Northern groups weigh in on Ottawa’s pursuit of national projects designation
Northern municipal groups are once again making the case for expansion and investments involving Highways 11 and 17.
This after Ottawa announced its initiating the process toward the potential listing of three major projects as those of national interest.
They include a Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel in Ignace.
The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcome the announcement, but stress the project must proceed through rigorous regulatory, environmental, scientific, and Indigenous consultation processes before any final decisions are made.
“The federal government’s announcement reinforces an important reality: nation-building projects require nation-building infrastructure,” says Rick Dumas, NOMA President. “Whether we are talking about critical minerals, national defence, energy development, or the future transportation of used nuclear fuel, Highway 11 and Highway 17 remain essential to connecting Northern Ontario and Canada.”
Dave Plourde, FONOM President, adds planning for future infrastructure demands cannot wait until projects are approved.
“Major highway projects take years to plan, design, permit, and build,” he says. “If governments believe these projects are important to Canada’s future, then they must also recognize the importance of investing now in the transportation corridors that will support them.”
The other two major projects the feds are touting involve highway infrastructure in the territories.
FONOM and NOMA say the same conversation around supporting Canada’s economic development, northern growth, sovereignty, and long-term national interests needs to happen around 11 and 17.
Another group, meantime, is not happy the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO’s) Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel is among the projects being pursued.
We the Nuclear Free North, which includes North Bay-based Northwatch, says it ‘vehemently opposes’ the potential designation, claiming it would mean guaranteed approval of the DGR, despite any lack of evidence to support the safety of the project.
“If the federal government does designate the NWMO’s DGR project as a Project of National Interest, it is very likely that the full Impact Assessment of the Project, currently underway, would be discontinued,” says Brennain Lloyd, project coordinator with Northwatch. “At best, the remaining vestiges of environmental assessment and licencing would be simply adding details to a done deal. Project approval would be a foregone conclusion.”
In response to the announcement, We the Nuclear Free North is requesting meetings with federal ministers and Members of Parliament.
Ottawa says listing projects would help streamline federal approval and financing processes, while respecting Indigenous rights and safeguarding the environment.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
