Nuclear Waste Management Organization Centre of Expertise will be in Ignace
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) visited Melgund Township this week to share the detailed architectural plans for the Centre of Expertise (COE), a world-class building expected to start construction next year in nearby Ignace.
The visit led to a great conversation, giving the people of Melgund a chance to review the plans, voice their opinions, and make sure their vision for the area is included.
A Striking Building Designed for the North
The conceptual designs showcased an impressive 65,000 square-foot structure that will anchor Canada’s nuclear fuel project. This isn’t just a basic office block; the design is striking, created to respect and reflect the rock, lakes, and forests of Northwestern Ontario. When finished, it will be a major landmark.
The centre will be home to a technical and social research program and a technology demonstration program that displays the entire process of packaging and placing the containers of used nuclear fuel in the repository. The physical appearance of the centre will take the surrounding environment into consideration. A place for world-class science and innovation as well as enriching social services identified by local residents, the Centre of Expertise will bring new high-value jobs to the community, including scientists and experts from a wide variety of disciplines for generations to come.
Community Focus: Arts and Culture Take Centre Stage
One thing came through loud and clear during the discussion: we’d like see the COE to be a real home for supporting local and regional arts and culture.
Locals stressed that the multi-purpose spaces inside the COE should include dedicated gallery areas and exhibition spaces. The goal is to create permanent opportunities to better support the arts throughout Northwestern Ontario, giving local and Indigenous artists a strong, high-profile place to show their work to everyone who visits.
The COE is expected to begin construction in 2026 in Ignace. This facility will bring high-value, long-term jobs and promises to be a powerful new centre for science, education, and cultural expression for the entire region.
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