Canadian Impact Assessment Agency and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Canada has launched a public consultation on a proposed deep geological repository project that would store Canadian-used nuclear fuel underground in northwestern Ontario.
The agencies are conducting an integrated assessment of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s proposal to build the repository 21 kilometers southeast of Lake Wabigon Ojibway Nation and 43 kilometers northwest of Ignace, Ontario. The facility will represent Canada’s long-term solution for safely containing and isolating radioactive waste from the country’s nuclear power plants.
Officials invite nations, indigenous communities and the public to review two key planning documents through May 10, 2026. The draft tailored Integrated Impact Statement Guidelines identify specific factors that assessors will consider and guide the Nuclear Waste Management Organization on the studies and information required for the impact statement and licensing application. The draft public engagement plan explains how the public will be involved throughout the review process, including timing and methods of engagement during each evaluation phase.
The project requires an integrated impact assessment because it must meet both the Impact Assessment Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Agencies collaborate to achieve “one project, one review” efficiencies.
Project background and importance
The deep geological repository is a critical component of Canada’s nuclear waste management strategy. Nuclear Waste Management selected the Ignace region in 2020 after a decade-long site selection process that evaluated geological stability, community acceptability and transportation logistics across Canada.
According to technical assessments by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, the proposed site features stable sedimentary rock formations that have remained geologically inactive for hundreds of millions of years. The repository will be constructed approximately 500 meters underground in these formations, which scientists consider ideal for long-term isolation of radioactive waste.
Canada currently stores used nuclear fuel in temporary facilities at reactor sites across the country. The Canadian Nuclear Association reports that Canada’s nuclear power plants have produced about 2.9 million bundles of used fuel since operations began, with stocks increasing by about 90,000 bundles annually.
International precedent supports deep geological disposal as the preferred method for managing high-level radioactive waste. The Finnish Onkalo deposit, which began operations in 2023, demonstrates the feasibility of deep geological storage. Sweden has received regulatory approval to establish a similar facility, while several other countries, including France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, are developing similar projects.
Public consultation process
Citizens can submit comments online through the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry using reference number 88774, where draft documents are also available. The agencies distributed printed copies to nine locations throughout the region, including municipal offices and libraries in Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay.
The consultation period ends at 11:59pm on 10 May 2026. All comments submitted will become part of the public project file and will be published online. Participants who prefer alternative submission formats may contact the Impact Assessment Agency at NuclearWaste-DechetsNucleaires@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.
Scheduled information sessions
The agencies scheduled multiple information sessions to explain the project, the evaluation process, and feedback procedures. In-person sessions will be held April 19-22 in Thunder Bay, Dryden, Ignace and Melgond Township, with presentations and question-and-answer periods.
Virtual sessions via Zoom are planned for April 14 from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET and April 16 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET. Agencies will provide virtual sessions in French upon request.
Session details and registration information are available on the project home page within the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry. Additional questions can be directed to the project email address.
The public consultation represents the first formal opportunity for community input into the assessment framework that will guide the comprehensive environmental, health, safety, social and economic assessment of this nationally significant infrastructure project.
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