Two Bruce County locations are on the shortlist to host a deep underground repository to store used nuclear fuel. Both Huron Kinloss and South Bruce are still under consideration to permanently store Canada's used nuclear fuel, including fuel from nearby Bruce Power. If the Bruce County locations are successful, the region would host two nuclear waste facilities. Ontario Power Generation is seeking final approval for a deep geologic repository to store Ontario's low and medium level nuclear waste in Bruce County as well. Hornepayne, Ignace, and Manitouwadge are also on the list to store nuclear fuel. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization removed Blind River and Elliot Lake from the list, which started with 22 interested communities. Technical studies and community engagement identified factors the would challenge siting the repository in the communities that are no longer under consideration. Some of the factors included geology, rugged terrain, limited access and low potential for the necessary partnerships needed for the project. The eliminated communities will receive $600,000. for taking part, and neighbouring communities will each get $300,000. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is expected to select the preferred site by about 2023. “We are grateful to have worked with communities in this area and for the outstanding leadership they have shown on behalf of all Canadians through their involvement in this process,” said Dr. Mahrez Ben Belfadhel, Vice President of Site Selection. “The decision to narrow our focus is part of an ongoing, rigorous process to identify a single, safe site in an area with an informed and willing host and strong potential for the partnerships that will be required to implement the project.”