Input wanted on large-scale nuclear power plant in northern Alberta

A significant nuclear power proposal in northwest Alberta is one step closer to reality as the project progresses to its public input phase. 

The Peace River Nuclear Power Project would see the construction of two twin Candu Monark nuclear reactors at one of two proposed sites, both about 30 kilometres north of the town of Peace River. 

Calgary-based Energy Alberta, the company proposing the project, said it would cover 1,424 hectares and operate for about 70 years. It would be licensed for a maximum output of 4,800 megawatts. 

If approved, it would be the first plant of its kind in the province. 

Since learning of the project, five local jurisdictions in the region have created a joint committee to advocate for nuclear power. This includes the Town of Peace River, the Municipal District of Peace, Northern Sunrise County, the Town of Grimshaw and the County of Northern Lights. 

Town halls, workshops and information sessions are being held in and around those communities so people can learn about nuclear power and ask questions to officials about the project. Comments can also be submitted online until late July. 

"We see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see a real huge economic development in our region at a time when all dollars as a tax assessment dollars really matter," said Northern Lights County Reeve Terry Ungarian, who also chairs the Peace Regional Energy Committee, at a town hall meeting on Tuesday. 

"[We have] the common goal of bringing probably the biggest economic development that the province would ever see, for sure that this region would ever see."

Currently, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission are in the planning phase of the impact assessment process, to determine if an integrated assessment is needed. 

Information sessions key

In a recent interview with CBC's Edmonton AM, Peace River Mayor Elaine Manzer said she has been told the project would bring about 3,500 full-time jobs once the reactors are up and running. She said the project would also created about 5,000 local construction jobs. 

"There are usually some questions will it affect our water? Will it affect our air or our environment in some ways like that? What are the possible effects on our community in terms of infrastructure or housing? Some of those are hard to have an answer at this point in time until they happen," she said, adding she understands the regulatory process could take about three years.

"These information sessions provide the regulators with more questions that they can ask of the company." 

Edmonton AM8:52Calgary-based company proposing a nuclear power plant be built in the Peace River area

This week there are information sessions and workshops being held in the Peace River region so that people can learn about nuclear power. Calgary-based company Energy Alberta is proposing a nuclear power plant in the region. If approved, it would be the first plant of its kind in the province. But this isn’t the first time a nuclear power plant has been proposed in the region. Elaine Manzer is the mayor of Peace River.

According to Energy Alberta,  if approved, the regulatory process is expected to be complete by 2028 and move into construction by 2029.

"We are at the stage were we are out there really talking about it, providing information, getting early feedback to incorporate into our planning," said spokesperson Ali Hounsell. 

"There's lots of opportunity for the public and [First Nations] to participate, both inside and outside the regulatory process as we move forward, with the planning stage."

The hope is the first reactor would be in operation by 2035 and all four units would be up and running by 2043, Hounsell said. 

Candida Cianci, the director of review panels at the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), said public input is needed on the project.

"We're out here because we really want to hear from the communities and concerned citizens what their views may be on the proposed project, what their concerns are," she said.

"The council and the communities that we've heard from the last two days have indicated they really have a lot to learn and we have a lot to learn about what their views are."

After the process is complete, the company will gather information and undertake studies based on feedback, while engaging with stakeholders and Indigenous communities. 

"We're going to take that feedback. We're going to incorporate it, and we're going to let participants know how we reflected what we heard from them and we are going to finalize those documents," said Cianci. 

If an integrated assessment is needed, the project will then be referred to a review panel. 

The second public comment period runs until July 23.