Loading...
The Lucknow Sentinel, 2016-10-05, Page 1010 Lucknow Sentinel • Wednesday, October 5, 2016 r) The NWMO and Huron -Kinloss Learning Together OCTOBER 2016 Conversations Begin to Explore Connections Between APM Project and Community Well -Being "Can Canada's plan for the safe, long- term management of used nuclear fuel, with its associated facilities, be implemented in a way that fosters well- being in the community and area?" It's a significant question, and one that the Township of Huron -Kinloss and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) need to consider together as the community continues its journey to learn more about Adaptive Phased Management (APM), Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The ability of the project to be implemented in a manner that fosters well-being in the community and area is a key factor in the assessment of a community's potential suitability as a future host for the project. It's a question discussed by AECOM economist Andy Keir, under contract to the NWMO, during a presentation and discussion at the June meeting of the Huron -Kinloss Nuclear Waste Community Advisory Committee. Keir set the tone for the community to think about having conversations to understand how the project can best align with area capacities and community expectations for their future and long-term sustainability as they address potential socio-economic impacts from APM. Keir cited several dimensions of well- being that the community might consider during its discussion around potential impacts. For instance, how might the implementation of the project affect people, how might it affect economic activity and the financial health of the area or what about potential impacts to existing infrastructure? Would there be impacts to residents' sense of belonging within the community or effects on the natural environment and the community's relationship to it? Or, what about spiritual impacts? Keir noted these are conversations that help create a better understanding of the community. "We can harness and shape opportunities associated with the project if they align with the community's expectations and priorities for its future. Let's begin to develop, through conversations, an understanding of the potential to foster and enhance community well-being through the implementation of the project, were it to be one day sited in Huron -Kinloss," he said. Economist Andy Keir discusses the opportunity to explore potential alignment between the APM Project and community well-being. The NWMO was an exhibitor at the 2016 Huron - Kinloss Water Stewardship Day held at the Point Clark Community Centre on July 23. The event featured many organizations concerned with the protection of water, including Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula Source Protection Region, Pine River Watershed Initiative, B.M. Ross — Pine River and Point Clark Water Quality, and Lake Huron Coastal Centre. The NWMO's Andre Vorauer discusses how Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel protects people and the environment with a fellow exhibitor. New Senior Engagement Advisor for Huron -Bruce Area Cherie Leslie of Teeswater has joined the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) as Senior Engagement Advisor, Community Engagement. Working with Relationship Manager Paul Austin, and with her broad knowledge of the people and the area, Cherie will be focussed on engagement activities in the Bruce and Huron County areas. Cherie comes to the NWMO from the Municipality of South Bruce where she was the Manager of Recreation and Facilities. In her former role, Cherie worked closely with many committees and organizations in South Bruce, including the Recreation Advisory Committee, Mildmay Lobby Renovation Committee and the Teeswater Town Hall Committee. She also has experience working with environmental advisory committees and heritage committees. Cherie has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo, with a major in planning. Cherie is a lifelong resident of Bruce County who is eager to use her experience and skills to foster learning and dialogue about Canada's plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. "I am very fortunate to have this opportunity to work with a great organization like the NWMO and to work closely with our communities. I am extremely passionate about this region and enjoy the wonderful amenities and people that make this community my home. I look forward to working with the entire Huron -Bruce area as we continue to learn more about this project." Cherie Leslie Cherie will be working with Paul Austin out of the South Bruce, Huron - Kinloss and Central Huron Learn More Centres. Drop by and say "Hello". )) Of Note... )) )) The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has released Implementing Adaptive Phased Management 2017 to 2021 — Draft for Public Review, our annually updated strategic plan. It describes our five-year work program, focused on eight key areas. Based on the comments and ideas received, we will refine the implementation plan and publish the final document in March 2017. We will also report on our progress in our 2017 Annual Report, to be published in March 2018. The plan is a living document that is regularly assessed, strengthened and redirected in the face of new information, direction and guidance from communities, advances in technology and science, insight from Indigenous Knowledge, changes in societal values, and evolving public policy. We encourage you to provide comments and ideas about how we are continuing to move forward. For a copy of the draft implementation plan, please visit www.nwmo.ca, under "Reports". The Honorable Minister of Natural Resources, James Carr, in a recent statement, noted the NWMO's Progress Through Collaboration —Annual Report 2015 is "an important and informative record of the organization's work over the past year to advance Canada's plan for the long-term management of nuclear fuel waste." To read the Minister's full statement or to access the annual report, please visit www.nwmo.ca, under "Reports". nwmo NUCLEAR WASTE SOCIETE DE GESTION MANAGEMENT DES DECHETS ORGANIZATION NUCLEAIRES The NWMO and Huron -Kinloss Learning Together is a community -oriented mini -newsletter designed to encourage learning and discussion about Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel and the site selection process. We welcome your questions. Please forward your questions to askthenwmo@nwmo.ca or call us at 1.866.249.6966. For more information about the NWMO and Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel, please visit: www.nwmo.ca 1 l