WOODLANDS COUNTY – Initial steps are being taken for Woodlands County to investigate nuclear energy as a power source for the region.
A recommendation to purchase an associate membership with the Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities was carried at the Woodlands County Council meeting on Feb. 26.
Reeve Dave Kusch said it is a good thing to get more information and more resources on the educational portion of this analysis.
“I want to emphasize to the public this motion to purchase an associate membership doesn't mean that this council has decided to support or not support this,” said Councillor Alan Deane.
"This is part of the information gathering process.”
The Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities (CANHC) has extensive municipal experience within the nuclear energy industry.
Their 16 members are spread across the prairie provinces, Ottawa and New Brunswick.
Mayor Adrian Foster, chairman of CANHC said that members of CANHC are quite prepared to share opinions but they will never suggest what Woodlands County communities should or should not do.
CANHC provides shared learnings and experiences within their association on the needed infrastructure and best practices amongst communities that are hosts of nuclear technology or considering this energy option.
CANHC has global partnerships with several European countries and have expanded partnerships to include Korea and Argentina recently, all meeting to discuss shared knowledge, details, and experiences.
Foster shared that he lives 10 minutes away from big reactors in Ontario and indications are that 2,000 people are involved in the refurbishment there.
There are preparations to construct four additional small modular reactors as an economic uplift to the Canadian economy of about $100 billion beyond the refurbishment.
Prolonged engagement is necessary for the community as per Foster and Woodlands County is at the beginning of their journey.
The CANHC associate membership provides connections to assist Woodlands County in understanding nuclear energy benefits through the fuel cycle.
This building knowledge will enable Woodlands County Council to make informed decisions for the Woodlands County community.
Councillor John Burrows is the Woodlands County CANHC appointed representative.
