First Nations argue against nuclear waste site near Ottawa River at safety hearing – Times Colonist

August 10, 2023

OTTAWA — Canada’s nuclear regulator heard final arguments from Indigenous communities on Thursday regarding a proposed nuclear waste facility near the Ottawa River.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission paused its decision to move ahead with a nuclear waste facility located in Chalk River, Ont., about 180 kilometres northwest of Ottawa, last year.

The site also sits within a kilometre of the Ottawa River, or the Kichi Sibi as it is known in the Algonquin language.

Kebaowek First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg’s traditional territories surround the river, in both Ontario and Quebec, and they have staunchly opposed the site’s development.

Reneé Pelletier, a lawyer who made submissions on behalf of both First Nations, said they were not adequately consulted on the proposed site, and that consultation was done too late in the process.