IAAC Open House in Melgund Township – April 22, 2026: Learn About the NWMO Deep Geological Repository (DGR) Project
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) will host a public Open House information session on the proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Melgund Township.
This community engagement event will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Dyment Recreation Hall. Residents, local stakeholders, and regional participants are invited to attend and learn more about the federal impact assessment process for the project.
The session will begin with a presentation from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, followed by an open-house format designed to encourage dialogue, questions, and community participation. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with IAAC staff, explore project information, and better understand how the assessment process works.
This Open House comes at a critical stage in the review of the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project, following the federal decision to proceed with a review panel under the Impact Assessment Act. Public participation is now essential in shaping how the assessment will be conducted.
Key discussion topics will include the draft Integrated Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and the draft Public Participation Plan. These documents define what environmental, social, economic, and cultural factors will be studied, and outline how communities can remain actively involved throughout the assessment process.
Participants will learn how to submit comments, access the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry, and contribute meaningful input that reflects local knowledge and priorities. Both new and informed participants are encouraged to attend.
Printed copies of key IAAC and project-related materials will be available at the event and will remain accessible in the community following the session, supporting ongoing public review and engagement.
This is an important opportunity for residents of Melgund Township, Dyment, Borups Corners, and surrounding Northwestern Ontario communities to stay informed and participate in this major, long-term infrastructure decision.
All those interested from Dryden, Ignace, Sioux Lookout and the surrounding area are invited and encouraged to attend! And while visiting the community please check out the Spring Arts Exhibition!
Location: Dyment Recreation Hall
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Directions: View on Google Maps
Project Information: Visit the IAAC Project Page
This open house is organized in partnership with the Local Services Board of Melgund, Art Borups Corners, Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture and is made possible with funding from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Participant Funding program. We greatly appreciate their support.
About the NWMO Deep Geological Repository (DGR) Project
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is proposing a deep geological repository (DGR) to safely manage and permanently isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel. The project is located in Northwestern Ontario, with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) and the Township of Ignace identified as host communities.
The proposed repository site is approximately 21 kilometres southeast of WLON and 43 kilometres northwest of Ignace, along the Trans-Canada Highway corridor. The facility is designed to contain approximately 5.9 million bundles of used nuclear fuel deep underground within stable rock formations.
This large-scale, multi-generational infrastructure project is expected to span approximately 160 years, including site preparation, construction, operation, closure, and long-term monitoring phases.
The federal impact assessment for the project is being conducted by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), ensuring a comprehensive review of environmental, health, social, and economic effects.
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