Concept design for Centre of Expertise revealed

By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and its Centre of Expertise design team unveiled the conceptual designs for the 65,000 square foot construction project that is expected to begin in 2026 in Ignace.

The design team, which included representatives from the NWMO, CIMA+, Unity Architecture, Warrior Engineering, I4A Architecture, Woodland Heritage Northwest and Scatliff, Miller and Murray, presented two open house events this week for the public to learn more about the centre.

The conceptual designs expressed an idea based on community feedback received over the years, and will continue to evolve depending on input from the community in the open house sessions.

Vince Ponka, Indigenous and regional communications manager with the NWMO, said the response was positive.

“There was a lot of excitement in the room,” Ponka said. “The models are just absolutely beautiful, and people are really excited about how such a beautiful building will really enhance the look of the town.”
Ponka explained that the designers placed response boards on the wall where people could anonymously write down things they loved about the building, things they wanted to see changed, or any general comments they had.

“One thing the architects stressed is they really wanted the structure to fit in with the landscape, and having a building made of concrete and steel doesn’t make a lot of sense,” he said.

“They want to use (Canadian) wood and local granite as much as possible, to make sure it really fits with a local landscape.

Jake Pastore, a spokesperson for the Township of Ignace, added that there was great input in making sure the building fits into the footprint of Ignace and that it’s not something that wouldn’t fit.

“There are Indigenous-First Nations components as a part of this,” Pastore said.

“It will be available for the communities to utilize the facility as an auditorium, a lecture hall or any type of meeting space. There was also input to make it available to the township or the NWMO to collaborate with colleges and universities for learning about the nuclear industry.”

He added that it could be used for advancing nuclear tourism, which Pastore called an incredible opportunity for the township.

“They’ll be able to attract people from all over the world who are interested in what Canada is doing with the deep geological repository, to learn about those components,” he said.

Ignace Mayor Kim Baigrie pointed out that the design, development and eventual construction of the NWMO Centre of Expertise in Ignace will be one of the most significant milestones the community has ever seen.

“We anticipate that over the next two years, there will be many new jobs, construction, and overall economic prosperity for both this generation and many more to come,” Baigrie said.

“We appreciate the close working relationship with our stakeholders, the input, engagement, and overall contributions to this very significant project, and we anticipate many great things for Ignace.”

The site location of the Centre of Expertise is expected to be announced later this year, with construction beginning in 2026, and the grand opening in 2028.