The date has been set for a referendum that could determine whether South Bruce will be a nuclear fuel storage site for centuries to come.
This week, council passed a by-law confirming the date for the 2024 referendum, which will run from October 21-28.
During that time, eligible voters in South Bruce will answer the question: "Are you in favour of the Municipality of South Bruce declaring South Bruce to be a willing host for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR)?"
Voting will take place by internet and telephone.
Though some pushed for paper balloting, council opted to stick with the usual methods for this vote.
"In 2022, South Bruce used internet and telephone voting and we had a voter turnout of 59.33 per cent, which is 23 per cent higher than the provincial average,” said Mayor Mark Goetz. “By sticking with internet and telephone voting, it is our hope to see a high voter turnout in this year’s referendum."
Voter turnout will be important for this by-election, as over 50 per cent of eligible electors need to cast a ballot in order for the referendum to be binding. If less than half show up, the decision will be made by council.
If more than 50 per cent show up and "yes" is the winner, the Municipality will continue to participate in the NWMO’s site selection process and South Bruce could be selected as the host community for the proposed Deep Geological Repository.
If more than 50 per cent show up and "no" is the winner, the Municipality will exit the NWMO’s site selection process and South Bruce will no longer be eligible to be selected.
