Hub Staff

The Town of South Bruce Peninsula (SBP) has voted unanimously to make a formal request that Wiarton be considered for the location of the Ontario's Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII).

In a recommendation by the Town's CAO Brad McRoberts at the November 20 council meeting, it stated that the decision to not include the Institute in the planned Bruce County Museum expansion presented an opportunity of the Town of SBP to advocate for the facility.

According to the report, McRoberts along SBP Mayor Janice Jackson had an opportunity to speak with Frank Saunders, President of the Nuclear Innovation Institute, at a recent Economic Development and Innovation Summit and the three discussed the various aspects of what a host community might offer the Institute.

SBP is bordered by both Neyaashiinigmiing, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation, which supports the NII's wish to build partnerships with local Indigenous groups. An opportunity to grow partnerships with Bluewater District School Board also exists with the K-12 Peninsula Shores District School being located in Wiarton.

The report stated that Wiarton is ready, able, and willing to host the NII, that they have everything necessary to accommodate the facility, and in terms of attraction and retention, the community offers significant all season recreational activities.

"We recognize that other communities in Bruce County have or can provide some of the amenities that you envision, however we firmly believe there is great opportunity to expand the economic influence of Bruce Power further by locating in Wiarton," read the report. "Many of the communities surrounding Bruce Power have and will continue to, benefit greatly directly from the presence of Bruce Power."

In efforts to actively seek a key economic driver to strengthen the community of Wiarton, attract a national hotel chain, establish medium to high end dining experiences and energize the downtown core, the presence of the Institute will be the "piece of the puzzle."

"The potential opportunities for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula are significant and their impact will provide endless positive changes to the community as whole," read the report.

Discussions in council chambers centred around many of the points offered in the report, as well as land needs, and what SBP would need to do to secure the facility.