regulatory decision-making process.
Field activities
Field activities built on earlier work and occurred in sequence:
- Initial field studies: Geophysical surveys, environmental surveys and geological mapping were undertaken to further assess potential suitability and identify smaller areas that might have the potential to meet the technical site evaluation criteria.
- Intensive fieldwork phase: This phase involved more detailed studies that focused on potential repository sites within an area.
Engagement activities
Activities in this phase helped us develop a more detailed understanding of potential project benefits, opportunities to work together and ways potential negative effects of the project could be managed. We developed a better and more detailed understanding of the project’s potential to align with local priorities, objectives and aspirations. Detailed study continued in this phase to understand specific economic contributions the project would make to area well-being, the social and economic pressures that could result and what advanced planning would be required to address these pressures.
The site selection process required sustained interest in learning and participation from communities over an extended period. Phase 2 involved more intensive community learning and engagement designed to explore whether conditions could be fostered to advance study in the area.
How long did it take?
The pace and manner of moving forward were shaped by the communities involved and the time needed to complete the rigorous process of confirming safety.
Not all communities completed the full sequence of Phase 2 activities. Through regular stock-taking as studies progressed, there was a gradual narrowing to focus on sites with strong potential to be suitable for hosting the repository. Communities could withdraw at any point during these studies.
Phase 2 assessments were completed for the communities that remained in the site selection process. In 2024, we selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the future site for Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel. These communities will now move into the regulatory decision-making process.
