Ontario Construction News staff writer
IGNACE — The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has selected CIMA Canada Inc. (CIMA+) to lead the engineering and architectural design of its planned Centre of Expertise in Ignace, Ontario.
CIMA+ will handle detailed design work, construction drawings, technical specifications, and cost estimates for the facility. The company will lead the project from its Thunder Bay office, collaborating with Unity Design Studio (Peterborough), i4Architecture (Thunder Bay), Warrior Engineering (Thunder Bay), Turner & Townsend (Toronto), Woodland Heritage Northwest (Thunder Bay), and Scatliff + Miller + Murray (Thunder Bay).
Scheduled to open in 2028, the multimillion-dollar Centre of Expertise will serve as a hub for research and development, community engagement, and knowledge sharing. It is expected to become an important landmark and international destination in northwestern Ontario.
“CIMA+ and its partners are honoured to contribute to the NWMO Centre of Expertise in Ignace,” said Yannick Maltais, executive vice-president of CIMA+. “This initiative reflects our collective dedication to sustainable development, environmental responsibility and authentic engagement with local communities and Indigenous heritage.”
The facility will foster collaboration among scientists and multidisciplinary experts while creating high-value jobs for the local community. It will also offer residents and visitors an opportunity to learn about Canada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel.
Canada’s approach involves containing and isolating used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository. The NWMO said there is international scientific consensus that this is the safest method, and Canada is a global leader in implementing such solutions.
The centre’s design will consider the surrounding environment and integrate Indigenous Knowledge and Reconciliation principles as part of the NWMO’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Mayor Kim Baigrie of Ignace welcomed the announcement. “We are thrilled as a mayor, council, and community to witness the development of this exciting opportunity to create much-needed jobs, construction activity, and economic prosperity for this community,” she said.
The NWMO has been in discussions with the township since 2019 regarding the design and use of the centre, which will include technical and social research programs, public viewing galleries, and interactive displays.
“The Centre of Expertise will bring educational opportunities and visitors from across Canada and the world,” said NWMO president and CEO Laurie Swami. “This is one of the most exciting commitments made by the NWMO to the communities hosting the deep geological repository, and we look forward to seeing it come to life in the next few years.”
CIMA+ will also support the NWMO in procuring a constructor for the next phase and act as the owner’s engineering representative during construction. Additional procurement processes for operations and maintenance of the facility are planned.