Northumberland County councillors have received an update regarding ongoing economic analysis and federal consultation efforts tied to the proposed Wesleyville new nuclear project.
County director of economic development, planning and strategic initiatives Dwayne Campbell presented an overview of the county’s recent submission to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada as part of the federal review process connected to the proposed project.
The county’s submission responds to draft impact assessment guidelines and a draft public participation plan released by the agency.
According to the presentation, the county is calling for broader and more targeted consultation that reflects the regional scale of the proposed project and the responsibilities tied to Northumberland’s two tier municipal structure.
County staff also emphasized the need for federal assessments to fully consider the wider geographic impacts that could affect housing, infrastructure, services and economic growth across the region.
Council also received a presentation from Watson and Associates Economists Limited outlining preliminary findings from an ongoing economic impact analysis examining potential effects during both construction and operational phases of the project.
The study is looking at possible impacts tied to housing demand, employment growth, population increases and broader regional economic activity.
Consultants are now refining projections and forecasts before preparing a final report expected later this summer or early fall.
The proposed Wesleyville new nuclear project remains in the early planning and assessment stages and continues to undergo federal review and consultation processes.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
