Ottawa Flags Ignace Nuclear-Waste Repository as Possible National-Interest Project

Ottawa has flagged a proposed deep geological nuclear-waste repository near Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation as a possible national-interest project.

Keenan Hutka September 23, 2026 1 minute read

IGNACE / THUNDER BAY – September 23, 2026 – The federal government has published notice that Canada’s first deep geological repository for nuclear waste, proposed near Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, may be designated a project of national interest.

The $26-billion plan would bury used nuclear fuel hundreds of metres underground. A national-interest label could streamline federal approvals. The notice appeared in the Canada Gazette on Saturday.

Also in the region, Vets Around the Corner is forming an emergency veterinary team after six weeks of work during recent wildfire evacuations. Lake of the Woods District Hospital says post-flood repairs are advancing and second-floor surgeries should resume by year-end.

Communities west of Thunder Bay have discussed joining Manitoba on permanent daylight time. Generation Mining closed $240 million in equity for the Marathon copper-palladium project east of Thunder Bay as copper prices test record highs.