Controversial NWMO nuclear waste project is moving through federal review. Melgund Township residents need to understand what’s at stake.
Join this Webinar and Discussion at Dyment Recreation Hall | Monday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Major decisions about Canada’s nuclear future are moving forward, and communities in Northwestern Ontario have an important stake in understanding what is happening. For residents of Melgund Township, particularly the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners and those living in the surrounding area, these discussions are especially relevant. The proposed Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) Deep Geological Repository (DGR), located in the Revell Batholith area, is directly connected to the future of our region and the people who live here.
The recent referral of the NWMO’s proposed nuclear waste repository to the federal Major Projects Office (MPO), for consideration as a potential Project of National Interest (PONI), adds another significant development to an already complex and controversial process. This raises important questions about federal decision-making, environmental assessment, public participation, Indigenous rights and the ability of communities to meaningfully influence projects that could have long-term consequences for their region.
Melgund Township’s two communities, Dyment and Borups Corners, together with residents of the surrounding area, are the closest communities to the proposed DGR and face the most direct and serious impacts. Yet the implications of a project of this scale extend well beyond the immediate site. Communities throughout Northwestern Ontario, Indigenous rights-holders, environmental organizations and people across Canada are raising questions about nuclear waste, long-term environmental protection, community consent, regulatory oversight and the responsibilities associated with managing radioactive waste over extremely long periods of time.
These are not simply national policy discussions. They concern the future of our communities, our land, our water, local services, community infrastructure and the people who call this region home. It is important that residents have opportunities to understand the issues, hear different perspectives and become familiar with the concerns being expressed locally, regionally and across Canada.
An opportunity to hear from environmental and Indigenous law experts
On Monday, November 9, the Environmental Planning & Assessment Caucus of the Canadian Environmental Network is hosting a webinar examining Canada’s renewed interest in nuclear energy and the implications for communities, Indigenous rights-holders and environmental protection.
The discussion will consider different types of nuclear projects, their potential impacts and opportunities for meaningful community and rights-holder participation. Speakers will also examine federal legislative changes, including Bill C-39, the Building Canada Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, and how these changes could affect environmental oversight, regulatory processes and public participation in project decisions.
The webinar will feature Brennain Lloyd of Northwatch, Kerrie Blaise of Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence, and Kim Reeder of the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group. Their experience in community organizing, environmental law and Indigenous rights will bring important perspectives to the discussion.
While the webinar addresses nuclear development across Canada, the subjects are directly relevant to the NWMO DGR proposal and the questions facing communities in Melgund Township.
Join us at Dyment Recreation Hall
We will be connecting to the webinar together from the Dyment Recreation Hall on Monday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Residents of Dyment, Borups Corners and the surrounding area are encouraged to come out, have a coffee and some cookies, and spend the afternoon learning more about these important issues.
You do not need to have a background in nuclear energy, environmental assessment or federal legislation to participate. The purpose is to create an opportunity for people to hear from knowledgeable speakers, better understand the issues and consider what these developments could mean for our communities.
With the NWMO DGR now receiving additional federal attention through the Major Projects Office referral, this is an important time for residents to become informed and engaged. The decisions being considered have implications that extend across generations. Understanding the concerns, the regulatory changes and the opportunities for public participation is an important part of ensuring that local voices are heard.
Come out, ask questions, listen and learn more. These discussions matter to Melgund Township, and the people who live here deserve to be part of them.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Location: Dyment Recreation Hall
Refreshments: Coffee and cookies provided.
Online registration: Click here to register
Hosted by the Environmental Planning & Assessment Caucus of the Canadian Environmental Network.
