Features
Touring waste management facility
Members of Ignace Council and the community toured Ontario Power Generation’s Western Waste Management Facility in Bruce County on Nov. 6. Nuclear Waste Management Organization employees Ben Belfadhel and Peter Simmons (left) hosted the group’s visit to storage facilities for high level radioactive waste. The large containers hold used nuclear fuel bundles from the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station. Ignace visitors to the site included (left to right) Dianne Loubier, John Taddeo, Chicki Pesola, Doug Pronger, Gloria Casey, Wayne Hanchard, Sherrill Musclow, Lionel Cloutier, Maureen Zappitelli, and Brad Greaves.
Township Meets with NWMO to ‘Learn More’
As part of a “Learn More” program sponsored by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), representatives and community members from the Township of Ignace visited the offices of the NWMO in Toronto on November 5-6. The “Learn More” program was developed by the NWMO to allow communities like Ignace to become more familiar with and get more information about the future plans of the NWMO. The NWMO is mandated to locate, construct and operate a deep geologic repository (DGR) for the storage of used nuclear fuel in an informed and willing host community. During the visit, Township representatives and community members met with a number of NWMO staff to learn about Adaptive Phased Management, Canada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. They also visited Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) Western Waste Management Facility in Kincardine, Ontario.
In describing its proposed site selection process, the NWMO informed the Township that when it begins to consider expressions of interest, likely in mid-2010, it will require the support of an accountable authority, such as a municipal council, in order for a community to be considered and to begin moving through the steps of the siting process. The NWMO anticipates that the siting process could take between seven and ten years to complete. Ultimately, there will have to be a compelling demonstration of willingness expressed by the citizens of any community after a long period of site assessment, and learning about the project, before it is selected to host the deep geological repository.
At the meeting, the Township indicated it needed to learn more about safety, security and other issues involving the transportation, handling and storage of used nuclear fuel. There are proponents and opponents of the NWMO plans for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Township representatives think it is paramount that information and viewpoints from both sides be considered in order to become well informed about the subject. The impact on the community, both positively and negatively will also have to be carefully understood. The Township will continue to explore the pros and cons of this concept.
Ignace Remembers - November 11, 2009
Lou Corbeil, Abbie Melander and Walter Barden |
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Ignace Mascot
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Jim Gascon trapped a white otter in 1959 in the Barrel Lake area. Friend and hotel owner at the time, Steve Joblin, had the animal mounted and displayed it in the hotel lobby. Now it’s at the Ignace Travel Information Centre where it wins over curious kids and adults alike. |
Treasure Hunting
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Geochachers
Ed and Amanda Lahaie have created a number of geocaches at interesting sites in and near Ignace.
Geocaching is a high-tech version of hide-and-seek that combines the thrill of scavenger hunts, the physical challenges of hiking or biking, and the fun of gift exchanges.
You need a global positioning system (gps) receiver to find a cache, then sign the logbook and exchange small trinkets. With internet access you can visit websites that list geocaches hidden in the Ignace area - or throughout the region. A good website to start with is www.gecocaching.com. It's a great activity for families to enjoy together! |
The Township of Ignace on the shore of Agimak Lake, located in the heart of Northwestern Ontario's Sunset Country offers a strong service sector, including an industrial business park opened in 2008 and a Municipal Airport. Historically our economy has centred on our natural resources, including forestry, mining and tourism. Our location on the Trans Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway main line plays a key role in providing access to the region and the world beyond. Ignace is a stepping stone to the northern community of Pickle Lake on Highway 599.
Ignace provides a full range of services including three schools, community health centre, library, two financial institutions, ambulance service, arena, bowling alley, fitness centre, seniors centre, volunteer fire services, golf course, soccer and baseball fields to name a few.
Whether you are interested in municipal government services, or the opportunities that life in Ignace offers, we hope you will enjoy surfing our WebSite. We would appreciate your comments and welcome any suggestions you may have for enhancing our site. Please feel free to contact us via email.
