Despite court delays and other hurdles, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd now expects construction of the disputed Near Surface Disposal Facility at Chalk River to begin in 2027-28.
The comment is included in AECL’s 2026 annual report, recently posted on the company’s website.
The report notes that in January 2024, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted permission for Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to begin construction of the NSDF.
But “intervening organizations” filed three applications for judicial review of the CNSC decision shortly after, “relating to aspects of the regulatory process.”
“All three applications have been heard in court and decisions were rendered, with one having been dismissed,” the annual report says.
“As a result, project work is paused while, separately, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change reviews permitting under the Species at Risk Act and the CNSC develops a renewed consultation process with Kebaowek First Nation.
“CNL, under AECL oversight, has appealed the two judicial review decisions and continues work to meet regulatory and permitting requirements needed to advance the project.
“Construction of the NSDF is now slated to begin in 2027-28.”
In the meantime, the report says, CNL has “continued to advance required pre-construction commitments, which are now almost all complete”…
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