Step 3: Preliminary assessments of suitability

In Step 2, interested communities took part in an initial screening to gain insight into their potential to meet the requirements of the project. In Step 3, communities that passed the initial screening could request a more formal assessment of their suitability. This was referred to as a "preliminary assessment."

Overview

By the end of 2014, 21 communities had engaged in learning more about Canada's plan and entered Step 3 and a gradual process of narrowing down had begun.

What is a preliminary assessment?

For an area to be considered, it had to feature a potential site that met the robust requirements of the project. In Step 3, the NWMO and the interested community — and later the First Nations and Métis communities in the area and surrounding communities — worked together to conduct studies to explore whether these requirements could be met. Four questions were explored:

Was there potential to find a safe site?
The safety, security and protection of people and the environment were fundamental to the siting process and remain central to the entire project.
Was there potential to foster the well-being of the community?
Depending on the community, "well-being" may have been defined in different ways, including increased employment, the enhancement of the environment or infrastructure development.
Was there potential for citizens in the community to continue to be interested in the process through subsequent steps?
In a later step, the community would have to demonstrate that they were informed and willing to host the project. Continued interest and learning were important.
Was there potential to foster the well-being of surrounding communities and to establish a foundation to move forward?
The project had to have the potential to foster the well-being of the surrounding area as well.

How were preliminary assessments conducted?

Preliminary assessments were conducted through a series of studies completed in two phases over several years:

Phase 1 focused on desktop studies using information that was readily available. Communities continued to learn and reflect on their interest in the project.
Phase 2 focused on fieldwork conducted with the involvement of surrounding communities. Learning and engagement continued and broadened to involve communities in the area, including First Nations and Métis communities.

Scientific and technical studies were conducted, as well as studies on community well-being. Resources to support communities were available through each phase.

Resources: